Celebrate May with waste reduction: how we can make a difference by acting on litter together
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The Region of Durham is focusing on ways to keep our communities clean and green. The Region is proud to join in observing Ontario’s Provincial Day of Action on Litter Day on May 13. This occasion highlights the impact of litter on our environment and the role we all play in keeping our communities clean. Residents are encouraged to participate in local cleanup efforts, properly dispose of recycling and waste, as well as help spread awareness on litter prevention. Together, small actions can lead to big environmental changes.
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks invites residents to participate in the sixth annual Day of Action on Litter on Tuesday, May 13.
Here’s how you can get involved:
Access educational resources
Learn more about litter prevention and waste management using the Day of Action on Litter Toolkit. Find helpful tips and guidelines for organizing cleanups, especially with schools and youth, using the Litter Cleanup Guides.
Share your efforts on social media
Post before-and-after photos using the hashtag #actONlitter and follow @ONenvironment for more shareable content.
What you can do to put litter in its proper place
Reducing waste
Give old products new life by finding ways to repair, repurpose or donate items instead of discarding. Explore Circular Innovation Council’s Share, Reuse, Repair Hub to find what options are available near you!
Curbside Giveaway Day
On June 14, Durham Region in partnership with our local municipalities will be hosting a Curbside Giveaway Day, where residents can place gently used items at the curb, marked "Free", for others to take and enjoy. It’s a great way to reduce waste while allowing a neighbour to continue to enjoy the product. Unclaimed items can be brought inside or donated. Learn more about how to participate at Special Events in Waste Management - Region of Durham.
Diverting waste
Maximize waste diversion by properly sorting items in your Green Bin and Blue Box and ensuring recyclables and garbage are sorted correctly when cleaning up litter. Ensure waste is securely contained and bins are not overflowing on collection day to prevent wind-blown debris. Stay informed about all the waste management programs available to you and actively participate in them.
Preventing litter
When you’re on the go, make sure to dispose of waste in designated bins instead of leaving it behind. Whenever possible, opt for reuseable containers and minimize the use of single-use plastics.
Cleaning up litter
Encourage others to dispose of waste properly by setting a positive example and supporting local clean-up initiatives. Careless littering and illegal dumping are widespread issues negatively impacting public spaces across the region. These actions harm local ecosystems, erode outdoor community spaces and contribute to ongoing environmental concerns that require proactive solutions and collective responsibility.
Spring cleaning for a cleaner community
Spring is the ideal time to embrace sustainable habits and reduce litter. By sorting your waste correctly, choosing reusable items and responsibly disposing of unwanted belongings through donation or repurposing, we can prevent waste and litter from accumulating in our neighborhoods and natural spaces. Small efforts at home can contribute to a cleaner, greener environment for everyone.
For more waste diversion tips and programs, visit Durham Region’s Waste Management web page. Small actions add up—let’s keep our communities clean and green!
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