Trash

Littering and illegal dumping harm wildlife, pose health risks, and lead to costly cleanups paid for by taxpayers. We all share the responsibility of keeping Pickering clean and safe. The below explains how to dispose of waste properly and understand the fines and reporting process related to littering and illegal dumping. View this information in over 100 different languages, powered by Google Translate and visit LetsTalkPickering.ca to explore additional resources. 

Littering? That’s so Trash 

Pickering is calling out littering and illegal dumping for what it is: lazy, destructive, and disrespectful. It harms wildlife, creates unsanitary conditions, and results in costly cleanups funded by taxpayers.

Being informed and keeping our city clean is a shared duty. Small, mindful actions, like disposing of waste properly, can make a big difference.

By shifting behaviours, we can create a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable Pickering.

Littering and illegal dumping harm wildlife, pose health risks, and lead to costly cleanups paid for by taxpayers. We all share the responsibility of keeping Pickering clean and safe. Use this guide to learn how to dispose of waste properly and understand the fines and reporting process related to littering and illegal dumping. Visit pickering.ca/Trash to view this information in over 100 different languages, powered by Google Translate. 

Know Before You Throw! What Goes Where? 

We get it - figuring out where to dispose of old furniture, baby diapers, or mystery items can be confusing. Luckily, the Region of Durham has an easy-to-use online tool. Just type in your item, and it tells you how to recycle or dispose of it.

Common Items and Where They Belong

Furniture and large items

Mattress
Picked up on your regular garbage day (every other week).
No appointment needed - just place it at the curb. Two item limit per collection.

Porcelain Bathtub
Picked up by appointment only.
Book through the Durham Region Waste App or Call 311 (within Regional limits) or 1.800.372.1102 to schedule your pickup.

Green Bin Waste

Baby Diapers & Pet Waste
Place in your Green Bin at the curb by 7 am on collection day. Green Bins cannot weigh more than 20 kilograms (44 pounds). 
Use compostable bags for items like diapers, menstrual/incontinence products, pet waste, and kitty litter. 
Loose material will not be collected.

Household Hazardous Waste

Examples: batteries, medications, paint, and motor oil
Not accepted in your curbside garbage.
Drop off for free at a local Waste Management Facility.

Visit durham.ca/waste for details.

Garbage Bag Tags

You can set out up to four garbage bags or cans at the curb every other week.

Additional bags or cans must have garbage bag tags attached.
Cost: $2.50 per tag (sold in sheets of 5 for $12.50)

Online or by phone (through the Region of Durham):

• Visit: municipal311.ca
• Call: 311 (within Regional limits), 905.668.7711, or toll-free 1.800.372.1102

Shipping: Orders are processed and mailed within two business days. Please plan ahead, as the Region of Durham is not responsible for postal delays.

Order in-person:
Pickering City Hall (second floor)
Debit or credit only. No cash accepted.

• Do: 4 black bags + two extra bags with visible tag symbols
• Don’t: six untagged black bags sitting at the curb

Waste Management Facilities 

Old fridge, broken furniture, or leftover renovation debris? Head to a Waste Management Facility instead of trashing our trails and ravines.

Here’s how easy it is:

1. Load up your vehicle
2. Get weighed at the gate
3. Unload your items in the designated areas
4. Weigh out and pay

• Only $7 for loads up to 40 kilograms (88 pounds).
• A smart, affordable way to dispose of waste responsibly.
• A small price to pay compared to the hefty fines for illegal dumping.

Visit durham.ca/waste for details.

Proper Waste Set Out

To make sure your garbage, recycling, and green bin materials are collected:

• Set your waste out by 7 am on your collection day.
• Keep the weight down. Containers and bags should weigh no more than 20 kilograms (44 pounds).
• Maximum four garbage bags or cans at the curb every other week. Additional bags must have garbage bag tags attached.
• Ensure all garbage is bagged and securely tied. Any loose garbage will not be collected.
• Ensure all green bin material is bagged in 100 per cent compostable bags. 
• Don’t overfill your blue boxes. Keep material below the rim. 
• Avoid accidents. Wrap broken glass and sharp objects in a cardboard box, clearly labelled as “Sharp Objects” before setting it out beside your garbage for collection.
• Avoid injuries. Do not put needles, syringes or lancets in your garbage, blue box or green bin. Please visit a local pharmacy to receive a free approved sharps container.

Trash Mountains

Surprisingly, we still come across piles of untagged, loose, or improperly set out garbage - what we’ve come to call “trash mountains” in some neighbourhoods.

This is not acceptable. Garbage piled like this will not be collected on regular waste collection days. It creates mess, health hazards, and extra cleanup costs for Pickering property taxpayers. 

Illegal Dumping costs us all 

Dumping waste where it doesn’t belong leads to expensive cleanups paid for by taxpayers.

Municipal Law Enforcement has ramped up patrols in high-complaint areas, and when there is enough evidence, pursue charges aggressively. Over the past several months, the City has laid over 30 charges for illegal dumping, demonstrating that enforcement is happening and offenders are being held accountable. When a charge isn’t possible, they rely on education and public awareness - made more powerful by your support and our campaign materials.

Thank you to everyone who is helping to spotlight this issue, share key messages, and elevate the importance of civic responsibility.

Together, we’re protecting Pickering’s beauty, pride, and environmental integrity - one action at a time.

See It? Report It.

If you witness illegal dumping, help us take action.

Report it by calling 905.683.7575 or emailing customercare@pickering.ca.

When possible, include helpful details like:

• Location of the dumping
• Description of individuals or vehicles
• Licence plate numbers
• Photos or videos

Your report helps us investigate faster and hold offenders accountable.

By standing up against littering and dumping, we show pride in our community and protect the environment we all share.