Frequent Questions & Answers
Our FAQ database presently contains 19 frequent questions and answers about our site and related matters. If you are unable to locate the answer you need, please contact us with your question.
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My garbage was not picked up, who do I contact?
Mistakes occur. If you followed all the correct procedures for setting out your garbage, please call 311 to report the missed pick-up.
How do I get rid of large, bulky items?
An oversize garbage item is anything that is too big to fit into the particular size Garbage Bin you selected, when the bin is empty. If the item's dimensions are too big to fit into your empty Garbage Bin, then you may place this oversize garbage item beside your Garbage Bin for free collection. Please leave a space of .5 metres (2 ft.) between your bin and the item to provide collection access.
What you can personally set out as oversize depends on the size of bin you use. For example: a suitcase may fit into a large Garbage Bin, and if it does, then the garbage collection fee applies. You may put the suitcase in your bin or put a yellow garbage bag tag on the suitcase and put it beside your bin for collection. If the suitcase won't fit into your bin, then it's qualifies as 'oversize' and when placed beside your Garbage Bin it will be collected for free. It may be picked up by the same truck as your bin or it may be a different truck, this will vary across the City.
There is no need to cut up or breakdown your oversize item because in the future the City expects to collect and divert this item for reuse, recycling or disassembly, to avoid sending it to landfill.
I need a blue bin, a green bin and a garbage bin. Where can I get these?
If there are no garbage and/or recycling bins at your home or the bins are not the appropriate size for your needs, you can call 311 or e-mail 311@toronto.ca. You can pick up a green bin at one of our Recyling Container Depots. If you bring in a broken green bin, it will be replaced for free.
How do I report potholes?
Potholes can be reported to 311 Toronto.
Phone within Toronto city limits: 311
Phone outside city limits: 416-392-CITY (2489)
TTY customers: 416-338-0TTY (0889)
Fax: 416-338-0685
E-mail: 311@toronto.ca
Where do I place my bins to receive collection?
If you have a driveway, place your Blue or Garbage Bin on your driveway; otherwise place either bin at the edge of the sidewalk, blocking as little of the sidewalk as possible. Either way, close the bin lid and position the bin so the handle and wheels face your house.
Place either bin a half-metre (approximately 2 feet) away from your Green Bin. There should be 3 metres (10 feet) of clearance above your Blue or Garbage Bin to allow for mechanized collection.
In the winter, do not place bins behind or on top of snow banks. Please make sure they are clearly visible and accessible.
