Be a Good Neighbour

It’s easy to be a good neighbour. Learn what you can do and what the City is doing to keep our neighbourhoods clean, safe and peaceful.

Homeowners and tenants have a duty to keep their property clean, well-maintained and peaceful. That’s why the City has clear rules for a wide range of issues such as noise levels, property maintenance and parking. While most people do their part, some don’t. This may be because they’re unfamiliar with the proper rules or neighbourhood etiquette.

We want to make sure you have the information you need to be a good neighbour. Whether you own your own home or rent a room, small actions can make a big difference in your neighbourhood.

Four easy ways to be a good neighbour

Learn how you can avoid complaints and fines and make a positive difference in your neighbourhood.

Waste and litter: Don’t let your garbage get out of control

Follow the correct waste collection schedule

Garbage: Collected every other week (alternates with blue bin recycling)

Green bin: Collected every week

If you are a landlord, post the waste collection schedule information for your tenants.

If you need to throw out bulky items that won’t fit in a bin like a mattresses or furniture, don’t leave them on the front lawn or driveway. Instead, place them on the curb for free when you put out your bin on garbage day. If you can’t wait for garbage day, take them to a Community Recycling Centre (fees may apply).

Use the online collection calendar to find your specific collection dates.

Don’t let your bins overflow

When garbage bins overflow, litter can blow onto neighbours’ lawns. This uncollected litter can attract or harm wildlife, which can pose a health hazard. It can also attract rodents that can cause damage to property. For these reasons, it’s important not to let your bins overflow.

  • The lid must be closed or your garbage won’t be picked up.
  • To make sure everything fits, sort waste properly and break down all boxes and food containers to save space.
  • Tip! The Green bin gets picked up every week so use it for all food waste and even greasy pizza boxes.
  • If your garbage doesn’t all fit, buy a garbage tag(s) and attach it to the extra bag(s).
  • Extra recycling can go out in a clear blue bag (no tag needed).
Keep your bins and garbage out of sight
  • Keep your bins in your backyard, garage, or side yard.
  • Put bins out after 7 p.m. the night before pickup day.
  • Bring your bins in from the curb after the contents are emptied.
  • Make sure your lids are closed completely and not overflowing.
  • If you are a landlord, assign someone to take out the bins and put them away.
Sort your waste correctly

Avoid overflowing your bins. Sorting can help make sure everything fits so the lids close.  Here are some examples of where things should go.

Grey bins:
• Food wrap (cling wrap and aluminum foil)
• Coffee cups
• Plastic cutlery
• Diapers
• Pet waste

Blue bins:
• Aluminum plates and trays
• Flattened cardboard
• Plastic food containers
• Bottles and jars (caps go in the garbage)
• Printed paper, newspapers, envelopes

Green bin:
• Cotton balls
• Tissues and paper towels
• Food scraps
• Greasy pizza boxes
• Tea bags, coffee grounds

Visit a Community Recycling Centre to drop off items like paint, motor oil, household cleaners, aerosol cans and batteries for free.  

Still not sure? Use the online waste sorter for more information.

Parking: Follow the rules, avoid paying fines

Street parking rules
  • On-street parking is allowed for up to 5 hours, unless otherwise posted.
  • On-street parking is not allowed from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.
  • If you need to park for an extended period of time due to driveway repairs or overnight guests, you can apply for a temporary parking permit.
  • Don’t park on the street during snow events to allow snow plows to clear snow.
Places you can never park
  • On grass or lawns
  • On any part of a sidewalk or blocking driveways – even for a short period of time
  • In front of fire hydrants or blocking fire routes

Learn more about parking rules in Mississauga.

Noise disturbances: Respect quiet hours

Check the time and follow rules

Be considerate if you are making noise.

  • Keep noise from music, lawn mowers and pets in-check particularly before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m. everyday
  • Cheering and yelling from parties, sports and other outdoor activities is permitted Monday to Saturday 7 a.m. – 11 p.m., and Sundays and stat holidays 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.

The City’s enforcement team can issue fines for noise outside of these hours. Noise from people acting disorderly, like yelling, screaming and fighting is a police matter and will be responded to by Peel Police.

Learn how to apply for a noise exemption or report excessive noise.

Property maintenance: Keep it tidy

Take care of the house and yard
  • Cut your grass before it grows taller than 20 cm (8 inches)
  • Remove all debris, litter, and unwanted items from your yard
  • Don’t use your yard as storage for tires, mattresses, or residential junk
  • Keep your garden free of too many weeds
  • Make sure you clear snow and ice from your sidewalk and driveway.

Learn more about property standards

Who’s responsible? Landlords, tenants and homeowners

Homeowners, landlords and tenants are responsible for following by-laws and being good neighbours.  

Homeowner and landlord responsibilities

Whether you live in your home or rent it to others, you’re responsible for maintaining your property and understanding the rules around parking, loud noises and waste management. Here’s how to avoid complaints:

  • Check your property regularly for any problems and fix them immediately, when possible
  • Plan for regular yard maintenance and lawn care – this includes cutting the grass in a timely manner
  • Make sure tenants understand waste collection rules – and that you have the right size waste bins so lids can close properly
  • Take immediate action to address pest or rodent issues
  • Know and follow on-street parking regulations

If you have tenants, you’re also responsible for making sure they understand the rules and act accordingly. Share this information with any tenants to help them understand their responsibilities.

Tenant responsibilities

If you are renting a home, your landlord is responsible for helping you keep the property clean and safe, but you have responsibilities, too.

  • Follow garbage disposal and storage rules to help avoid health and safety issues
  • Respect parking and noise rules
  • Take care of your yard or make sure your landlord knows when the grass needs to be cut

How we’re tackling neighbourhood concerns

City by-law officers are increasing education and enforcement activities to help address concerns about noise, illegal parking, uncut lawns, garbage and litter.

If the City receives a complaint or if a by-law officer sees an issue, the officer will investigate and may issue a warning and/or fine. Examples include:

  • Debris and anti-littering: minimum $305+fees
  • Long grass and weeds: minimum $305+fees
  • Parking: $60 for more than 5 hours
  • Noise: minimum $305+fees

If the issue isn’t resolved, depending on its type or severity, fines can go as high as $100,000.

The City can take other action as well. If a resident receives a notice for an issue and doesn’t resolve it, the City may fix it and charge the homeowner for the work. For example, if the City has to cut overgrown grass, it will cost the homeowner approximately $1,000. This includes $500 to cut the grass and an administrative fee of $430 or 15% of the service cost (whichever is higher).

Good news

Eligible seniors and people with disabilities with low income may qualify for the outdoor maintenance subsidy for residents with low income. The subsidy can be used to cover service fees paid to maintain your property.

How to report problems or get help

Call 311 to report:
   • Overgrown yards and messy properties
   • Garbage violations and waste bin problems
   • Noise disturbances and loud parties
   • Parking violations and blocked driveway access

You can also call 311 to get help with:
   • Getting a temporary parking permit
   • Understanding noise by-laws if you need more information
   • Learning about the outdoor maintenance subsidy (if eligible)