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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What happens if I lose or I need to replace my Green Bin?
If your Green Bin breaks or is damaged, the City will replace it for free. E-mail 311@toronto.ca or call 311 for information on where to go to replace it. You will need to bring your broken bin with you when you pick up your new bin.
If you lose your bin you can purchase a replacement outdoor container for $18 or a replacement indoor container for $5. The City's official indoor organics container and curbside organics container can be purchased at Home Hardware stores in the City of Toronto, City of Toronto Container Pick-up Locations or at a Community Environment Day.
When will my street be snow-plowed?
While weather patterns associated with each storm are unique and require a co-ordinated approach by the City’s staff and contractors, our general levels of service are as follows:
As soon as the snow begins, the City will send out its fleet of salt trucks. If the City receives five centimetres of snow, the plows are sent to the main roads and plowing will take place for the duration of the storm.
When the snow stops and if the snow accumulation reaches eight centimetres, plows will be sent to the local roads. Local road plowing will be completed between 14 to 16 hours after the storm has ended.
Transportation Services sends regular snow clearing updates to 311. Residents who have questions about snow clearing efforts in their area can call the City at 311.
What do I do with my extra recycling if my bin is full?
Residents who receive curbside collection can place "overflow" recycling in clear bags next to their Blue Bin. If you have "overflow" recycling on a regular basis, the City recommends that you call 311 to upsize your Blue Bin (no charge).
For more information about recycling, check your collection calendar or visit the Garbage & Recycling website.
How do I make a complaint regarding Police
Complaints may be made about the conduct of a police officer or the policies of or services provided by a police service.
The Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) is an arms-length agency of the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General, staffed entirely by civilians. This means their decisions are independent from the Ontario government, the police and the community.
The OIPRD oversees all public complaints about police. Their role is to make sure that public complaints against police in Ontario are dealt with fairly, effiently and effectively.
To make a complaint to the OIPRD, a person may fill out a form online, fax or mail a complaint or submit a complaint in person at the OIPRD office.
For more information visit the website at www.oiprd.on.ca or call 416-246-7071.
Can I prune branches from my neighbour’s tree that overhang my property?
Three main points to remember when dealing with trees on adjacent private property are that:
You cannot trespass onto your neighbour's property;
You cannot damage your neighbour's property (in this case a tree); and
You have the right to maintain your property in a safe condition
It is therefore best for property owners to come to an agreement between themselves with respect to trees overhanging property lines.
If you are unable to reach an agreement with your neighbour and want to determine your legal rights, you should contact a lawyer.
The act of pruning trees on neighbouring private property affects private property rights and is a civil issue between private property owners.
The City has no jurisdiction with respect to such issues.
Where a tree on private property is protected under the provisions of the Private Tree Bylaw, pruning of the tree is permitted provided the pruning is in accordance with good arboricultural standards. Otherwise, a permit would be required to injure or destroy the tree.
A qualified tree expert should always be retained to carry out tree pruning.
