Litter

Let's talk about litter

To protect our environment for future generations, it’s important for everyone to do their part to keep their community, streets, parks and waterways clean and litter-free.

Why litter is an issue

  • Plastic litter does not break down and can last hundreds of years in our environment
  • Litter can blow into storm drains, creeks, streams, rivers and lakes and contaminate the water and harm aquatic animals
  • Litter can be ingested or cause physical harm to pets and local wildlife
  • Some litter such as needles and broken bottles can injure children and adults
  • Litter is unsightly

What you can do

Prevent litter

  • Always dispose of your waste responsibly
  • Keep your waste until you find the right bin or dispose of it at home
  • Say no to single-use, disposable items and packaging whenever possible
  • Switch to reusable alternatives (e.g. reusable containers, mugs, bottles, bags, cutlery, straws)

Reduce litter

  • Pick up litter during your regular walks or hikes
    • When picking up litter, practice COVID-19 public health and safety measures
      • Litter cleanup should be done with caution
      • Stay home if you are feeling ill or have COVID-19 symptoms
      • It's encouraged to practice physical distancing with anyone outside of your household by staying 2-metres apart
      • It's encouraged to wear a face covering when physical distancing is not possible
      • Wear gloves or use a litter grabber or tongs when picking up litter
      • Properly discard disposable gloves, masks or face coverings in a sealed garbage bag
      • Refer to Ontario’s Litter Cleanup Guide
      • For the most current information on COVID-19, visit york.ca/covid19
  • Participate in or organize local cleanups
    • When organizing a cleanup:
      • Contact your local city or town in advance to determine how to manage the litter you collect
      • Promote your cleanup through social media and use #ActONLitter
      • Tag @YorkRegionGovt and your local city or town
      • Target trails, parks, play areas, vacant lots, parking lots or neighbourhood sidewalks
      • Consider using smaller bags for your cleanup and disposing of in your own personal garbage
      • Use separate bags for recyclables and litter
      • Not sure where it goes? Check our search tool at york.ca/bindicator
      • For helpful tips and checklists refer to Ontario's Litter Cleanup Guide
  • Report illegal dumping - it is a reportable offence and can have significant penalties
    • For Regional roads (main roadways that connect our nine local cities and towns), reports can be made using the York Region Report a Problem mobile app or by emailing @email
    • For city or town streets (neighbourhood roads), please contact the local city or town you are in

General safety tips

  • Do cleanups during daylight when visibility is better
  • Wear a safety vest if near roadsides or high-traffic areas
  • Be cautious of rough, slippery terrain near ravines, riverbanks or stormwater management ponds
  • Be aware of wild animals, insects, hives and nests or harmful weeds such as giant hogweed and poison ivy
  • Contact your local city or town if you encounter dangerous materials; do not pick up:
    • Broken bottles and glass
    • Barbed wire
    • Needles, syringes or sharps
    • Medical waste
    • Pipes
    • Chemicals
    • Debris with sharp or rusted edges
  • Keep hazardous waste separate from garbage and recycling and contact your local town or city for proper disposal. Hazardous waste includes:
    • Batteries
    • Aerosol containers
    • Fluorescent bulbs and tubes
    • Helium or propane tanks/cylinders
    • Report any suspicious items to York Regional Police at 1-866-876-5423

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