Residents Responsibilities for Waste

As a resident in Whitby, you play a vital role in keeping our community clean. Understanding Whitby's waste programs and your role as a resident is essential for us to do our part to collect waste efficiently. View what materials we will pick-up.

Homeowner and Renter Responsibilities

Key Considerations for Residents

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.

Additional Tips

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.

Community Responsibilities

Community waste support: 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 905-668-3437, and we’ll take care of the clean-up!
Dispose of Litter Properly: Always use designated trash and recycling bins 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: Use compostable pet waste bags every time you visit the dog park. These bags are accepted in the Town's Green Bin program, so take them home and include them in your weekly pick-up.
Choose Litter-Free Activities: If you're hosting an outdoor event, use eco-friendly decorations and ensure waste is properly collected.
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.

Business Responsibilities

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 have access to special waste collection provisions. Specific details can be obtained from the BIA (905) 431-3271 || info@whitbybia.org.

Eligible Businesses

Mixed Commercial/Residential: Properties that include both residential and commercial uses may qualify for municipal waste collection.
Commissioner's Discretion: The Commissioner can deem certain properties eligible based on specific circumstances.

Questions regarding business waste collection services or eligibility:

Town of Whitby Public Works Department
- Phone: 905-668-3437

Report a Waste Issue - Before You Call

If your waste wasn't picked up, please ensure you've checked for common set-out mistakes related to garbage, blue bins, green bins, yard waste, and more. If you have verified that everything is in order and still wish to report a missed collection, please use the form below or contact us at 905-668-3437. Learn more about our Waste Collection services by reviewing our By-law 7812-21.