You asked, we answered
Every month, the City highlights the commonly asked questions received by the public and responded to by Service Vaughan in a series called ‘You asked, we answered.’
Here are the top five inquiries from January:
1. What are the province-wide changes to blue box collection that came into effect?
The Province of Ontario introduced a new blue box collection system, as of Jan. 1, 2026. Producers of recyclable materials are now operationally and financially responsible for residential blue box collection programs across the province. This means producers will oversee the collecting, sorting and recycling of all blue box materials. For more information, visit Circular Materials’ webpage.
As part of this transition, the City no longer handles customer service inquiries related to blue boxes or recycling collection. All inquiries about recycling collection, including missed pickups, collection delays, damaged bins and more, can be directed to Miller Waste Systems – Vaughan’s waste collectors. You can call them at 1-855-752-3762 or email them at
2. How do I set out my waste in the winter?
In the winter, garbage, and green bins should be placed approximately one metre (three feet) from the curb on the right-hand side of the driveway (when facing the home) where possible, to minimize the chance of bins being knocked over or damaged by plows. This allows your waste to be collected safely, and snow to be cleared effectively and efficiently. Do not place bins on top of snow piles as this can be dangerous for collectors reaching for your bins. Be sure to dig your bins and bags out of snow, crews will not return to collect waste if it is not accessible at collection time.
Remember to place all items curbside by 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. Staff will not return for materials set out late. Pickup times may be impacted by winter weather.
For more information, visit the Winter Waste Set-out webpage.
3. How do I request winter maintenance on my street or sidewalk?
You can request winter maintenance, like snowplowing on your street, a sidewalk or walkway, through Service Vaughan’s online portal under ‘Winter Maintenance’. Enter your address or drop a pin on the map to submit a request and crews will respond in priority sequence.
To report a winter-related municipal emergency or problem that requires immediate attention – such as an icy road or sidewalk, or icy crosswalk in a school zone – call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281.
4. How do I appeal a parking or by-law penalty issued by the City of Vaughan?
Penalty notices are issued for violations of City of Vaughan by-laws, including the Parking By-law (PDF). Within the prescribed timelines, recipients must either pay or appeal the penalty by requesting a review by a Screening Officer.
Requests for Screening Officer review of a penalty must be received no later than 15 days from the date the penalty notice was served. Recipients can complete an online appeal at vaughan.ca/PenaltyAppeals, or request a telephone appointment to speak to a Screening Officer by calling the City at 905-832-2281 or emailing bylaw@vaughan.ca.
If you are not the registered vehicle owner or the contravener named on the penalty notice, you will need to submit a completed Agent Authorization Form (PDF) to appeal on the owner’s behalf.
If you are not satisfied with the decision of the Screening Officer, you may request a Hearing Review. A request must be made within 15 days following the receipt of the Screening Officer’s decision.
5. How can I register my kids for March Break Camps or Family Day programs?
March Break camps run at select community centres and the Vaughan Studios & Event Space (200 Apple Mill Rd.) from Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with flexible drop-off and pickup available from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at select locations. Choose from a wide variety of camps – creative and culinary arts, sports, animation, aquatics and more! For more information and to register, visit vaughan.ca/camps!
Additionally, Family Day takes place on Monday, Feb. 16. Enjoy quality time with your children and register for affordable, fun Family Day programs for only $5!
Check out the Winter Recreation eGuide to view all the cool and exciting activities we have to offer and head over to vaughan.perfectmind.com to register!
The online registration system is available 24-7 and features enhanced search filters, allowing you to sort by level, location, day and time. If you require assistance creating an online PerfectMind registration account, call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281, email rec@vaughan.ca or watch this short informational video.
Have more questions? We’re here to help. The City of Vaughan’s contact centre can be reached by phone at 905-832-2281 (toll free at 1-844-832-2112), by email at service@vaughan.ca, online at vaughan.ca/ServiceVaughan or in person at Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.).
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