One thing we can all agree upon is that the Toronto's garbage bin situation is out of control. 

Trash spilling out of public sidewalk bins is a common sight across the city. Some point the finger at the sanitation department, claiming that bins aren't being emptied frequently enough.

Others have rightfully critiqued the design of preexisting bins. 

There are several features that contribute to the flawed design of the hooded, grey plastic bins, first installed in Toronto in 2007.

Hey @311Toronto @gordperks - 5:20 today, north east corner of Howard Park and Roncesvalles. The garbage can seems to need some maintenance 😐 pic.twitter.com/kC5gdTZwIv

— Rob (@robertguenette) February 3, 2023

Original models included foot pedals to lift the flaps covering the bin's openings, but these frequently broke and were eventually removed. 

Small openings on the face of the bin prevent some waste like larger coffee cups from being disposed of. 

The flaps that cover the openings often get in the way, limiting the amount of waste that can be discarded. Doors that allow the bins to be emptied are commonly flung open and unable to shut properly.

Can the trash receptacle I've complained about previously, at the north end of the Roncesvalles footbridge, be put on some kind of garbage collection schedule? It's overflowing again. If you're confused about the exact location, I've already explained it in this thread. pic.twitter.com/Qnyi3JGmo7

— Shari Kasman (@smkasman) August 25, 2023

In 2015, a new iteration was introduced. These bins were rectangular and metal, with no flaps or foot pedals. However, the same problems of trash spillover and broken doors persisted. 

This April, Mayor Olivia Chow announced her plan to finally tackle the trash dilemma at a press conference in Nathan Phillips Square.

Spring 2024: Separately, they might seem small, but we need to deliver the small things right. We’re filling thousands of potholes, fixing the garbage bins, opening washrooms earlier and more.

It’s time to get Toronto back on track. pic.twitter.com/I0I9NYT3Fy

— Mayor Olivia Chow (@MayorOliviaChow) June 26, 2024

Chow has been working with Astral Media, the company that has been responsible for the maintenance of the city's garbage bins since 2007, to improve and replace old bins.

1000 versions of this new-and-improved design are set to be installed by the end of this year in high density areas. 

Hey @311Toronto this garbage bin at Dundas and Roncesvalles has been completely neglected! 😂 pic.twitter.com/huPuiHLEeK

— Black Cat Artspace (@TheBlackCat_TO) January 11, 2019

Roncesvalles Village is ground zero for many of these modified bins.

Walking recently up a section of Roncesvalles Ave, only four of 40 trash cans spotted were still old models and just one new bin was broken down. 

What is different about this latest version? Flapless openings are significantly larger and doors supposedly use stronger, self-closing hinges.

Will these updates actually do anything to improve the neighbourhood's trash problem? Roncesvalles residents and business owners are dubious. 

@311Toronto Good morning! Looks like someone hacked into the public garbage bin on the north east corner of Queen St W and Roncesvalles. Please assist. pic.twitter.com/ldmHUAjtWg

— Chad Szymanski (@cszyman) August 16, 2020

Many praise the new design. "I like that I don't have to touch the flaps anymore. It's definitely an upgrade," says Roncesvalles resident, Sam Burns.

"I don't think they're any worse than the old ones," says a barista at Fantail Bakery on Roncesvalles Ave. "I've noticed this type seems to be better for casual use. The openings are bigger."

However, much skepticism remains. "I don’t think it's going to work. Those are very tiny bins that are going to fill up in a week," said Mani Ram, owner of Dil Se Restaurant. 

@311Toronto Can this trash pls be collected? It’s at the north end of the Roncesvalles footbridge. Why isn’t overflowing City bins a category in the app? There’s also a ton of trash all across the Roncesvalles footbridge. pic.twitter.com/G6ETpq4IX7

— Shari Kasman (@smkasman) August 6, 2023

“They just look like newer versions of the same thing. I don't think they will make much of a difference," says Hudson Lees, supervisor at The Source Bulk Foods. 

Many think it will take more than an updated design to address the city's trash situation and cite the quantity of bins as the main area needing improvement.

"It's more the number of bins you have. The less bins you have, the less people will throw out. I don't think the new design changed things dramatically," says Sergei Timshin co-owner of the Roncesvalles location of Sava Crepes & Coffee. 

Also @311Toronto at Queen Roncesvalles Intersection SW corner near the entrance to the pedestrian bridge going towards the lake overflowing trash bin is pretty bad. pic.twitter.com/6g09OscQEB

— Matt (@MattY90285928) April 9, 2021

Co-owner of Fevers Vintage on Roncesvalles Ave, Andrew Paul says, "They're fine. Volume-wise, they look like they hold less. The bins are in the same locations, they just updated the look."

Paul concurs that adding garbage bins in additional spots rather than simply replacing existing ones, would be a more impactful fix. 

Toronto loves pilot projects. I tested out Toronto’s new garbage bins that are being piloted. They are definitely garbage bins. pic.twitter.com/oQUqc2ZnwC

— Observing The City (@observinthecity) May 31, 2024

Some people in Toronto are holding out hope. Another resident of the area, Sherrie Golden, is optimistic about the new bins, "I like them much better, they just seem more functional. People will be more inclined to use them, because they are easy to use."

It may take until 2027 however, when the City of Toronto's 20-year contract finally ends with Astral Media, for any real headway to be made.