Water, Waste Collection Rates on the Rise Again

As per usual, Toronto garbage and water rates are going up in the new year and the increase is greater than that introduced in 2024.

City council has approved a 3.75% hike in fees, effective Jan. 1.

This is only an interim increase, too. Final rates will be determined in 2025, when next year’s city budget is approved. The process for determining the escalated fees will begin Jan. 13.

Households are charged for garbage collection according to the size of their waste bins. In 2025, the initial yearly fee, when factoring in the 3.75% increase, will amount to:

• $306.36 for a small bin, up $11.07
• $371.91 for a medium bin, up $13.44
• $505.12 for a large bin, up $18.26
• $585.89 for an extra-large bin, up $21.18

In addition to residential garbage collection, these fees fund the collection and processing of yard waste, organics, oversized and metal items, household hazardous waste and electronics.

For water, the interim change means the average household using 230,000 litres of water per year will pay an additional $39 annually, for a total annual cost of $1,078. The increased rate will go toward the construction and revitalization of infrastructure to address challenges posed by growth, aging assets and the effects of climate change.