Spring cleaning starts with you!

Pick up litter uncovered from the melting snow

Spring is on its way! While we're excited for the warmer weather, melting snow may uncover litter you didn’t know was there. Let's work together to ensure trash ends up where it belongs, not on our roads, walkways or parks.

Did you know, litter damages soil and nearby ecosystems? We can avoid this with proper waste disposal. If you’re not sure where an item belongs, use the City of Vaughan’s ‘What Goes Where?’ tool! You can also download the Recycle Coach app to your smart 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.

Approximately 17,800 bags of litter and 1,058 tonnes of debris were removed from City-owned land in 2025. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – littering and illegal dumping are against the law and may be subject to a fine of at least $500.

Here’s how you can help:

• 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.
• Participate in Double-Up Days. If you have extra garbage to get rid of, take advantage of the City’s Double-Up Days program during the weeks of March 24 and March 31. Check out the waste collection schedule or a full list of Double-Up Days taking place this year.
• Properly dispose of waste on your property. Keeping your property clear of litter, waste and debris is required under the City’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, report it to Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or service@vaughan.ca. 
• Reuse and refill. Bring a reusable bottle while on the go and take cloth tote bags with you when shopping instead of disposable alternatives that cause excess waste.
• 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. As a reminder, 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 thanks to the SmartParks program, which is available at all City-owned parks. Simply scan the QR code to report overflowing bins.

Fines aside, littering negatively impacts the health, safety and well-being of the community and the 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.

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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