Littering? That's so trash.
Littering and illegal dumping are not harmless habits - they damage our environment, threaten wildlife, drain public resources, and take a real toll on the community we all share.
In spring 2025, the City of Pickering launched a bold campaign to push back against careless and illegal behaviour and empower residents to speak up. Since then, more than 300 cases have been reported through the City’s Customer Care Centre - a 25 per cent increase that shows the community is paying attention and taking action.
That action is making a difference. Municipal Law Enforcement has increased patrols in high-complaint areas and continues to pursue charges where evidence permits. Since the campaign began, the City has laid more than 45 charges for illegal dumping, sending a clear message that this behaviour will not be ignored.
When charges cannot be laid, the City continues the work through education, awareness, and community outreach. Recent efforts include a printed pamphlet with a multilingual explainer in Pickering’s top eight languages, along with an online guide that can be translated into more than 100 languages.
A cleaner Pickering starts with all of us. When the community reports, responds, and stands together, we are stronger - and those who disrespect our city are put on notice.
Littering? That’s So Trash is a campaign designed to promote accountability and inspire change.
Borrowing from a phrase popularized through social media and online culture, the campaign uses familiar language to call out behaviour that is careless, harmful, and socially unacceptable. By giving the phrase a literal and local meaning, the City reinforces a message of environmental responsibility, civic pride, and collective action.
Get Involved:
1. View the our Educational Waste Guides
View the City's new Educational Guide here! Printed copies will also be made available at City facilities. You can also view a more detailed Region of Durham guide here.
2. Participate in a Community Cleanup
- Register to host a community cleanup during the spring and summer months. Bags and gloves will be provided while quantities last. Register here.
Share photos from your events (tag @CityOfPickering and use the hashtag #ThatsSoTrash - you could be featured next on the City's social media channels).

3. Social Media Toolkit - Save, Share, and Inspire
Help us spread the word and inspire change.
We've made a Social Media Toolkit available to you on the project page. Save any photos you want from here and share on your own social media channels! All you have to do is tag @CityOfPickering and use the hashtag #ThatsSoTrash
4. Print Toolkit - Save, Print, and Inspire
A Print Toolkit is available on the project page, which includes posters and flyers designed to spread awareness.
Download, print, and display them in your school, business, or community to help raise awareness and inspire action against littering.
5. Explore our Resources
We've compiled a variety of useful information and resources for you on this project page. If you're looking for any additional information, please contact us at sustainability@pickering.ca
6. See bad behaviour? Report it!
If you witness littering or illegal dumping, please gather as much information as possible (description of individuals, vehicle plates, and locations) and report it to the City's Customer Care Centre:
- 905.683.7575
- customercare@pickering.ca
You can also report below using our Report Tool.
Thank you for being a community champion.
This campaign aims to raise awareness and influence behavioural change around careless littering and illegal dumping. Thank you for your support!

















