Spring cleaning?

Visit vaughan.ca/waste for sorting and disposal tips

It’s spring-cleaning time! If you have extra waste to throw away, the City of Vaughan can help you sort and dispose of your materials. 

Learn about the collection services underway and online resources offered:

Leaf and yard waste collection

Starting the week of April 16, the City will pick up yard waste materials every week on your regularly scheduled collection day. Biweekly collection will begin the week of June 11. Leaf and yard waste must be placed out in Kraft paper bags or open-top rigid containers with handles, up to 121 litres (32 gallons) in size, and clearly marked “Leaf and Yard Waste.” Plastic bags are not permitted. Keep the Kraft paper bags dry – wet or degraded bags cannot be picked up as they will break during collection. If the forecast calls for inclement weather overnight – like strong winds or heavy rain – wait to place your materials out in the morning.

If you are not using a paper bag, you can place materials in a bin with a yard waste sticker. Stickers are mailed out upon request by calling Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or emailing service@vaughan.ca.

Large and bulky items

Large or bulky items, such as mattresses, chairs and tables, can be placed curbside for disposal during scheduled garbage collection days. Each piece counts as one item toward the three-item garbage limit. For the safety of our waste collectors, ensure your items are kept dry and each item does not exceed 68 kilograms (150 pounds). The City reserves the right to refuse unsafe, overweight or oversized items. Items must also be free of all sharp and hazardous objects, such as nails. Broken glass or other glass items must be safely packaged and labelled. 

Blue box and green bin collection

The City collects unlimited blue boxes and green bins weekly on your scheduled collection day! If you need to buy more bins for your materials, you can do so online or at select community centres while supplies last. Remember, all recyclables, such as plastic bottles, glass jars, aluminum and cardboard, belong in the blue box. All organics, such as food waste, pet waste, tissues and napkins, belong in the green bin.

Sort your waste like a pro!

If you’re unsure where to dispose of an item, check out the following resources to lend you a hand:

• ‘What Goes Where?’: The City’s online ‘What Goes Where?’ sorting tool helps you learn where to dispose of an item. Simply type an item, such as ‘water bottle,’ in the search bar and select from the dropdown list to learn where it goes.

• Recycle Coach app: Did you know there’s an app for all your waste sorting needs? Download the free Recycle Coach app from the Apple App Store or Google Play to learn where waste items belong, waste reduction tips and view your personalized collection schedule with optional alerts on what to put to the curb each week.

• Waste-less Virtual Visits: City staff offer one-on-one Waste-less Virtual Visit sessions – via FaceTime, WhatsApp and Zoom – to help you understand how to properly dispose of items and answer any questions about the City’s waste collection program. To book an appointment, contact Service Vaughan by phone at 905-832-2281 or by email at service@vaughan.ca.

Try these waste reduction tips!

Everyone plays a part in keeping the planet clean, green and healthy. Incorporate these tips into your spring cleaning plans to reduce what gets sent to landfills:

• Drop off old or unwanted clothing at a textile donation bin in Vaughan.

• Turn your fruit and vegetable scraps into garden fertilizer! The City provides backyard composters for sale through Service Vaughan.

• Repair or repurpose clothing. Use online tutorials to learn how to make basic clothing repairs, such as sewing a hem or button, mending holes or replacing zippers.

• Visit online resale platforms to sell your unwanted goods. You can also organize a garage sale to sell clothes, household items and other textiles you no longer need.

• Donate gently used items to a charity of your choice.

• Safely dispose of damaged electronic waste items at a York Region waste depot. Never place electronic waste curbside.

• Visit recyclemyelectronics.ca to search for your nearest electronic retail recycling location. 

• Dispose of household hazardous waste, such as batteries, pool chemicals and paint, at a York Region waste depot. Household hazardous waste should never be placed in the garbage or down a drain.

To learn more about the City’s waste services, visit vaughan.ca/waste. 

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