Ian CheesemanFun fact: There’s a recycling center near my block, but I have a favorite one that I go to a couple of blocks away. Why? Because that one is way cooler.
Unlike the recycling center near me, the facility is clean and well-maintained. Plus, the staff are friendly and happily accept a wide range of items.
Who knew that adulting now comes with having a favorite recycling center?
So, if you’re looking for eco-drop spots that are way cooler than the one near you, here are the best recycling centers in Toronto.
How much do recycling centers charge in Toronto?
Recycling centers in Toronto typically charge by weight, with a minimum $40 deposit required at vehicle weigh-in. Loads under 20 kg of recycling, metal, or yard waste are free, but heavier loads are around $137.25 per tonne.
Hazardous household waste and electronics drop-off remain free of charge.
1. Circular Partners/Viking Recycling
Since 2014, Circular Partners/Viking Recycling has kept over 17 million pounds of construction, renovation, and demolition waste out of the dumps. We like that they’re following their Zero Landfill policy.
This facility runs a Clean Material Recovery Facility (Viking Recycling) and a REUSE Marketplace. This means they don’t just collect stuff like carpet, ceiling tiles, textiles, or plastics—they test, sort, and reintegrate materials into the supply chain.
They work with manufacturing and downstream partners (whom they audit every two years) to make sure everything aligns with their sustainability goals. And if that wasn’t good enough, they donate 4% of profits to environmental initiatives.
A minor downside is that we heard isolated reports of staff being a bit rude. Luckily, it doesn’t seem like that’s the norm.
Their expertise in carpet recycling is impressive
“I’ve been working with Viking Recycling since last year, and the experience has been exceptional. Their expertise in carpet recycling is impressive, and the entire team is incredibly professional. A special mention goes to “Fernando Piccoli”—he’s truly a gem! Dealing with him is always easy and friendly; he brings a personal touch that makes each interaction smooth and enjoyable. Highly recommend Viking Recycling for anyone looking for top-notch service and a reliable partner!”
Aatir Azad, Google Review
I feel very lucky to have them in our community
“The team at Viking Recycling is super helpful and welcoming, and they’re doing really important work. I feel very lucky to have them in our community. Love visiting to pick up vegan leather scraps and other reclaimed fabrics – if you’re an upcycler or crafter, you’ll find a great variety of different materials to work with here!”
Miranda Crugnale, Google Review
2. Manville Recycling
Manville Recycling started as a small father-and-son project in 2003. Now, it has grown into one of the city’s go-to places for metal recycling—perfect if you’re looking to cash in on scrap metal.
We like that their staff is super friendly—they’ll cheerfully walk you through the recycling process. Plus, they know their way around metals and can answer all your questions.
Speaking of which, they accept insulated copper wires and copper-bearing materials, as well as old transformers, motors, network gear, e-waste, brass, and batteries!
What’s cool is that their metal scales are right out in the open. You can actually see what your materials weigh; no shady backroom pricing here.
Keep in mind that they don’t accept steel, so don’t show up with a truckload of it.
Still my favorite recycling depot in the GTA
“Fast service, great prices. Family-owned and operated. Update: Still my favorite recycling depot in the GTA. I rarely haul anything that requires the drive on scale, so this place is great for contractors like me who have leftover scrap from jobs. Check it out, you won’t be disappointed.”
Bryan, Google Review
Not closest to my house, but I will go back!
“I drove in tentatively, worrying about getting a flat, but no worries, the parking lot was cleaner than Home Depot! The staff was friendly and helpful, helped me sort my modest load of scrap to get the best price. Not closest to my house, but I will go back!”
p b, Google Review
3. Quantum Lifecycle Partners LP
Since 2019, Quantum Lifecycle Partners LP has focused on asset disposition and end-of-life electronics recycling. In fact, they have a range of certifications (NAID, ISO, and OHSAS) that prove they know what they’re doing.
They’ll literally show up at your home or office—in many cases within 48 hours—to collect e-waste like servers, cables, cell towers, ACs, transformers, etc. As a bonus, if you have a decent volume of materials, that pickup might be free!
Another way to recycle is to host an e-waste recycling event, which they’ll help you with. These are usually held to raise funds for your church, school, or sports team.
Just a heads up, though—if you’re doing the drop-off yourself using a big truck or van, their parking lot can get a bit tight.
Have worked with Quantum for over ten years
“We have worked with Quantum for over ten years and will continue to do so due to their high quality of service and support to our business. Highly recommend working with them. Not only do they NOT compete with us in our Waterloo Region, they send clients our way!”
Eco-Tech Waterloo (Eco-Tech Waterloo), Google Review
Technologically advanced waste solutions
“Technologically advanced waste solutions that do a great job of minimizing environmental impacts.”
Jeff Good, Google Review
4. McCleary Court Community Environmental Centre
McCleary Court Community Environmental Centre is the go-to place for York residents looking to drop off garbage, recycling, yard and e-waste, and even hazardous materials.
We appreciate the fact that they accept a ton of items at no cost—from bikes and blue box recyclables to clean textiles, scrap metal, and cooking oil. Just remove batteries and packaging ahead of time and keep your electronics assembled.
Before heading over, you can actually check live traffic on-site, thanks to their handy camera feed that updates every three minutes. And don’t forget to bring proof of residency (it’s required).
Here’s a cool tip: after your visit, share feedback about your experience on their website, and you might score a $50 e-gift card to a local restaurant!
The people working there are very helpful
“Excellent service. I went the first time on Sunday morning, and there wasn’t a lineup. The people working there are very helpful. Thank you, guys.”
Mulugeta Soressa, Google Review
The people are the nicest and so polite
“My favorite dump. The people are the nicest and so polite. The driving areas aren’t covered in debris, so I’m not afraid of getting a nail in my tire… just an all-around good transfer station. I don’t want to praise it too much because I don’t want long wait times (which is another great thing, barely any wait times). The only negative is that they don’t open on Monday or Tuesday, but they’re open on Sunday! So it evens out, I guess.”
Integrity Plumbing Service, Google Review
5. Ambrose Junk Removal
Since 2010, Ambrose Junk Removal has been helping Toronto homes and businesses clear out space without the stress. They pick up and recycle just about everything: mattresses, old appliances, furniture, estate cleanout items—you name it.
We also appreciate their speedy response—you can call for a free onsite estimate, and in most cases, they’ll show up within a couple of hours.
When the team arrives, all you have to do is point to the stuff you want gone. They’ll lift, load, and even clean up the area after.
Plus, they’re registered with the Ministry of the Environment, so they make it a point to donate or recycle items through local charities whenever possible.
That said, since they’re also a junk removal service, they might be hard to book compared to other recycling centers.
Amazing service, fair pricing, and quick and easy!
“Amazing service, fair pricing, and quick and easy! I would recommend Ambrose Junk Removal to anyone for anything you need. The owner was a pleasure and booked the job the next day. They were amazing to deal with, and that’s coming from my daughter! Thanks, Ambrose Junk, I will spread my amazing experience.”
jay kofsky, Google Review
They were able to come on the same day
“I had Ambrose Junk Removal take away a king-size mattress. They were able to come on the same day I booked them. The crew called 15 minutes ahead of arrival and were timely. Very professional. I will absolutely be using this company again!”
Maria Estevez, Google Review
