Littering? That's so trash.

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In 2024, the City of Pickering responded to over 240 cases of careless littering and illegal dumping reported through our Customer Care Centre.

Each instance not only pollutes Pickering's natural public spaces, but also endangers wildlife, disrupts local ecosystems, and strains community resources.

That's why we're inviting you to learn more and take action with 'Littering? That's So Trash' - a campaign designed to promote accountability and inspire change.

‘That’s so trash’ has evolved beyond its literal meaning of garbage, gaining popularity in online communities and social media as a way to call out something undesirable. Among Millennials and Gen Z, 'trash' has been widely adopted as slang to describe something low-quality, undesirable, or socially unacceptable, making it an effective and relatable term for this campaign. By repurposing this phrase, the City highlights the shameful nature of littering while fostering a sense of community pride and environmental responsibility.

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:

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!

Municipal Law Enforcement has increased patrols in areas with high complaint volumes and continues to pursue charges where there is sufficient evidence. In recent months, the City has laid more than 30 charges for illegal dumping – a clear sign that enforcement is active and offenders are being held accountable.

In situations where charges can’t be laid, our team focuses on education and public awareness. These efforts are strengthened by campaign materials and community engagement.

In 2024, the City of Pickering responded to over 240 cases of careless littering and illegal dumping reported through our Customer Care Centre.

Each instance not only pollutes Pickering's natural public spaces, but also endangers wildlife, disrupts local ecosystems, and strains community resources.

That's why we're inviting you to learn more and take action with 'Littering? That's So Trash' - a campaign designed to promote accountability and inspire change.

‘That’s so trash’ has evolved beyond its literal meaning of garbage, gaining popularity in online communities and social media as a way to call out something undesirable. Among Millennials and Gen Z, 'trash' has been widely adopted as slang to describe something low-quality, undesirable, or socially unacceptable, making it an effective and relatable term for this campaign. By repurposing this phrase, the City highlights the shameful nature of littering while fostering a sense of community pride and environmental responsibility.

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:

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!

Municipal Law Enforcement has increased patrols in areas with high complaint volumes and continues to pursue charges where there is sufficient evidence. In recent months, the City has laid more than 30 charges for illegal dumping – a clear sign that enforcement is active and offenders are being held accountable.

In situations where charges can’t be laid, our team focuses on education and public awareness. These efforts are strengthened by campaign materials and community engagement.

  • Pickering takes part in 'Clear Your Gear' project to support wildlife safety at waterfront

    Share Pickering takes part in 'Clear Your Gear' project to support wildlife safety at waterfront on Facebook Share Pickering takes part in 'Clear Your Gear' project to support wildlife safety at waterfront on Twitter Share Pickering takes part in 'Clear Your Gear' project to support wildlife safety at waterfront on Linkedin Email Pickering takes part in 'Clear Your Gear' project to support wildlife safety at waterfront link

    Pickering, ON, August 18, 2022 – Yesterday, the City of Pickering and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) unveiled the City’s new fishing line receptacles, part of the ‘Clear Your Gear’ project, a volunteer-led fishing recycling network that keeps wildlife and residents safe from improperly disposed of fishing lines.

    Improper disposal of fishing lines can pose a major safety risk to wildlife, people, and property. To help, the City has installed six fishing line receptacles along Pickering’s waterfront.

    These receptacles will help ensure that all fishing lines can be properly disposed of, and that Pickering’s waterfront area is kept safe for all.

    How it works:

    1. Visitors will deposit their used fishing lines into the receptacles
    2. City staff will empty the receptacles and sort out any garbage
    3. Staff will ship the fishing lines to a designated facility to be recycled

    “We are thrilled to support the Clear Your Gear project and improve the safety of our wildlife, residents, and visitors,” said Lindsey Narraway, Supervisor, Animal Services. “Unfortunately, we have seen many animals become injured due to improperly disposed of fishing lines. Installing these receptacles will hopefully encourage those fishing to dispose of them the right way, and in return, protect those within our community.”

    Pickering is one of the first municipalities to sponsor this program and looks forward to offering residents and visitors a new, easy, and sustainable way to dispose of fishing lines.

    Visit pickering.ca/fishing to learn about the initiative, proper fishing etiquette, and more.

    To learn more about Clear Your Gear, visit ClearYourGear.ca


Page last updated: 21 Aug 2025, 06:53 AM