The Cost of Procrastination

I know as well as anyone, if you’re not ready to make something a priority, you’ll never give it your all. But when we talk about clutter, the longer you wait the more it is likely to cost you.

Keeping up with your waste and recyclables on a weekly or bi-weekly basis will cost you little to nothing. But when you have something that falls outside of the regular curbside pickup, it’s best to know what your options are and act in the timeliest manner possible.  If not, that one couch or appliance can quickly grow to a pile of two bulk items, an appliance and a few containers of toxic waste. Now it’s an even bigger hassle to deal with, and the overwhelm starts. . .

If you wait long enough that you need to hire a junk removal service, you may embark on a costly venture. I recently contacted several junk removal companies to schedule the pickup of one upright freezer.  I received quotes from $98 - $200.  The big name junk removal companies charge per cubic foot of space your stuff takes up on their truck. In Toronto, prices range from $99, for a minimum charge, to about $550 for a full truck.  A full truckload holds approximately two couches, two armchairs, four book cases and 6 – 8 garbage bags.

So what options are there for someone dealing with a smaller quantity who doesn’t want to pay the big bucks? Read on!

1. Toronto Hydro will still pick up old fridges and freezers free of charge.  The appliance must be at least 20 years old and in working order. Check Save on Energy for details.
2. Habitat for Humanity will also have volunteers pick up larger items that meet their donation requirements.  Working appliances are acceptable. This non-profit group suggests an optional $15 donation at the time of pickup and you may be eligible to receive a tax receipt. 
3. The City of Toronto offers a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) pickup, free of charge. By completing a form online, you can schedule a pickup of 10L to 50L.  I called 311 to verify the rules and was told there is no limit to how many times the service is used.
4. Electronics can be dropped off at many retail or municipal locations. Check www.recycleyourelectronics.ca for details.

Most importantly, it’s always good to be aware of what your local solid waste services are. The chart below provides a comparison between the different regions of the GTA. 

Region	Blue bin	Electronics	Bulk items	Appliances
Halton	Drop off excess recycling at the depot. No limit. No charge.	Drop off at the depot or local retailers.	Free monthly pickup at curbside; check your calendar for dates.	Free monthly pickup at curbside; check your calendar for dates.
Peel	Drop off excess recycling at the depot. No limit. No charge.	Drop off at the depot or local retailers.	Curbside pickup on regularly scheduled garbage days.	Pick up by appt.; $15 for first appliance, $10 for additional appliances or drop off at depot free of charge.
Richmond Hill	Drop off excess recycling at the depot. No limit. No charge.	Must be dropped off at depot.	Curbside pickup on regularly scheduled garbage days.	Monthly pickup by appt.
Vaughan	Drop off excess recycling at the depot. No limit. No charge.	Must be dropped off at depot. See site for limits	Curbside pickup on regularly scheduled garbage days.	Pick up by appt.; $27 per appliance.
Toronto	20 kg of recycling can be dropped off at the depot per day. No charge.	Curbside pickup on regularly scheduled garbage days.	Curbside pickup on regularly scheduled garbage days.	Curbside pickup on regularly scheduled garbage days.

 When in doubt, call or check the website:

Region	Website	Phone
Halton	Recycling & Waste	905-825-6000
Peel	Public Works Waste Management	905-791-9499
Richmond Hill	Garbage & Recycling	905-771-8800
Vaughan	Greening Vaughan	905-832-2281
Toronto	Solid Waste Management Services	311

  Good luck everyone!!