PSA: Guidelines to ensure waste is safely collected

Wipes, tissues, glove and masks must be bagged and placed in the garbage 

Do not place these items in the blue box – recycling will not be collected if the box contains any of these items. 

Citizens are urged to practice good infection prevention and control when handling any waste by washing their hands immediately and any surfaces that waste may have contacted. 

The following steps should be taken when handling waste:

• Carefully bag all garbage and green bin materials in plastic bags.
• All personal hygiene and sanitary products, including medical masks, gloves, disinfectant wipes and baby wipes, must be placed in the garbage. Do not place these items in the blue box.  
• If anyone in a household is ill, place any item that has come into contact with their 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 plumbing and cause sewer blockages and backups.
• Please maintain social distancing and do not approach the waste collectors as they work.
• Heavier items should be placed at the top of the bin to avoid materials from blowing away. 

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. 

Litter reports

Litter has recently been reported on public and private property in Vaughan. Littering and dumping are prohibited and those who violate this by-law may be subject to a $205 fine. Any instances of illegal dumping should be reported to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281. The By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services, Enforcement Services team will investigate and take the appropriate action. 

Private property conditions are governed by the City’s Debris By-law and Property Standards By-law. Those who do not keep their properties clear of litter, waste and debris may be subject to a fine of $5,000 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 an Order to Comply, under the Building Code Act. Failing to comply with an order is a chargeable offense.

In the coming weeks, City crews will embark on cleanup efforts to clear garbage and debris off public property across the city. This program will also include street sweeping. 

Double-Up Days 

During the weeks of March 31, April 7 or April 14, Double-Up Days will be offered on regular collection days, allowing up to six items of garbage to be put out without tags. 

The City asks that large or bulky items, such as furniture, be held and not placed outside for pick-up to help collectors manage the additional garbage volumes during this time. 

To assist in prioritizing this essential service, leaf and yard waste collection will be deferred until the week of May 19. 

Continue to check vaughan.ca/waste and vaughan.ca/COVID19 for updates and changes to service levels and schedules.   

For more information about City matters, please call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or visit vaughan.ca. 

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 and Instagram channels.

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