TORONTO APPROVES 2026 INTERIM RATE INCREASES FOR WATER AND SOLID WASTE SERVICES

City Council approves 3.75% interim increase to maintain essential services as full 2026 Budget process continues

Toronto 2026 interim water and waste rates have been approved by City Council, introducing a 3.75 per cent increase for most residential customers beginning January 1, 2026. The interim rates ensure Toronto Water and Solid Waste Management Services can continue delivering essential services while the full 2026 Budget is finalized.

Council approved a 3.75 per cent interim increase for residential water customers and solid waste fees, along with a 1.25 per cent increase for participants in the Industrial Water Rate Program, which supports manufacturers through discounted water rates to encourage economic growth and water conservation.

Interim increases allow the City to maintain operations at 2025 service levels until the final budget is approved early next year.

Maintaining Essential Waste and Water Services

The City notes that the proposed increases support continued investment in water treatment, wastewater systems, stormwater management and solid waste programs that serve homes, businesses and public spaces across Toronto.

For 2026, solid waste fees fund a range of services beyond garbage collection, including:

• Organics, yard waste, oversized item and electronics collection

• Litter collection citywide

• Street and park bins

• Community Environment Days

• Drop-off depots

• Ongoing management of closed landfills

Beginning January 1, 2026, Toronto will no longer manage recycling for houses, multi-residential buildings, schools, long-term care homes and retirement residences due to new provincial legislation. Savings from reduced municipal recycling responsibilities have been redirected into other essential waste programs.

Estimated 2026 Solid Waste Fees for Single-Family Homes

Following the interim increase, the estimated annual solid waste fees will 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)

Impact on Water Bills

Toronto Water provides drinking water, wastewater treatment and stormwater management across the city. The increase helps fund major upgrades to aging infrastructure and climate-resilient systems.

For an average household using 230 cubic metres of water annually, the 3.75 per cent increase translates to an estimated additional $40 per year, bringing the projected 2026 annual cost to $1,118.

Relief Programs Available

The City continues to offer utility relief programs for low-income seniors and residents living with disabilities, providing rebates on qualifying water and solid waste charges. More information is available at toronto.ca/taxandutilityrelief.

Public Engagement Continues Through 2026 Budget Process

The 2026 Budget process incorporates feedback from thousands of residents who participated in consultations and surveys throughout the fall. Additional opportunities for public participation include:

• Telephone town halls hosted by Mayor Olivia Chow and Budget Committee Chair Shelley Carroll on January 14 and 15, 2026

• Public Budget Committee meetings on January 20 and 21, 2026, where residents may address committee members directly

Complete budget information is available at toronto.ca/budget.

Source: City of Toronto News Release, December 16, 2025

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