Toronto hikes price of trash collection for 2026 and here's what you'll pay

Your water and garbage fees in Toronto are going to get a little bit more expensive in the new year. 

The City of Toronto announced that waste fees will increase by 3.75 per cent, and water fees will increase by 1.25 per cent for most residents beginning Jan. 1, 2026. 

There are only temporary hikes, so the City can keep operating while the full 2026 budget is still being finalized. For how long these rates will stay in effect is unclear. 

These increases, the City says, are to maintain water treatment and waste collection, repair aging infrastructure and cover rising costs of material and labour. 

While the City will no longer be responsible for picking up recycling bins at houses and apartments (which has been handed over to private companies), they will continue covering parks and public spaces. Any money saved from no longer managing residential recycling will be redirected to other waste services, the City says. 

According to the City of Toronto, the 2026 annual solid waste fees for single-family households will be:

• Small bin – $317.85 (increase of $11.49)
• Medium bin – $385.86 (increase of $13.95)
• Large bin – $524.06 (increase of $18.94)
• Extra-large bin – $607.86 (increase of $21.97)

Water fees are going up in 2026 so Toronto Water can upgrade aging infrastructure and improve system reliability.

Come the new year, households using 230 cubic metres of water per year will likely pay around $40 more annually, for a total estimated cost of $1,118 next year. 

While a lot of Toronto residents are already strapped for cash, given the high rent prices and expensive grocery items, and having to pay extra for water and garbage isn't exactly the most ideal way to celebrate the new year. 

The City is providing rebate programs for low-income residents, low-income seniors, and people with disabilities who are looking to reduce water and garbage charges.