Green bin, blue box or garbage – do you know what goes where?
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Use Vaughan’s online tool to learn how to dispose of your waste properly
Garbage, recycling or organics: do you know what to do with your disposable face mask after use? What about latex gloves? Now that personal protective equipment (PPE) is being worn on a regular basis, you might be wondering how to properly dispose of it.
The City of Vaughan offers a handy online tool to help determine what items go where. To get started, simply type in an item – for example, latex gloves, face mask, paper towel, coffee cup, electronics or cardboard – and the tool will tell you which bin it should be placed in.
To have this sorting information at your fingertips, download the free Recycle Coach app on your mobile phone. Found in the app store, it tells you where and how to dispose of your waste. The app also helps you stay up to date with garbage and recycling collections happening in your neighbourhood, and offers tips and tricks on how to recycle more and waste less.
Here are examples of household items you may have that can not be recycled, and belong in the garbage:
- Black plastic containers
- Coffee cups and coffee pods
- Garden hoses
- Glass
- Hangers (plastic or metal)
- Lawn furniture
- Metal bakeware
- Plastic plates and cutlery
- Pool liners and covers
PPE items, such as masks, gloves, paper towels, tissues, wipes and plastic bags, do not belong in the blue box and should be placed in the garbage. These items will be left behind if not safely disposed of. For a longer list of items, you can also download this full guide (PDF) of what goes where.
Safe waste handling
Citizens should continue to practice good infection prevention and control when handling any waste by washing your hands and any surfaces it has contacted.
The following steps should be taken when handling waste:
- Carefully bag all garbage and green bin materials in plastic bags.
- If anyone in a household is ill, place any item that has contacted the mouth, nose or eyes into the garbage. This includes items that would normally be placed into the green bin (tissues, napkins) or blue box (water/beverage bottles, pop cans).
- Do not flush any disinfectant wipes or baby wipes down the toilet as they can damage household plumbing and cause sewer blockages and backups.
The City’s waste collection contractor, Miller Waste Systems Inc., continues to use the recommended PPE to protect workers from hazards they may encounter while handling residential waste bags and bins. The City also urges citizens to do your part and help protect collection staff by safely handling your waste and bins and refraining from approaching the waste collectors as they perform their work.
Double-Up Days
Scheduled for the weeks of Sept. 22 or Sept. 29, on regular garbage days, residents can place up to six items of garbage for collection without paid tags. Large or bulky items, such as furniture, can also be placed outside for pickup. Each bulky item counts as one item towards the limit. Waste must be set out by 7 a.m. on collection day. Guidelines for setting out large or bulky items can be found on the City’s website.
Blue box and green bin exchange program
With the Joint Operations Centre closed due to COVID-19, the Environmental Services department is piloting a program to allow residents to replace broken City blue boxes and green bins through home delivery. All broken blue boxes and green bins branded with the City of Vaughan logo are eligible for free exchange. This is one of many initiatives implemented by the City to support you during the pandemic.
Deliveries will be made on the day following scheduled waste collection, subject to availability. To request an exchange and arrange a delivery, call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281. For more information, visit vaughan.ca/waste.
Garbage tags
Garbage tags can also be purchased from the safety of home by calling Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281. The resident’s address, garbage tag quantity and payment will be taken at the time of the call. Garbage tags will be mailed out within one business day. The garbage limit is three items every other week – including bulky items. A paid garbage tag is required for any item exceeding the three-item limit, up to 13 items maximum.
Waste-less Virtual Visits
For residents finding they are putting more garbage to the curb, City staff are offering online one-on-one coaching sessions to help sort out more material into the blue box and green bin, which have no collection limits. These virtual sessions are designed to help you understand what goes where, reduce landfill and answer any questions about the City’s waste collection services.
To receive the City’s latest updates on COVID-19, check vaughan.ca/ReopeningVaughan, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.
Those who feel unwell and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19, should contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on COVID-19, including physical distancing tips and advice from Public Health officials, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.
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