Keep Vaughan Litter-free

Everyone has a role in keeping Vaughan clean by putting trash where it belongs to reduce litter in parks, neighbourhoods and on roadways.

Picking up plastic

The City of Vaughan is committed to protecting and respecting our environment and fostering a sustainable community today and for future generations. By acting as environmental stewards, the community can do its part to preserve the natural environment while using environmental protection principles in every initiative undertaken.

 

Initiatives the City is currently undertaking to combat litter and waste across Vaughan include:

 

Littering is against the law 

Littering and illegal dumping are prohibited and may be subject to a fine of at least $500. Private property conditions are governed by the City’s Littering and Dumping By-law 103-2020 (PDF). Those who do not keep their properties clear of litter, waste and debris may be subject to a fine of $500 to $50,000 for each offence. As well, the City may have the waste and debris removed at the owner’s expense and it may be subject to an Order to Comply under the Building Code Act. Failing to comply with an order is a chargeable offense.

 

Canada Post mailboxes

Community mailboxes belong to, and are maintained by, Canada Post – this includes addressing litter, snow and damage to the mailboxes. If you spot litter or vandalism at your community mailbox, submit a service request to Canada Post. You can also contact them by telephone at 1-866-607-6301 or on social media through X (formerly known as Twitter) or Facebook.

Report litter, debris and dumping
What Goes Where?
  • Use recycling and waste bins provided by the City in public spaces. If they are full, take your garbage home with you.
  • Keep your home and surrounding area clean of litter. Prevent wind-blown litter by not overfilling your recycling bins.
  • Pack your blue box carefully and put heavier items on top of lighter ones to keep them from blowing away on windy days or consider putting recycling out the following week.
  • Consider purchasing additional City blue boxes or using a larger blue box (up to 121 litres, no lids or wheels) if you have too much material.
  • Recycle properly – masks, gloves, wipes and plastic bags belong in the garbage, not the blue box.
  • Take flyers and mail to recycle at home.
  • Littering has a negative impact on the community and the quality of life of everyone – it can be harmful to the environment; it can be dangerous for pets and wildlife as they may eat or be injured by discarded items; and it costs money for the City to clean up litter.

 

Report illegal dumping or littering to Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or service@vaughan.ca.

Community mailboxes belong to, and are maintained by, Canada Post – this includes litter, snow and damage to the mailboxes.

 

Recycling bins left at community mailboxes will not be picked up by the City. Remember to take any recycling or admail home with you.

To stop receiving unaddressed admail follow one of these two options:

 

  1. Attach a note inside your mailbox requesting ‘No Admail’.
  2. Contact Canada Post and fill out a form to stop marketing mail.
  3. Contact the sender directly and request that they remove your name and address from the mailing list.

 

If you have an issue to report about your community mailbox, including litter or snow-clearing activities, contact Canada Post online via canadapost.ca/support or by calling 1-866-607-6301.

When visiting the City’s parks or trails remember to use the waste bins provided. If they are full, take your garbage and pet waste home with you. Pet waste belongs in the green bin at home and waste bins when in the community.

 

Citizens must pick up after their pets, whether on public or private property. The fine for failing to do so is $200. To report pet waste and other littering in Vaughan, please call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or service@vaughan.ca.

Litter Audit

 

In early 2023, the City began work with an independent consultant to conduct its first-ever litter audit. More than 90 sites across the city were analyzed to determine litter trends in Vaughan. This proactive approach to understanding and quantifying the types of litter in the community will enable the City to take a data-driven approach to our litter reduction efforts. Read the final report (PDF).

 

 

Additional Resources

Related Links