City staff are recommending a 3.75 per cent interim increase to the rates and fees charged to deliver Torontonians' water and collect their garbage and recycling.
The hike would take effect on Jan. 1, 2025 and stay in force until the final rates for next year are set during the city's 2025 budgeting process.
According to the city, when factoring in the increase, the yearly solid waste fee for a single-family household will be $306.36 for a small bin (an increase of $11.07).
For a medium bin, the fee would be $371.91 (an increase of $13.44), $505.12 for a large bin (an increase of $18.26) and $585.89 for an extra-large bin (an increase of $21.18).
When it comes to water, the average Toronto household using 230 cubic metres of water per year can expect a $39 yearly increase, for a total annual cost of $1,078 in 2025.
In a news release, the city noted solid waste management service fees pay for residential garbage collection, as well as unlimited collection of yard waste, organics, oversized and metal items, and electronics.
The fees also fund litter pickup, community environment days, street and parks bin collection, drop-off depots and the ongoing care of closed landfills.
Toronto Water delivers drinking water, treats wastewater and manages stormwater while maintaining and upgrading water infrastructure, the city noted.
The city offers relief programs that provide rebates on water and solid waste charges to eligible low-income seniors and people living with a disability.
More information is available at www.toronto.ca/taxandutilityrelief.
The proposed increases will be considered by the city's executive committee on Dec. 10 and is expected to face a city council vote later in the month.
