Littering and Dumping of Refuse
Prohibits littering and the illegal dumping of refuse on public or private property, and requires owners to keep their land free of accumulated waste.
This chapter is complex. This page summarizes common resident-facing requirements only. Always review the official bylaw for complete requirements.
Plain-English Overview
Chapter 548 prohibits littering and the illegal dumping of waste on public or private property, and requires owners to keep their land clear of accumulated waste. It is a broad chapter; the most common resident-facing points are summarized below.
Who it applies to: All individuals and property owners in Toronto.
Top Practical Requirements
No littering or depositing waste
Chapter 548, § 548-3 (Littering and depositing waste prohibited)No one may litter or deposit waste on public or private land where it doesn't belong.
Compliance looks like
Using proper bins and taking waste to approved disposal.
May be a concern
Throwing trash on a boulevard or into a ravine.
No illegal dumping
Chapter 548, § 548-4 (Waste dumping prohibited)Dumping waste — such as furniture, appliances, or construction debris — on public or private property is prohibited.
Compliance looks like
Booking a proper bulky-item pickup or using a transfer station.
May be a concern
Leaving a mattress or old couch on the curb or someone else's lot.
Keep your land clear of waste
Chapter 548, § 548-5 (Cleaning and clearing)Property owners must keep their land cleaned and cleared of accumulated waste.
Compliance looks like
Removing accumulated garbage and debris from your yard.
May be a concern
A yard with piled-up garbage bags, junk, and debris.
Practical Compliance Guide
- 1
Dispose of waste properly
Use City collection, bulky-item pickups, or a transfer station for items that don't fit regular collection.
- 2
Keep your property clear
Don't let garbage or debris accumulate on your land; clear it promptly.
- 3
Report dumping with details
If you see illegal dumping, note the location, date/time, and what was dumped, and report it.
Common Questions
Someone dumped a mattress on the boulevard — how do I report it?
Illegal dumping is prohibited and can be reported to the City. Note the exact location and what was dumped.
Reference: § 548-4
Submit a 311 request with the location, date, and a photo.
My neighbour's yard is full of garbage — what bylaw applies?
Owners must keep their land clear of accumulated waste; an overflowing yard may fall under this chapter (and Property Standards).
Reference: § 548-5
Report the address to 311 with a photo.
Who cleans up illegal dumping on public property?
The City handles illegal dumping on public property once it's reported.
Report the location to 311 so it can be scheduled for cleanup.
What This Chapter Generally Covers
- Prohibition on littering in public spaces
- Illegal dumping of furniture, appliances, and waste
- Owner duty to keep property free of refuse
- Disposal of waste on another person's property
Common Examples
- Mattress, furniture, or appliances dumped on a boulevard
- Accumulated garbage bags or debris in a yard
- Construction waste left between projects
Related Topics
This page summarizes Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 548, Littering and Dumping in plain language for general reference only — it is not legal advice. Always confirm the exact requirement, wording, and any exemptions in the official chapter or with the City of Toronto. This chapter is broad — only common points are summarized here.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-14
Information on this page is summarized for general reference only and is not legal advice. Always confirm the official requirement using the City of Toronto Municipal Code or other official City sources.