Litter ranges from candy wrappers and beverage containers to cigarette butts and unwanted appliances. It accumulates on our streets, parks, streams, ravines and the countryside. Weather plays a big role - when it is windy, waste put out for collection can get blown all over the neighbourhood.
If you witness someone dumping garbage on city property, contact the city's Roads, Parks and Forestry Department at 905-333-6166.
Community Clean up Events
Clean Up Green Up
Annual Earth Day Celebration
Every year, to celebrate Earth Day in April, a city-wide clean up is organized where everyone can help pick up litter in their neighbourhoods and parks. The annual community event is organized by BurlingtonGreen, which also provides all the necessary material for the event.
In addition to the annual city clean up event, there are other ongoing events organized around the community. Please go to the city's events calendar for local clean up events throughout the year.
Organize a Neighbourhood Clean Up
Community Earth Day events
Do you want to organize a local clean up with your neighbours or a community group? You can now do this through the Love My Hood program.
- One of the toolkits available through the Love My Hood program is a "greening kit." This kits includes:
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Package of garbage bags
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Package of clear recycling bags
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Pack of leaf bags
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Garbage pickers -5
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Cloth gloves -10 sets
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Plastic gloves - 10 sets
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Safety vests - 10
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- You can book a toolkit on your event application or through events staff by email at LoveMyHood@burlington.ca or phone at 905-335-7600, ext. 7391.
Tips for Organizing a Neighbourhood Clean up
- Visit the area ahead of time to identify possible hazards - do not put participants in unsafe situations.
- Ensure you have enough adult supervision.
- Determine if you need any equipment (e.g. safety vests, rakes, shovels). Some equipment can be supplied through the Love My Hood program.
- Have a first aid kit available.
- Work in small groups.
- Each person should have at least one glove on.
- Remind children to ask an adult if an item is safe to pick up if they are unsure.
- Bring water and snacks - keep hydrated.
- Have sunscreen and insect repellant available.
- Have fun!
Schools
- Raise awareness about litter and the environment - organize a litter poster contest. Ask a local business to sponsor a prize.
- Reduce waste - challenge classrooms to bring litterless lunches.
- Organize clean-up events in the school yard.
- Appoint litter ambassadors and provide incentives to students to encourage them not to litter.