Littering is against the law!

Did you know it’s against the law to litter on your own property? Everyone has a role to play in keeping Vaughan clean by putting trash where it belongs – even on private properties. Your small actions can make a big difference in ensuring the city remains safe, clean and beautiful.   

Reports of litter
The City of Vaughan has received reports of littering on public and private property. Littering and illegal dumping are prohibited under the Dumping By-law 103-2020 (PDF). Those who do not keep their properties clear of litter, waste and debris may be subject to a $500 fine 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 a Notice/ Order to Comply. Failing to obey a Notice/ Order to Comply is a chargeable offence. 

Any instances of illegal dumping should be reported to the City at 905-832-2281 or by email at accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. 

Double-Up Days
Depending on your scheduled collection day, the last Double-Up Day of the year is the week of Tuesday, Sept. 27. If you have extra waste to dispose of, this City initiative allows you to place up to six garbage items at the curb, with no paid tags required. For more information on Double-Up Days, visit vaughan.ca/waste. 

Keep your home and surrounding area free of litter by putting waste in the correct bins. If you’re unsure where an item belongs, download the Recycle Coach app through the Apple App Store or Google Play. The City also offers an online sorting tool to check what goes where. 

Do your part
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. 

Here are some more tips for doing your part to keep Vaughan litter-free:

• Prevent wind-blown litter by not overfilling your blue boxes and putting heavier items on top of lighter ones 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) to ensure enough space for your recyclables.
• Put waste items where they belong – in the proper bins. Coffee cups go in the garbage along with personal protective equipment, such as masks, gloves, wipes and plastic bags. Plastic water, juice and pop bottles belong in recycling.
• If you have extra garbage bags on collection day, drop them off at a York Region waste depot for safe disposal – fees will apply.
• Take flyers and mail home to recycle.

By helping to reduce litter, you are demonstrating respect for your neighbours, neighbourhoods and shared community spaces. Let’s ensure Vaughan remains a place where residents and visitors can live, work and play in a clean and healthy city.   

For more information on litter reduction initiatives in Vaughan, visit vaughan.ca/litter. 

The City of Vaughan is committed to protecting and respecting the environment and fostering a sustainable community today and for future generations. That’s why Environmental Stewardship is a priority in the City’s 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. 

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