Durham Region implements six garbage bag limit and reminds residents of important waste tips

Whitby, Ontario – The Region of Durham, Works Department is advising residents of a six (6) bag limit for garbage, effective March 31 and until further notice. Based on an assessment of our resident’s needs, it was determined that a six (6) bag limit will satisfy the needs of residents during this time.

Residents can help collectors by following these important tips:

• Ensure all garbage is bagged and securely tied, even if it is in garbage cans.
• Ensure all green bin organic waste is bagged in 100 per cent compostable bags.
• Any loose garbage or loose organics will not be collected.
• Recycling must be loose inside your Blue Box, not in plastic bags. Recycling set out in plastic bags will not be collected.
• Reduce the amount of waste as best as possible. Although the Region has relaxed garbage bag limits from four to six bags, it is still important not to overload collection crews unnecessarily. They keep working for all of our benefit. Now is not the time for spring cleaning.
• Resident are asked not to approach collection staff and to respect the physical distancing of two metres (six feet).
• Please put your used gloves in the garbage. Please do not litter.
• Remember to wash your hands after handling waste or recycling. Simple actions will help protect our collectors.

The services below are currently scheduled as normal:

• Weekly Blue Box collection
• Weekly Green Bin collection
• Bi-weekly garbage collection
• Yard waste collection begins the week of April 6 in the Town of Ajax and Municipality of Clarington, the week of April 13 in the City of Pickering and Townships of Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge.
• Curbside battery collection will take place during the week of April 20 to 24.

Regional Waste Management Facilities are currently open Tuesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents are asked to be prepared to make debit or credit card payments only, as cash will not be accepted.

To learn more, visit durham.ca/waste or download the Durham Region Waste App. For information on where to properly dispose of items, visit durham.ca/KnowBeforeYouThrow.

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“We want to take this opportunity to thank our residents for continuing to properly dispose of their recyclables, garbage and organics. We understand this is a challenging time for everyone, but we are committed to continuing to provide our residents with this essential service. Your co-operation with these waste tips will not only help us ensure the health and safety of our workers, but also benefits the community and the environment as a whole.”

- Susan Siopis, Commissioner of Works, Region of Durham

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.