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Toronto's New 'What Can Go Down' Campaign: A Quick Guide to Proper Waste Sorting

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  Published in House and Home on Sunday, November 16th 2025 at 2:56 GMT by House & Home

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The Lowdown on What Can Go Down – A City of Toronto Guide

When the City of Toronto rolled out its latest “What Can Go Down” campaign, the goal was clear: give residents a practical, easy‑to‑understand reference for what can safely be placed in each of Toronto’s curbside waste containers. The information comes in the form of a concise, image‑rich gallery on House & Home’s website, and it’s a useful primer for anyone looking to tidy up their trash habits while keeping the city’s environment in mind.

1. The Big Three – General Waste, Recyclables, and Compost

At the core of Toronto’s waste strategy are three distinct bins that separate what we throw out:

The gallery’s graphics make the distinctions obvious, with a clear “no” sign on items that shouldn’t end up in the green bin, such as batteries, paint, and plastic bags.

2. Special Categories: Electronics and Hazardous Waste

Toronto’s sustainability plan includes two extra categories that require separate handling:

• E‑Waste – Old phones, chargers, batteries, and other electronic gadgets can’t go in any of the regular bins. The city provides a dedicated e‑waste drop‑off program. Residents can bring devices to local community centers, or use the city’s e‑waste recycling collection days.

• Hazardous Materials – Paint, pesticides, cleaning chemicals, and broken batteries must be disposed of responsibly. The article links to the city’s Hazardous Waste Disposal page, which lists drop‑off locations and schedules for the entire Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

3. Practical Tips to Keep Your Trash Tidy

Beyond the “what goes where” list, the article offers a handful of handy reminders that can help residents keep their bins and the city’s waste streams cleaner:

• Pack your recyclables – Double‑check that items are clean and dry. Wet or greasy cans and glass should be rinsed out before recycling.
• Avoid plastic bags – They clog the sorting machinery. Instead, place your plastic in the recyclables bin or recycle through a dedicated bag drop‑off.
• Trim down food waste – Compostable scraps should be chopped or shredded for quicker decomposition.
• Plan bulk pickups – Large items like appliances should be scheduled for a municipal pickup or disposed of through the city’s bulk recycling program.

The gallery’s images show a tidy kitchen sink and a neat yard, underscoring that small habits can make a big difference.

4. How to Find Local Drop‑Off Points

The City of Toronto’s website provides a user‑friendly “Search by Address” tool. By entering a postal code, residents can locate the nearest:

• Recycling drop‑off for e‑waste and large items
• Hazardous waste disposal stations
• Curbside pickup dates for general waste and recyclables

The article encourages people to “plan ahead” to avoid last‑minute trips. It also highlights upcoming “Zero‑Waste Days” where residents can bring unwanted items for donation or proper disposal.

5. Why It Matters

The city’s sustainability team frames the “What Can Go Down” initiative as part of Toronto’s broader goal to reduce landfill usage by 20% over the next decade. By making the sorting process simpler and clearer, the city hopes to:

• Reduce contamination in the recycling stream, saving both money and energy.
• Increase compost production, turning food scraps into nutrient‑rich soil that can feed community gardens.
• Lower landfill emissions, contributing to a healthier local environment.

6. Take Action Today

If you’re looking to get your household’s waste habits in line with Toronto’s guidelines, here are the next steps:

1. Sort your bins – Label each with the color code: black for general waste, blue for recyclables, green for organics.
2. Check the city’s online guide – Visit the official Toronto waste website for detailed lists of what’s acceptable in each bin.
3. Use local resources – Find drop‑off points for hazardous or electronic waste.
4. Recycle smarter – Clean, dry, and separate items properly to reduce contamination.

7. Final Thoughts

The City of Toronto’s sponsored gallery on House & Home is more than a decorative piece—it’s an educational resource that demystifies the city’s waste system. By offering clear, actionable information, it empowers residents to participate in Toronto’s green initiatives, making the city cleaner and more sustainable for everyone. Next time you’re sorting your garbage, remember: the lowdown on what can go down is now right at your fingertips.