Keep our streets ‘boo-tiful’!

Candy wrappers belong in the garbage, not on the ground

Litter should not add to the fright of Halloween! As you prepare to head out for a night of trick-or-treating, remember that candy wrappers belong in the garbage, not on the ground or in your blue box – none of them are recyclable in Vaughan. Let’s all work together to keep our neighbourhoods safe, clean and beautiful.

Our fall cleanup efforts continue with crews collecting litter from Vaughan’s parks, trails, open spaces, city boulevards and sidewalks. Approximately 965 tonnes of litter and illegal dumping have already been removed this year from City-owned property. Add to the solution, not the problem!

Here’s how you can help:

• Reuse and refill. Bring a reusable bag or basket for trick-or-treating and keep your decorations to use again next year. Bring a reusable cup while walking or on the go, and take cloth tote bags with you when shopping.

• Properly dispose of waste on your property.  Keeping your property clear of litter, waste and debris is required under the City of Vaughan’s Dumping By-law (PDF); failure to do so may come with a notice to clean up your property and/or receive a fine of at least $500. Failure to comply with a notice is also 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, on public or private property, report it to Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or service@vaughan.ca. 

• Bag and bin pet waste. When walking outside with your pets, clean up after them and use the public waste bins provided. If the bins are full, take pet waste home. It belongs in the green bin at home or waste bins out in the community. You must pick up after your pet. The fine for failing to do so is $200. 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. Doing so will generate a service request for staff to action in priority sequence. Submitting reports while out in the community has never been easier – the SmartParks program is available at all City-owned parks – simply scan the QR code to report overflowing bins. 

Not only is proper disposal of waste the neighbourly thing to do – it’s also the law! Did you know that littering and illegal dumping are against the law and may be subject to a fine of at least $500?

Fines aside, littering negatively impacts the health, safety and well-being of the community and environment. It’s also dangerous for pets and wildlife as they may eat or be injured by discarded items. By helping to reduce litter, you demonstrate respect for your neighbours and shared community spaces. 

Don’t forget to recycle!

For those Halloween items that are recyclable, place items in the blue box and follow proper waste set out guidelines. Unsure where to dispose of an item? When in doubt, use the City’s ‘What Goes Where?’ tool!

Here are a few tips to keep in mind ahead of your next collection day:

• Do not overfill your blue box. Leave space (at least 7.5 centimetres or three inches) at the top of the box. 

• Purchase additional blue boxes or use a larger blue box (up to 121 litres, with no attached lid or wheels) if you have too many materials. Blue boxes can be purchased through Service Vaughan and delivered to your home until Dec. 31, 2025. 

• Place heavier items, such as glass bottles and jars, on top of lighter ones, such as paper and plastic containers, so they don’t blow away on windy days.

• Flatten, cut down and bundle cardboard securely, and pack them in the blue box carefully. 

• Consider putting your recycling out the morning of your collection day if there’s rainy or windy weather in the overnight forecast. Or wait until the following week to set out these items. We collect unlimited blue box items weekly!

To read more about the City’s commitment to protecting the environment, and fostering a sustainable community today and for future generations, visit vaughan.ca/litter.

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