Leveraging innovative technology to combat litter
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Vaughan
is piloting a new sensor-based approach for public waste bin collection
Many citizens are enjoying the summer weather in City of
Vaughan parks. But more people in parks means more chance of litter. To combat
this, the City’s Public Works department has leveraged a new technological approach
to help keep the community clean, safe and beautiful. Introducing garbage bin sensors
– a new pilot project, currently testing in Wards 4 and 5.
Garbage
bin sensors are placed under the lids of select waste bins allowing Parks staff
to monitor the fill-levels remotely and receive notifications when they need to
be emptied.
The
sensors use real-time and historical data to optimize waste collection
schedules along routes, allowing staff to save on fuel, labour and fleet
maintenance. The route optimization within this tool also allows for fewer
trucks out driving, which means fewer carbon emissions, less noise, less
traffic and less wear and tear on roads. Even more, they help to reduce
overflowing waste bins, which often leads to litter on streets and in parks.
The
garbage bin sensors are currently located in the following areas: Concord Thornhill
Regional Park (off-leash dog park), Marita Payne Park, Riviera Park, Glen Shields Avenue, Bob
O'Link Avenue, Peach Tree Place, New Seabury Drive, Oakmount Crescent, Southview
Park, the Le Jardin walkway to Southview Park, West Crossroads and East
Crossroads Park, Langstaff Eco Park, LeParc Park, Sherwood Park, Tudor Park, Agostino
Park, Derrywood Drive and Belwood Boulevard, Alexander Park, Forest Run
Boulevard, the southwest corner of Bathurst Street and Worth Boulevard, the Sugarbush
trail entrance, and Lakehurst Park.
The
garbage bin sensor pilot project is a branch of the City’s Quick Response (QR)
Code pilot project, launched in September 2020. It allows residents
to scan the code found on a City waste bin using their smartphone to notify City
staff when it is full and needs to be emptied. The program resulted in quicker service
to bins that required emptying, which reduced litter in parks. This project continues
in select parks.
Litter
reminders
Even
though these waste bin projects help reduce litter in Vaughan, all citizens
need to continue to play a role in keeping the community clean by picking up
after themselves and their pets. When visiting the City’s parks or trails with
or without your furry friend, 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.
By-laws
are in place to keep neighbourhoods clean. For the safety and well-being of
everyone in the community, including front-line staff, littering and illegal
dumping are prohibited under the Littering and Dumping
By-law 103-2020
(PDF). Citizens must pick up after their pets, whether on public or private
property. The fine for failing to do so is $300. To report pet waste and
other littering in Vaughan, please call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
Community mailboxes belong to and are maintained
by Canada Post.
If you notice garbage or litter
around your community mailbox, contact Canada Post online via canadapost.ca/support or by calling 1-866-607-6301.
To
receive the City’s latest COVID-19 updates as they happen, sign
up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn channels.
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