Litter and Clean ups

The City of Burlington is committed to maintaining a clean and safe community. By accumulating in our streets, parks, streams, ravines and countryside, litter harms the environment and can be a health hazard.

Waste management in Burlington

Halton Region provides residents with a variety of curbside collection services. These services include Blue Box, Green Cart, Garbage, Bulk Waste, and Yard Waste. For regional recycling and waste information, visit the Halton Region website. 

Illegal dumping

Dumping household waste in and around public litter bins, or in non-designated areas is illegal.

Halton Region’s Consolidated-Waste-Management By-Law 123-12 prohibits illegal dumping on private and public property.

As per Exterior Property Maintenance By-Law 049-2022, the City of Burlington does not permit littering or dumping of any waste on any property. Illegal dumping, including littering is strictly prohibited and enforced.

Commonly dumped items:

  • Household garbage
  • Business trash
  • Construction and demolition material(s)
  • Appliances
  • Furniture
  • Car parts and tires
  • Landscaping and yard waste
  • Chemical and medical waste

If you notice someone illegally dumping waste or bulk items on private property in Burlington call Halton Region or the City of Burlington.

If you see someone dumping garbage on City property, such as a park, trail or recreation facility:

If you witness dumping in the moment, you may also call the Halton Regional Police Service non-emergency line (905-825-4777). Catching the person(s) doing the dumping in the act greatly increases the ability to prosecute the offenders.

Participate in BurlingtonGreen's annual community clean up

Sponsored by the City and local partners, BurlingtonGreen hosts city-wide community clean up events from early spring through fall, inviting all sectors of the community to organize and register their own clean ups of local parks, school yards, natural areas and neighbourhoods.

Free clean up supplies, activity instructions, prizes, and more contribute to this impactful opportunity which typically sees 10,000 participants each year!

Additional event activities take place every April near Earth Day (April 22) and an annual Green Up tree planting event hosted with the City's Forestry team also invites community participation each spring.

Learn more about how you can participate in these popular events to create a healthier, cleaner and greener Burlington.

Litter and clean ups frequently asked questions (FAQs)

If you notice someone illegally dumping waste or bulk items on private property in Burlington, notify the Region or the City.

Yes. Illegal dumping is enforced by the City and the Region. Illegal dumping and littering may result in fines up to and including a court summons.

When you call Halton Region or the City of Burlington to report dumping, your witness statement should include all relevant details such as:

  • Time
  • Location
  • Vehicle description and licence plate number
  • Description of the person doing the dumping, and if possible, a photo of the person

If you find hazardous waste on your property, contact the provincial Spills Action Centre:

When it is windy, waste placed at the curb-side for collection can get blown throughout the neighbourhood. Everyone can do their part to reduce litter and keep Burlington clean by:

  • Choosing reusable products instead of disposable ones
  • Picking up litter when you see it and disposing of it
  • Putting your garbage out for collection as close to pick-up time as possible
  • Securing items in your blue bin
  • Taking litter home with you if there is no opportunity to dispose of it

Contact Us

Environmental Sustainability
426 Brant St., PO Box 5013
Burlington, ON  L7R 3Z6

Phone: 905-335-7777
Email Environmental Sustainability

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