Durham Region provides tips to keep wildlife out of your waste

Whitby, Ontario – The Regional Municipality of Durham would like to remind residents of tips to help keep wildlife out of your garbage, green bin and recycling boxes.

Here are some ways to keep animals and bugs away:

Storage and Set-out

• Store your garbage, green bin and recycling boxes inside a garage or shed if possible, or away from fences and rails that can be easily climbed by animals.
• If you store your green bin outside and are worried the latch is not enough to keep the animals out, try using bungee cords or a heavier object on the green bin lid. Just remember to remove these on collection day.
• Set your waste out by 7 a.m. on your collection day and not the night before.
• Keep your meat or fish scraps in the freezer until collection day.
• Use an approved garbage can for your bagged garbage. Note: Garbage cans are not permitted for use in curbside collection in Oshawa and Whitby.
• Keep food waste out of the garbage by using the green bin. The green bin helps keep animal-attracting odours locked in.
• Securely latch the orange lock on your green bin before setting it out.

Containers

• Wash your containers often to reduce odours.
• Make sure all contents are inside the green bin with no bags sticking out.
• Use 100 per cent compostable liner bags inside your green bin. Do not place loose materials inside the bin.
• Sprinkle baking soda into bottom of kitchen catcher to prevent odours and store in a well-ventilated area.
• Add layers of paper (e.g., shredded paper, newspaper, or used paper towel) between food waste to absorb moisture.
• Rinse all your recycling containers before placing inside your containers blue box.

Note: Garbage and green bin collection for Oshawa and Whitby residents is managed by the individual municipalities, not the Region of Durham.

For more information, please visit durham.ca/waste, call 311 (within Regional limits) or 905-668-7711 (toll-free at 1-800-372-1102).

Residents are also encouraged to download the Durham Region Waste and Whitby Waste Buddy Apps to access waste management information.

The Durham Region Waste and Whitby Waste Buddy Apps provide residents with customized collection schedules, reminders about collection days, Know Before You Throw search tool and service alerts. Available on Google Play or in the App Store. Free to download.