Toronto resumes waste bin exchanges, reopens all closed drop-off depots, opens park washrooms
TORONTO, ON., May 28, 2020 — Yesterday, the City of Toronto announced that under the guidance of the Medical Officer of Health, they are gradually reopening City facilities and restarting operations where it is safe to do so. They say 311 will now begin taking requests for waste bin exchanges. The City also announced that part of the gradual opening includes the reopening of washrooms at some of its parks over the next two weeks.
In fact, effective this weekend the fieldhouse washroom will reopen in time for this weekend at recently controversial Trinity Bellwoods Park. Last weekend there were reports of people urinating and defecating on nearby neighbourhood properties. Other washrooms at public parks will be reopening over the next two weeks.
In terms of waste removal, the City says that requests to upsize or downsize a recycling or garbage bin can now be made by calling 311. Requests for a new garbage, recycling or green bin, additional bin or bin repair can also be made by calling 311.
As part of the City’s COVID-19 response, waste Drop-Off Depots (Transfer Stations) were closed to the general public. Recently, three of the City’s Drop-Off Depots were re-opened to the public on Saturday mornings and two Drop-Off Depots were also opened on weeknights.
Today, Mayor John Tory announced that beginning Monday, June 1, all Drop-Off Depots will reopen to the general public. They will operate on regular hours, with the exception of Bermondsey and Ingram Transfer Stations, which will only be open to the public on weeknights and Saturday mornings. The hours for these are as follows:
• Bermondsey: Monday to Thursday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. with a half-hour closure from 11:30 pm to midnight, Fridays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Ingram: Monday to Friday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. with a half-hour closure from 11:30 p.m. to midnight, Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
City of Toronto says that registered account holders can continue to bring material at any time during operating hours. All locations will accept the regular list of materials including household hazardous waste. Compost pickup will not be available at any Drop-Off Depot.
Large volumes of visitors may result in wait times. The public are asked to limit their visits to Drop-off Depots and respect public health guidelines. Payment must be made by debit or credit card; cash will not be accepted. A face mask or covering is recommended when one is unable to maintain a two metre (six foot) distance from others. At Drop-off Depots, this includes interacting with staff at weigh scales or dropping off household hazardous waste.
The latest information about Solid Waste Management Services is available at toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-latest-city-of-toronto-news/affected-city-services/?accordion=garbage-recycling-and-organics.
The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services, social supports and economic recovery measures. Check toronto.ca/covid-19 for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.
