Richmond Hill works to tackle uncollected curbside waste

Residents may face a fine up to $100 for contravening the city's bylaw

Yorkregion.com
October 29, 2020
Sheila Wang

As the pandemic forces people to stay in their homes longer than ever, it also drives up the amount of garbage being hauled to the curb.

The City of Richmond Hill reminded residents in a public service announcement not to leave waste at the curb outside of scheduled collection days, warning of a fine up to $100 for contravening the waste bylaw.

The city issued the announcement Oct. 26 after receiving complaints from the community about uncollected waste at the curb for prolonged periods of time.

City staff will investigate the property once complaints are received, and will provide the resident with an educational notice in the form of a door hanger.

The resident will be asked to remove the waste from the curb immediately. Failure to comply within 48 hours will result in a fine up to $100.

The city noted items often left at the curb outside of waste collection included furniture, toilets, garbage bags, construction material, hazardous and electronic waste, which was a result of a move out, renovations or upgrading items in the home.

Residents are reminded that:

• Waste must be placed at the curb no earlier than 6 p.m. on the evening prior to collection and any uncollected waste and empty containers must be removed from the curb by 9 p.m. on collection day.

• Richmond Hill’s current garbage limit is three bags or items per collection day. If you have more than three items, you must use garbage tags for the extra items to be collected. Garbage tags can be purchased at the Operations Centre and all Richmond Hill libraries during modified business hours.

• A garbage item means a garbage bag, bundle, garbage can (maximum 125 litres or 33 gallons) or a piece of furniture (maximum 150 pounds and/or 1.83 metres in length).

• Electronic, hazardous and construction waste is not accepted in the curbside collection program. These materials must be taken to a York Region depot for disposal. Visit York.ca/WasteDepots for locations, hours of operation and a list of what’s accepted.

• Large appliances are collected for free by appointment. Call 905-771-8800 or book online at RichmondHill.ca/Appliance.

• For safety reasons, toilets set out at the curb must be separated into two pieces (tank and bowl) unless it is a one piece toilet and separation is not possible.

Visit RichmondHill.ca/Waste for more information about the city’s waste collection program.