Because You Asked: Let’s Talk Waste

Because you Asked is a new feature on my social media channels and in my monthly

newsletter! I use this space to provide helpful context and information about issues the

community is asking about.

Today we’re talking about waste. It can be confusing to figure out what you’re allowed to put out at the curb, who picks it up and when – especially in light of some recent changes!

The Town of Whitby collects garbage every other week on your regular collection day. If

you need to put out more than the four permitted bags, you can buy bag tags from the

Town a cost of five for $12.50. Bag tags can be purchased in-person at Town facilities or

ordered online here.  

Not sure what your collection day is? You can find the waste calendar here, or download the Whitby Waste Buddy app.

The Town of Whitby is responsible for collecting green bin (organic) waste weekly on your regular collection day. Starting July 1, 2024, more items will be accepted in the green bin, including diapers, pet waste, and sanitary products. If you’ve recently moved into a new home or need a replacement for a broken green bin, the Region of Durham provides new and replacement bins. You can also purchase an extra green bin for a fee.

Please note that as of July 1, 2024, the Region of Durham will no longer manage the blue box recycling program in Whitby. Instead, Circular Materials, a national not-for-profit organization representing producers and importers of recyclable products, will take over. This shift is part of the province’s efforts to transfer recycling responsibility from municipalities to producers, with the aim of expanding recycling services to more communities and standardizing what can be recycled. Blue box recycling will continue to be collected weekly on your regular collection day by GFL Environmental Inc.

For questions or concerns about blue box collection or to request a new blue box, email

gflenv.com/canadarecycles or call 1-855-577-4351. 

If you’re not sure how to dispose of a specific item, use the Whitby Waste Wizard to look

it up! For more information including yard waste, large item collection, hazardous

materials and more, visit https://www.whitby.ca/en/live/garbage-and-recycling.aspx