Welcoming a litter-free winter wonderland!

Vaughan’s outdoor spaces are ‘snow’ place for litter! As we prepare for more flurries, let’s work together to keep Vaughan safe, clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy. 

Litter left on the ground damages soil and nearby ecosystems, but this can be avoided with proper waste-disposal etiquette. Let’s work together to make sure trash ends up where it belongs – in the garbage, blue box or green bin – and not on our roads, walkways or in parks. 

Everyone has a role to play in keeping our community clean this winter season – and beyond.

Here’s how you can help: 

• 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.
• 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. 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.

Not only is proper disposal of waste the neighbourly thing to do – it’s also the law! 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. 

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.

Preparing waste set-out in the winter

During the winter, remember to set waste bins back from the curb approximately one metre on the right-hand side of the driveway (when facing the home). They should never be placed on top of, behind or buried in snowbanks. This allows for winter maintenance crews to efficiently clear snow in residential areas.

Don’t forget to recycle!

Help reduce litter in your neighbourhood by putting your recyclables in the blue box and following proper waste set-out guidelines. For more information, visit vaughan.ca/BlueBox.

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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