How to Dispose of Yard Waste in Toronto the Right Way
- Peter Vujovic
- Apr 18
- 2 min read
Not all yard waste is treated equally. In Toronto, the City has strict rules on what qualifies as yard waste for curbside collection.
Understanding these rules is key to avoiding fines or missed pickups—and even more important when your cleanup project goes beyond a few bags.
What Counts as Yard Waste?
Accepted:
• Grass clippings, leaves, and plant trimmings
• Small bundled branches under 1.2m in length
• Garden weeds and flowers
• Holiday trees (only during collection weeks)
Not Accepted:
• Soil, sod, or rocks (considered fill material)
• Tree stumps or thick branches over 7.5 cm in diameter
• Furniture, pressure-treated wood, or lumber
• Synthetic garden materials, hoses, plastic pots
If you’re taking on a larger cleanup—like landscaping, storm damage, or seasonal overhauls—a bin rental is your best bet. A yard waste dumpster rental helps avoid waiting weeks for city pickup or multiple trips to a depot.
Your Disposal Options
***Curbside Yard Waste Collection***
The City of Toronto collects yard waste every two weeks from mid-March through mid-December. You’ll need to follow their prep rules to qualify.
Key Reminders:
Use kraft paper yard waste bags or reusable bins—no plastic!
Bundle branches with twine (under 1.2m in length, 20kg max per bag)
Check your schedule—missing it can mean waiting another two weeks
Limitations:
Volume restrictions—large cleanups exceed capacity quickly
Strict guidelines—if it doesn’t meet standards, it won’t be collected
Seasonal slowdowns—delays are common during peak times
2. Drop-Off Depots
Missed your curbside collection? You can visit a City Drop-Off Depot.
Accepted depots include:
Disco Road (Etobicoke)
Ingram (North York)
Scarborough Transfer Station
Dufferin Transfer Station
Commissioners (Toronto)
Victoria Park Depot
Remember:
Yard waste must be in kraft bags or loose—no plastic
Residential loads under 100kg are usually free
When city services can’t handle your volume, that’s where we come in.
Why Rent a Yard Waste Dumpster?
For bigger projects, dumpster rental is often faster, easier, and more reliable.
Perfect for:
Landscaping jobs or sod removal
Tree removal or branch trimming
Storm cleanups and seasonal projects
At Disposal One, we offer bins in 5, 10, and 14-yard sizes. Our rentals are flexible, affordable, and ideal for handling organic debris. We drop it off, you fill it, and we take it away.
Benefits of Renting a Yard Waste Bin:
• No weight or size restrictions
• Faster disposal with no waiting
• Delivered and picked up from your site
• Accepts almost all organic debris
What You Can Toss:
• Leaves, branches, hedge trimmings
• Small shrubs and garden waste
• Light construction debris from garden projects
What You Can’t Toss:
• Hazardous materials or paint
• Soil or large stumps
• Plastic, treated lumber, or garbage
The Eco-Friendly Angle
Proper disposal means greener results. Your yard waste is typically composted into nutrient-rich soil or mulch, not dumped in a landfill.
Take the Stress Out of Yard Waste Removal
Whether you're cleaning up a yard in Etobicoke, trimming trees in North York, or tearing out landscaping in Pickering, we’ve got you covered.
When city pickups fall short, Disposal One is ready to help. Book your bin today and clear your yard without the stress.
