How Do I?

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How Do I...

Save Energy?

Saving energy in your home is good for the environment and your pocket book. Visit Alectra or Enbridge to learn about rebate programs for your home or business.

Unplug electronics not in use - Did you know electronics that are plugged in draw energy whether or not they are in use? Unplug house hold items such as lamps, or phone chargers

Close your curtains - we all love some natural light, but on hot, sunny days, keeping your curtains and blinds open will heat up rooms that are not in use. Closing curtains and blinds acts as a temperature control, meaning you won't have to crank up the AC.

Skip the Dryer - Consider purchasing a drying rack or line drying your clothes outside, especially during summer months. While you're at it, try washing your clothes in cool or cold water, as most detergents work just as well!

Learn more about Electric Vehicles (EVs)?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more and more popular and for good reason. EVs are zero emission vehicles, require less maintenance, and can cost less to refuel than gasoline vehicles. There are currently more than 28, 000 electric cars on the road in Canada with over 23 models available. Is an EV right for you?

Learn more about EVs with Plug N’Drive and sign up for a test drive at their EV Discovery Centre.

Conserve Water?

Water is a precious resource, so it’s important to work together to protect and conserve it. Simple water conservation practices not only save money on your bill, but also help preserve our natural environment. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Low-flow toilets, faucets and shower heads could help you save thousands of gallons a year over traditional fixtures. Upgrade to save water, and your bill!
Be cautious of your use. Do you really need half a kettle to make one cup of tea? Measure up the amount of water needed for the cup you are using as opposed to estimating.
Ensure to water your lawn early in the morning, or after sunset to minimize evaporation. If you have a sprinkler system, ensure it is free of leaks and on a timer.
Instead of dumping water that was used to boil or steam veggies, set it aside to cool and use it to water your plants.

Get my green bin or blue box?

The City of Vaughan sells blue boxes, green bins, kitchen composters, garbage tags, and backyard composters. Find out more about these products and how to purchase them. You may exchange your damaged blue or green bin at the Joint Operations Centre free of cost.

Dispose of hazardous waste?

Some items, such as hazardous waste, electronics, scrap metals, cooking oil, tires, even nail polish need to be dropped off at specific locations as they require special handling. You can bring these items to one of York Region’s waste drop-off depots as they cannot be picked up through regular curbside collection.

Remember: oils, liquids and fats are never to be poured down the drain. This creates build-up in our pipes, making it difficult for wastewater to pass through. Keep the pipes clean by cooling grease in containers, then place the cooled grease in your green bin.

Find the transit schedule?

Taking transit is a sustainable mode of transportation and includes buses, streetcars, subways, and trains. Did you know we have three transit systems available in Vaughan?

York Region Transit (YRT)/Viva

Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

GO Transit

Find trails to cycle or walk?

Cycling and walking are great ways to keep fit, enjoy time outdoors, and are low-carbon mobility options. Learn more about cycling and walking in Vaughan with our Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan.

Check out York Region’s Trail Guide for ways to enjoy the divers landscape, wildlife, and vegetation of the Region’s extensive network of trails and forests.

Reduce my Carbon Footprint?

My carbon what? A carbon footprint measures the amount of carbon emitted by an individual based on their lifestyle choices. Our methods of energy, transportation, even our diet and the clothes we wear influence how many tonnes of carbon we (in)directly emit annually. Here's how you can start minimizing your footprint today:

Avoid plastic altogether - use reusable shopping and produce bags for all your shopping trips, purchase items that are minimally wrapped, or in cardboard/paper, invest in metal straws and water bottles for your home, workplace and car.
Go meatless. Experiment with a more plant-based diet, as animal agriculture contributes mass amount of carbon emissions, and are packaged in non-recyclable packaging.
Be an informed buyer. Purchasing quality, versatile clothing should be your primary decision-maker, rather than what's currently trendy. Fast fashion is often quickly disregarded and ends up in our landfills, producing CO₂ as it decomposes.
Compost and Recycle properly. Thoroughly rinse recyclables before tossing them in the bin. Ensure kitchen scraps are placed into compostable bags before placing in the green bin. Not sure what goes where? Use the City's "What Goes Where" Tool.

Sign up for a community garden?

Community gardens are places where residents and Vaughan businesses can meet to grow and care for fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and ornamental plants. Community gardens support environmental sustainability while creating a vibrant community for nurturing a connection to nature and to each other. Find out more about Vaughan's community gardens.

Contact Information

Phone:
905-832-2281

TTY:
1-866-543-0545

Email:
environment@vaughan.ca

Location:
Vaughan City Hall
Level 200
2141 Major Mackenzie Drive
Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1

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