Private Waste Management vs. City of Toronto Waste Services: Which Is Right for Your Business?

When it comes to managing waste, businesses in Toronto have two main options: using the City of Toronto’s waste services or hiring a private waste management company. In this blog post, we’ll help you decide which option is more cost-effective and suitable for your business's needs.

Eligibility for City of Toronto Waste Services

Before diving into the costs and benefits of each option, it’s important to know if your business qualifies for the City of Toronto's waste services. Review the criteria below to determine your eligibility:

Criteria	Eligibility
Ground floor area < 500m² and less than 4 stories	Eligible
At least 1/3 of space is residential (no size restriction) and less than 4 stories	Eligible
Ground floor area > 500m², no residential component	Not Eligible
Industrial properties (500-series property code)	Not Eligible

If your business meets any of these criteria, you are likely eligible for City waste services. Most small to medium-sized businesses in Toronto fall into this category. But is it the best choice for your needs?

What the City of Toronto Waste Services Offer

The City provides comprehensive waste, recycling, and organics collection. However, there are several factors you should consider:

• Collection Frequency: Waste and recycling are collected either weekly or bi-weekly.

• Bin Requirements: Businesses must provide their own bins, and there is no limit to the number of bins you can set out.

• Recycling and Organics: Recycling and organics collection are free of charge. However, if your business requires more frequent organics collection, there may be an additional cost for this service.

Cost Breakdown for City Waste Services

Here’s a simple breakdown of the costs for City of Toronto waste collection:

Item	Collection Frequency	Annual Rate
Curbside Bin	Bi-Weekly	$625.36
Curbside Bin	Weekly	$1,250.74

The cost per bin per collection is approximately $24.07. For example, if you set out one garbage bin, two recycling bins, and two organics bins for bi-weekly collection, your cost would be $24.07 per collection. For weekly service, the cost would rise to $96.28 per month.

When to Consider a Private Waste Management Company

While the City of Toronto offers great services for many businesses, there are certain situations where a private waste management company may be a better fit:

• More Frequent Pickups: If your business generates a significant amount of waste and requires more frequent pickups than once a week, private companies can offer flexible collection schedules tailored to your needs.

• Contaminated Recycling: If your recycling bins are often contaminated (resulting in additional charges from the City), a private company may offer more specialized recycling management to minimize this issue.

• Excessive Waste: If you consistently set out more than two waste bins for collection, private companies may provide more competitive pricing or customized services that better suit your business's specific requirements.

Conclusion: City Services vs. Private Companies

For small to medium-sized businesses, the City of Toronto’s waste services can provide good value, particularly if you’re able to manage your waste efficiently. However, if your business requires more frequent pickups, faces contamination issues with recycling, or regularly sets out a large volume of waste, a private waste management company could offer better pricing and more flexibility.

If you’d like a quote for waste and recycling services, or if you wish to opt out of City collection, please Request a Quote. You can also find the required form for opting out: Non-Residential Customer Opting Out of Solid Waste Management Collection