Q: What is the Yellow Bag program? Why is the city adopting a new program?

A: The Yellow Bag program is part of the city's new waste disposal program that encourages Toronto's commercial customers to decrease garbage and increase recycling and organics collection. Starting September 1, 2002, commercial customers will have to place garbage in special yellow bags. The bags will cost $3.10 each, covering the cost of collection and disposal of the garbage. Customers that use carts or bulk bins for garbage will pre-pay a fee for collection. Businesses will be able to reduce their cost by recycling and organic collection, both of which will be provided by the city at no charge. The yellow bags will be available for purchase in August, 2002. You will be provided with more information about where to get the yellow bags in future communications. With your participation in this program, the city is creating a fair, equitable and harmonized service for garbage disposal.


Q: Who is eligible to participate in the Yellow Bag Program?

A: Businesses that are currently receiving city-provided garbage collection will continue to be eligible for this service (with the exception of both large commercial businesses with ground floor area (GFA) of more than 1,250 sq metres and industrial establishments). New customers can complete the attached application to determine if they are eligible to participate.
See Yellow Bag Program Eligibility Requirements for more details.


Q: How does the Yellow Bag Program work?

A: Eligible commercial businesses who opt for city collection [link to Appendix A] will purchase bags for their garbage at a cost of $3.10 each. The bags will be available in certain retail stores throughout the city. Recycling and organics collection will be at no charge. Recycling and organics carts must be purchased from the city.

* All fees must be prepaid annually, except the purchase of bags for curb-side collection.
** See bulk bin charge chart below

The frequency of collection is harmonized across the city.

For existing customers who use bulk bins or carts for garbage collection the annual fees are as follows:

 

Q: How can I reduce my garbage collection costs?

A: The city is offering collection of both recycling and organics at no charge. Now, you can significantly reduce your garbage disposal by separating cardboard, paper, food scraps and recyclable tins, glass, and plastics in special grey, blue and green boxes or carts. You will receive a complete list of organic and recyclable materials in upcoming Commercial Update newsletters, which will be sent out in the near future.


Q: What is organic waste?

A: Organic waste (organics) is material that will break down naturally and be turned into compost. It primarily includes fruit and vegetable scraps, meat, fish and dairy products.  


Q: How often will my garbage be collected?

A: Garbage will be collected either once per week or twice per week depending on where you are located.

Twice per week collection will be provided in:

• Areas currently receiving collection at nights
• Yonge Street, Bloor St. and Danforth Ave. (along subway lines)
• Streets fronting on Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Areas - Lake Shore Blvd. West of the Humber River and Kingston Rd., and
• Approved Business Improvement Areas (BIAs).

All other areas will receive once per week garbage collection. The city will notify you of your new collection schedule.


Q: How often will my recyclables and organics be collected?

A: Recyclables will be collected by the city at no charge either once per week or twice per week on the same day as garbage.

For large organics generators, primarily restaurants and green grocers, who need additional collections of organics can apply for 5, 6 or 7 collections per week for a fee. The fees for additional organics pick-ups are shown in the following table.

* All fees must be prepaid.


Q: How will organics be collected?

A: Organics will be collected in special carts that must be purchased from the city. Both 32- and 64-gallon carts will be available. The cost for purchase of the carts will be about $55 for the 32-gallon cart and $65 for the 64-gallon cart plus applicable taxes.

As a rough guideline, the 32-gallon cart will hold about 3 typical bags or produce boxes of organic waste. The 64-gallon cart will hold about 6 typical bags or produce boxes of organic waste.

Carts should be lined with clear bags to keep carts clean.


Q: How will recyclables be collected?

A: For most businesses recyclable tin, glass, plastics and paper will be collected in blue and grey boxes that can be purchased from the city. Some businesses, such as bars and large restaurants, that generate significant quantities of recyclable tin, glass and plastic each day will need to purchase a 95-gallon wheeled cart from the city to participate. Businesses in some plazas may also be required to share 95-gallon wheeled blue and grey carts to participate.

Blue and grey boxes can be purchased from the city for $5/box. A list of locations where blue and grey boxes can be purchased is provided with this package.

The carts will be purchased from the city at a cost of $85 plus applicable taxes.

Corrugated cardboard will have to be bundled for separate cardboard collection.


Q: How do I participate in this new program?

A: You'll need to complete the program application form. You MUST apply if:

• You currently do not have city collection but want to begin receiving it or
• You generate organic waste (e.g. restaurants, green grocers, florists) and need to purchase one or more wheeled carts (32- or 64-gallon) for organics collection or
• You generate a lot of organic waste and need organics pick-ups - 5, 6 or 7 times per week or
• You want to begin recycling and need a 95-gallon cart to handle large volume of recyclables generated daily (e.g. bars and large restaurants)