Toronto/CMEDIA: A 3.75 percent interim increase to Solid Waste Management Services (EX28.10) and Toronto Water rates and fees for water customers and a 1.25 per cent interim increase for participants in the Industrial Water Rate Program (EX28.9) was approved today by theToronto City Council.
Offering manufacturers a discounted water rate, the Industrial Water Rate Program serves to support economic growth and encourage water conservation.
Effective January 1, 2026, the interim rates and fees will be finalized through the 2026 operating and capital Budget process.
Proposal of interim rates ensures the City can continue operations on January 1, 2026, while the full 2026 Budget is under consideration.
Besides helping the City maintain and improve essential services such as waste collection and water treatment. The proposed increase will also support ongoing investments to build, renew and sustain the infrastructure required to provide these services.
With continued investments focused on enhancing reliability and customer service, Service levels in 2026 are expected to remain consistent with 2025. The increase also reflects the rising costs of maintaining critical infrastructure and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
Solid Waste Management Services
Much more than residential garbage collection, Solid Waste Management Services fees fund cover the collection of organics, yard waste, oversized items and electronics, as well as city-wide litter collection, Community Environment Days, street and park bins, drop-off depots and the ongoing care of closed landfills.
Although starting Jan 1, 2026, the City will no longer manage recycling for houses, multi-residential buildings, schools, long-term care facilities and retirement homes under new provincial legislation, it will continue to manage recycling for charities, institutions, religious organizations, divisions, agencies and corporates, current commercial customers, parks and other public spaces.
Any savings from having reduced recycling responsibilities have been reinvested into other essential waste programs residents depend on.
Following the proposed 3.75 per cent interim increase, the estimated 2026 annual solid waste fees for single-family households would be:
- Small bin – $317.85 (increase of $11.49)
- Medium bin – $385.86 (increase of $13.95)
- Large bin – $524.06 (increase of $18.94)
- Extra-large bin – $607.86 (increase of $21.97)
Toronto Water
Providing safe, high-quality drinking water, Toronto Water treats wastewater and manages stormwater across the city and continues to make major investments to upgrade aging infrastructure, improve system reliability and prepare for the impacts of climate change and growth.
For the average Toronto household using 230 cubic metres of water per year, the 3.75 per cent increase represents an additional $40 annually, for a total estimated cost of $1,118 in 2026.
Relief programs
Eligible low-income seniors and people living with a disability are provided rebates on water and solid waste charges offered by the City’s relief programs. More information about these programs is available on the City’s Property Tax, Water & Solid Waste Relief.
2026 Budget
Included in the City’s 2026 Budget process is input from thousands of resident-participants of the fall consultations who completed the online budget survey, sharing their views on City services, spending priorities and revenue options.
For residents’ involvement with the continued involvement of the Budget process, residents will be provided additional opportunities including participating in telephone town halls hosted by Mayor Olivia Chow and Budget Committee Chair Councillor Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North) on January 14 and 15, 2026 and speaking directly to Budget Committee members during public meetings on January 20 and 21, 2026.
More information about the 2026 Budget process is available on the City’s Budget webpage.
Details about the 2026 Budget process are also available in the backgrounder.
