Refrigerators and Other Appliances, Abandonment
Addresses the unsafe abandonment of refrigerators and other appliances that could trap a child, requiring doors to be removed or the appliance secured before disposal.
This chapter is relatively focused. The key practical requirements are summarized below in plain English.
Plain-English Overview
Chapter 659 is a short safety bylaw. Before you discard, abandon, or leave out a refrigerator, freezer, washer, dryer, or similar appliance in a place a child could reach, you must remove all its doors and locks so no one can be trapped inside.
Who it applies to: Anyone disposing of or abandoning refrigerators and similar appliances.
Key Requirements
Remove all doors and locks before disposal
Chapter 659, § 659-1 (Removal of all doors and locks)No one may leave, dispose of, or abandon a fridge, freezer, washer, dryer, or similar appliance in a place accessible to children without first removing all doors and locks and taking other precautions to prevent entrapment.
Compliance looks like
Taking the door off an old fridge before setting it out for pickup.
May be a concern
Leaving an old fridge at the curb or in a yard with the door still attached.
Limited retail/storage exception
Chapter 659, § 659-2 (Exception)The rule doesn't apply to appliances being displayed or stored by a manufacturer or retailer (indoors, or outdoors for sale) provided adequate precautions are taken.
Compliance looks like
A retailer storing units indoors with precautions.
May be a concern
Treating a discarded appliance in a yard as if the retail exception applies.
Practical Compliance Guide
- 1
Take the doors off first
Remove all doors and locks from any appliance before discarding or storing it where children could reach it.
- 2
Arrange proper disposal
Book an appliance/metal pickup or take it to a drop-off depot rather than abandoning it.
- 3
Report an unsafe appliance
If you see an abandoned appliance with its door on in an accessible spot, report it.
An appliance with a door still on is a child-entrapment hazard.
Common Questions
Is it illegal to leave an old fridge at the curb with the door on?
Generally yes — you must remove all doors and locks before discarding or abandoning an appliance in a place accessible to children.
Reference: § 659-1
Remove the doors, then arrange proper appliance pickup.
How should I dispose of a refrigerator safely?
Remove the doors and locks, then use a City appliance/metal pickup or an approved drop-off.
Book a collection rather than leaving it out with the door on.
Who do I contact about an abandoned appliance in a public space?
Report it to the City, especially if a door is still attached and a child could reach it. The City can remove it at the owner's expense if needed.
Reference: § 659-4
Submit a 311 request with the location and a photo.
What This Chapter Generally Covers
- Removal of doors from discarded refrigerators and similar appliances
- Preventing child entrapment hazards
- Safe handling of abandoned appliances
Common Examples
- Discarded refrigerator with the door still attached
- Abandoned freezer in an accessible area
- Appliances left where children could become trapped
Related Topics
This page summarizes Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 659, Refrigerators and Other Appliances, Abandoned 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.
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.