PPE does NOT belong in the blue box
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Recycling with masks, gloves and paper towels will not be collected
The City of Vaughan continues to remind residents about the importance
of sorting waste properly. In collaboration with the City’s waste collection contractor, Miller Waste Systems Inc., blue boxes that have personal protective equipment (PPE) items in them, such as:
- masks
- gloves
- paper towels
- tissues
- wipes
- plastic bags
These items will not be collected and will be left with a new sticker reminding citizens that these items should be bagged securely and placed in the garbage.
Here are examples of other household items that cannot be recycled and belong in the garbage:
- black plastic containers
- coffee cups and coffee pods
- garden hoses
- hangers (plastic or metal)
- lawn furniture
- metal bakeware
- plastic plates and cutlery
- pool liners and covers
For a complete list of items and where to dispose of them, download the full guide (PDF) to understand what goes where.
The City also offers an online tool to help residents properly dispose of their waste at vaughan.ca/waste. 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 list the bin it should be placed in.
Residents can also download the free Recycle Coach app to their mobile phone. Found in the app store, it will provide information on where and how to dispose of waste. The app also offers a personalized collection schedule and offers tips and tricks on how to recycle more and waste less.
Safe waste handling
Citizens should continue to practise good infection prevention and control when handling any waste by washing their 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 their part and help protect collection staff by safely handling their waste and bins and refraining from approaching the waste collectors as they perform their work.
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 residents 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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