The 20-Minute Makeover is ON!

The weeklong community cleanup event runs until April 23

The City of Vaughan’s popular 20-Minute Makeover event begins today – are you participating? This year’s community cleanup is a weeklong event, running until Sunday, April 23.

Makeover participants will be heading outside throughout the week to spring clean their neighbourhoods – including local school yards, parks, trails, greenspaces, backyards, boulevards and even around Canada Post mailboxes – for 20 minutes. This is less time than it takes to watch a television show, wait for a food delivery or listen to a podcast.

To everyone participating this week, remember to:

• not pick up any litter you feel uncomfortable handling or dangerous items, such as syringes, broken glass and medical waste.
• avoid sick or dead wild birds or other wildlife, as they may be infected with diseases that can spread to humans. Pets should also be kept away from sick or dead wildlife and be kept on leashes. You can report dead or injured wildlife to Vaughan Animal Services at 905-832-2281 or animal.services@vaughan.ca and staff will respond.
• stay mentally alert; only collect litter from safe areas and be mindful of traffic.
• avoid ravines, streams, rivers, stormwater ponds and other bodies of water.
• wear appropriate protective clothing depending on the weather, including boots, rain jackets, hats and sunscreen.
• avoid over-exertion and take breaks when needed.
• make note of what types of items you are picking up and the number of bags filled so you can report on what was collected afterwards.
• post a photo of your cleanup on social media using the hashtag #Vaughan20MM.

Litter collected may be left beside a City garbage bin within the park or greenspace. Garbage bags must not be left in fields, playgrounds or anywhere other than directly beside a City-owned garbage bin, unless otherwise approved by the City.

This year’s cleanup initiative is sponsored by Ronco, Glad Canada and Miller Waste.

The City has participated in this annual cleanup event since 2004, excluding 2020 and 2021 in response to provincial COVID-19 public health measures.

To learn more, visit vaughan.ca/20MinuteMakeover.

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