To protect the safety of waste collectors, family members and pets, residents are urged to ensure that waste – including sharp objects – is set out in a safe manner. Sharp items, such as broken glass, can cause serious injury when improperly set out in a garbage bag. 

To safely dispose of a sharp object, place it in a puncture-proof container, such as a cardboard box, and label the container with the word “SHARP”. Doing so will let your garbage collector know to handle the item with caution. Set the box out along with your garbage bag(s) on your regular day of collection.

Residents are reminded that used needles and syringes must be returned to a Sharps Collection Program participating pharmacy. For a list of participating locations, visit the Health Steward website.

Whitby’s Waste Management By-Law (5795) identifies sharp items as anything that is not packaged in a manner to prevent a person from being injured. Violations of this By-Law can result in fines up to $500 for individuals.

For more information about safe disposal practices, visit our Waste page.