PSA: Keeping our city clean

For the safety and well-being of everyone in the community, including front-line staff, the City of Vaughan is reminding residents that littering and illegal dumping are prohibited and may be subject to a $205 fine.  

Instances of illegal dumping or litter can 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 across the city to clear garbage and debris off public property. The program, which is starting earlier this year than in previous years, will also include street sweeping. 

Double-Up Days 

During the week of March 31 and 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. 

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

Waste handling tips 

Follow these tips to help keep waste pickup safe for workers: 

• Carefully bag all garbage and green bin waste in plastic bags to safely contain the material.
• 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 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 plumbing and cause sewer blockages and backups. 

The City’s waste collection contractor, Miller Waste Systems Inc., continues to use the recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect workers from hazards they may encounter while handling residential waste bags and bins. 

Stay up to date 

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. 

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. 

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