Waste Collection — Residential Properties
Sets out waste collection rules for residential properties, including garbage, recycling, organics, set-out times, and bin requirements.
This chapter is complex. This page summarizes common resident-facing requirements only. Always review the official bylaw for complete requirements.
Plain-English Overview
This page covers residential waste collection — garbage, recycling (Blue Bin), and organics (Green Bin) — including how and when to set out waste and bins. Most day-to-day rules (set-out times, bin sizes, what goes in each bin) are operational and are published on the City's waste pages; confirm the current details there.
Who it applies to: Residential property owners and occupants receiving City collection.
Top Practical Requirements
Sort waste into the right streams
Residential waste collection rules (see City waste pages / Chapter 844)Residential waste must be separated into garbage, recycling, and organics, with each placed in the correct bin.
Compliance looks like
Recyclables in the Blue Bin, food/organics in the Green Bin, garbage in the garbage bin.
May be a concern
Recyclables or organics thrown in the garbage, or contaminated bins.
Set out bins at the right time
Residential waste collection rules (see City waste pages)Bins must be set out and brought back within the City's permitted times, and not left at the curb for long periods.
Compliance looks like
Putting bins out the night before/morning of collection and returning them the same day.
May be a concern
Bins left at the curb for days before and after collection.
Practical Compliance Guide
- 1
Check your collection schedule
Use the City's collection schedule for your address to know your garbage, recycling, and organics days.
- 2
Sort correctly
Put recyclables in the Blue Bin, food and organic waste in the Green Bin, and the rest in the garbage bin.
- 3
Set out and retrieve bins on time
Put bins out within the permitted window and bring them back in promptly after collection.
- 4
Confirm specifics on the City site
Set-out times, bin limits, and accepted items are operational details — verify them on the City's waste pages.
Common Questions
What time do I need to put my bins out?
Set-out times are published by the City for your collection area. Bins should be out within the permitted window and brought back the same day.
Check the City's residential collection set-out times for your address.
What goes in the green bin vs the blue bin?
Food and organic waste go in the Green Bin; recyclable containers and paper go in the Blue Bin. The City's 'Waste Wizard' lists specific items.
Use the City's Waste Wizard to look up a specific item.
My neighbour leaves bins at the curb for days — is that allowed?
Bins are generally meant to be set out and retrieved within the permitted times, not left out for long periods. Chronic issues can be reported.
Report a persistent problem to 311 with the address.
What This Chapter Generally Covers
- Residential garbage, recycling, and organics collection
- When and how to set out waste and bins
- Bin requirements and limits
- Improper set-out and collection issues
Common Examples
- Bins left at the curb long after collection
- Waste set out at the wrong time
- Improperly sorted recycling or organics
Related Topics
Note: in the Toronto Municipal Code, residential waste collection rules are primarily in Chapter 844, while Chapter 846 covers waste management facilities. Day-to-day set-out times and accepted-item lists are operational and published on the City's waste pages — always confirm the current details there. Summarized for general reference only, not legal advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-14
Information on this page is summarized for general reference only and is not legal advice. Always confirm the official requirement using the City of Toronto Municipal Code or other official City sources.