Resident Responsibilities for Waste

As a resident, understanding Whitby's waste programs is essential for keeping our community clean. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind:

• Waste Placement: Ensure that your waste is placed at the curb by 7 a.m. on your collection day but not before 6 p.m. the evening prior.
• Weight Limits: Garbage bags, green bin organics, and yard waste must not exceed 20 kg (44 lbs).
• Large Item Special Collection: For larger items like furniture or appliances, please book a special collection in advance.
• Proper Sorting: Make sure to sort your waste correctly:
  • Garbage: We only collect garbage in bags, not in cans. Use standard-sized bags (26 inches by 36 inches at the time of purchase). Oversized bags will not be collected. There is a limit of four bags per collection; any additional bags require a pre-purchased bag tag attached to each.
  • Blue Box (Recycling): Circular Materials is responsible for the Blue Box Program, a not-for-profit who represents the producers and importers of the products and packaging collected in the Blue Box. 
  • Green Bin Organics: Please keep Green Bins under 20 kilograms (44 pounds). Bins that are overweight will not be collected.
  • Yard Waste: Leaf and yard waste is collected biweekly from April to November on your regular garbage day; use Kraft paper bags or approved containers, and ensure brush and branches are bundled securely.

Sharp items like broken glass, knives, blades, pointy nails or broken pottery SHOULD NOT be placed loose in your garbage. These items can cause serious injury to your waste collector.

Instead, place these items in a cardboard container, label the box as "SHARP" and set this beside your garbage bag for collection.  

To ensure a smooth and efficient waste collection process, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Make sure your materials are visible and accessible.
• Place your waste at the curb and not on the road way.
• Place all broken glass and sharp objects in a box or container clearly labeled 'Sharp" and set it out beside your regular garbage collection.
• In the winter, be sure to place your materials in a snow cleared portion of the boulevard or driveway do not place your waste on or behind a snow bank.
• Parked cars or snowbanks make it difficult for collection operators to see and collect your waste.
• To reduce worker injury, materials must be placed at ground level at the end of your driveway in an area free of snow and ice.
• Remember that there is no collection service on statutory holidays (with the exception of Boxing day); waste collection is bumped one day after your regular collection.

• Keep the Community Clean: If you notice litter or misplaced trash in a public space, please help keep our community clean by reporting it to us. Contact our team at 905-668-3437 or by email at operations@whitby.ca
• Dispose of Litter Properly: Always use waste bins available in public areas. If a bin is full, find another bin or take your waste home instead of leaving it beside the full bin.
• Always Pick Up After Your Dog: Be a responsible pet owner and clean up after your dog. Consider using compostable pet waste bags, and dispose of litter in a parks waste bin or take your waste home and include it with your weekly green bin pick-up.
• Choose Litter-Free Activities: If you're hosting an outdoor event, use eco-friendly decorations that can be reused and taken home with you. Be sure to offer participants a blue box and green bin at your event so waste can be sorted properly and brought home to be diverted with your curbside collection.
• Organize and Participate in Community Clean-Ups: Get involved in or organize local community clean-ups to reduce litter in parks, trails, and public spaces. 
• Leave No Trace: Follow the principle of "Leave No Trace" by cleaning up after yourself and ensuring that no waste or belongings are left behind.

• Waste Collection: Most businesses in Whitby are not eligible for municipal waste collection services and must arrange private waste collection.
• Approved Containers: If eligible, businesses must use designated containers for different types of waste (e.g., garbage, recyclables, organics).
• Weight Limit: Containers should not exceed 20 kilograms (44 pounds).
• Waste Separation: Properly separate recyclables, organic materials, and residual garbage.
• Prohibited Items: Do not set out prohibited waste as outlined in the by-law.

Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) Support

• Businesses located in the Downtown Whitby BIA may be eligible for waste collection services. For more information contact the operations center 905-668-3437.