Top Tips for Summer

Yard Waste

From mid-March to December, leaf and yard waste is collected every other week on your scheduled garbage day. City staff advise that you should wait until the evening before your collection date to put your waste on the curb.

The city collects plant and tree trimmings, weeds, brush and bundles of branches, but does not collect soil, sod, grass clippings, logs or tree stumps. Instead, compost grass clippings or reuse them on your lawn – an easy way to maintain nutrient-rich soil!

Toronto Water

Gardening

• Disconnect your downspout and use rainwater to water your grass and gardens.

• Extra watering is not always required – the rain is often enough.

• Sweep sidewalks and driveways clean instead of using a hose.

• Start planning your water-efficient, natural garden using native plants and trees.

Environment and Water Efficiency

• Use commercial car wash facilities to wash your car – they are required to follow a set of practices determined by the city, including treating wastewater and discharging it into the sanitary sewer system where it will receive further treatment.

• A leaky toilet or tap can cost an extra $600/month – fix leaks to avoid being charged.

• It costs only $0.002 to fill a reusable water bottle.

• Pool water may contain chemicals. Click here for pool drainage tips and advice.

• The city doesn’t conduct door-to-door water tests – be careful of sales people making that claim.

For more information on how you can be more water efficient, please click here.