Vaughan litterbugs could face $205 fine as photos surface of discarded disposable gloves
Municipality starting ‘cleanup efforts across the city to clear garbage and debris off public property’ earlier than normal this year amid coronavirus outbreak
Yorkregion.com
April 1, 2020
Dina Al-Shibeeb
Pam Capone shared through social media a photo showing disposable gloves used by vigilant shoppers to avoid catching COVID-19 littering the ground.
She dubbed the move as “disgusting.”
The photo, taken at Walmart in Maple, was posted on March 29, two days after the City of Vaughan reminded its citizens that those who litter and engage in illegal dumping may be subjected to a $205 fine.
“Instances of illegal dumping or litter can be reported to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281. The By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services, Enforcement Services team will investigate and take the appropriate action,” the city said in a statement.
Capone told Yorkregion.com that the city should place “someone at this parking lot to watch for and fine people littering.”
She added, “Such a disappointment in our local people.”
The city is also making another reminder. Those who don’t keep their “private” properties “clear of litter, waste and debris may be subject to a fine of $5,000 for each offence.”
“As well, the City may have the waste and debris removed at the owner’s expense and it may be subject to an Order to Comply, under the Building Code Act. Failing to comply with an order is a chargeable offence,” it added.
City-wide cleanup efforts
Vaughan said on March 27 that in the “coming weeks, City crews will embark on cleanup efforts across the city to clear garbage and debris off public property.”
“The program, which is starting earlier this year than in previous years, will also include street sweeping,” it added.
In addition, during the week of March 31 and April 7 or April 14, “Double-Up Days will be offered on regular collection days, allowing up to six items of garbage to be put out without tags.”
“The City asks that large or bulky items, such as furniture, be held and not placed outside for pickup to help collectors manage the additional garbage volumes.”
Also, to help in “this essential service,” all of the leaf and yard waste collection will be deferred until the week of May 19.
Waste handling tips from the city:
Follow these tips to help keep waste pickup safe for workers:
- Carefully bag all garbage and green bin waste in plastic bags to safely contain the material.
- All personal hygiene and sanitary products, including medical masks, gloves, disinfectant wipes and baby wipes, must be placed in the garbage. Do not place these items in the blue box.
- If anyone in a household is ill, place any item that has come into contact with the mouth, nose or eyes into the garbage. This includes items that would normally be placed into the green bin (tissues, napkins) or blue box (water/beverage bottles, pop cans).
- Do not flush any disinfectant wipes or baby wipes down the toilet as they can damage plumbing and cause sewer blockages and backups.
