Vaughan continues to address litter amid COVID-19 pandemic
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Day of Action on Litter is a reminder that everyone has a role to play
Today is the Provincial Day of Action on Litter, and the City of Vaughan is taking this opportunity to remind the community that we all have a role to play in keeping our city clean and our waste collectors safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Littering and illegal dumping are prohibited and may be subject to a fine of $205 to $5,000 for each offence. 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 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 offence.
Keeping our city clean includes picking up after your pets and ensuring animal excrement is removed from your private property, our public roadways, parks and trail systems when you are walking your dog. Enforcement officers continue to proactively patrol for any violations to City by-laws.
City crews also embarked on the annual spring cleanup across the city to clear garbage and debris off public property. The program, which started earlier this year than in previous years, also includes street sweeping.
Double-Up Days
Double-Up Days are scheduled for the weeks of June 16 or June 23, on regular garbage collection weeks. Place up to six items of garbage for pickup, no tags required. The City asks that large or bulky items, such as furniture, be held and not placed outside for pickup to help collectors manage the additional garbage volumes during this time.
Leaf and yard waste continues to be picked up every second week, in accordance with garbage collection. Due to volume, collection may be slower than usual – residents are asked to leave leaf and yard waste out into the next pickup day to accommodate.
While the City’s Joint Operations Centre remains closed, garbage tags can be purchased by calling Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281. The resident’s address and garbage tag quantity will be taken at the time of the call. Garbage tags will be mailed out within one business day, and Environmental Services staff will follow up by phone to take payment by credit card.
Waste handling tips
Please 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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