Be part of the solution to plastic pollution
On the go this summer? Bring a reusable water bottle and help reduce plastic waste. This Plastic Free July, choose reusable alternatives and do your part to keep Vaughan's parks, trails and greenspaces litter-free.
The City of Vaughan’s crews work around the clock to ensure everyone can enjoy the city’s many public spaces, collecting 4,552 bags of litter from City-owned land so far this year. But we need your help, too!
From our outdoor spaces to yours, here's how you can help keep our community litter-free:
Organize a community cleanup. Upon request, the City can provide supplies – such as garbage bags and gloves – for a cleanup in one of Vaughan’s parks, neighbourhoods, trails or open spaces. City staff will pick up the collected litter following the event. Get started by visiting the Community Cleanup program webpage.
Adopt your local park. Community groups, businesses and residents can make a positive impact by helping keep neighbourhood parks clean, safe and beautiful. Through the Adopt-a-Park program, you commit to at least two litter cleanups per year. The City provides support, resources and recognition – you provide the helping hands that keep our parks welcoming and well maintained!
Show your pride of ownership by keeping your property clean. Your neighbours will thank you! Keeping your property clear of litter, waste and debris isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s the law. Failure to do so may come with a notice to clean up your property and/or a monetary penalty for each offence. Failure to comply with a notice is a chargeable offence and may result in the City removing the waste and debris at your expense.
Report littering and illegal dumping. Littering and illegal dumping are prohibited under the City’s Dumping By-law (PDF). If you witness either of these actions, report it to Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or service@vaughan.ca.
Reuse and refill. Bring a reusable water bottle or cup while on the go and take cloth tote bags with you when shopping instead of disposable alternatives.
Bag and bin pet waste. When walking your pets, always clean up after them and use the public waste bins provided. If a bin is full, take pet waste home. It belongs in the green bin at home or waste bins out in the community. Failure to pick up after your pet may result in a $200 fine. To report pet waste on public property, call 905-832-2281 or email service@vaughan.ca.
Report full or overfilled public bins. If you notice full or overflowing bins around the community, report it to Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or service@vaughan.ca. Reports generate a service request for staff to address in priority sequence. Reporting issues is easier than ever thanks to the SmartParks program, available at all City-owned parks. Simply scan the QR code to report overflowing bins.
This Plastic Free July, take action to reduce waste by choosing reusable alternatives and disposing of litter properly. Small changes in our daily habits can have a big impact on the environment, helping to protect local wildlife, reduce pollution and keep Vaughan's parks, trails and greenspaces clean for everyone. Together, we can be part of the solution.
Unsure where to dispose of an item? When in doubt, use the City of Vaughan’s ‘What Goes Where?’ tool! You can also download the Recycle Coach app to your device through the Apple App Store or Google Play to help determine what goes where. The app provides ‘waste-less’ tips and a personalized collection schedule with optional alerts on what to put at the curb each week.
To read more about the City’s commitment to protecting and respecting the environment and fostering a sustainable community today and for future generations, visit vaughan.ca/litter.
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