In 2024, the City of Pickering tackled over 240 reported cases of careless littering and illegal dumping through its Customer Care Centre. Each instance wasn’t just trash—it was a direct assault on our community’s natural beauty, a threat to wildlife, and a disruption to local ecosystems. Littering doesn’t just tarnish our public spaces; it endangers lives, strains resources, and undermines everything we stand for as a community.
Now is the time to act. The City is proud to launch “Littering? That’s So Trash”, a bold campaign designed to spark accountability and inspire change. This isn’t just about garbage—it’s about redefining what “trash” means. Among Millennials and Gen Z, “trash” has become slang for something undesirable or unacceptable. By repurposing this term, we’re sending a clear message: littering is shameful, harmful, and socially unacceptable. Let’s turn that shame into pride—pride in keeping Pickering clean and protecting our environment.
Actual trashing in a Pickering neighbourhood bordering by a Tim Horton’s across the street. The manager has had staff clean the properties numerous times but some patrons just never learn.
How You Can Make a Difference
- Join a Community Cleanup
- Rally your neighbors, schools, or businesses for a cleanup during April! Supplies like bags and gloves are provided while quantities last.
- On Tuesday, April 22, unite with others across Pickering for at least 20 minutes of litter-picking to give our city a fresh start.
- Share your photos by tagging @CityOfPickering and using the hashtag #ThatsSoTrash—you might even be featured on the City’s social media!
- Spread the Word with Our Social Media Toolkit
- Download impactful visuals from the project page and share them on your social channels. Don’t forget to tag @CityOfPickering and use #ThatsSoTrash.
- Raise Awareness with Our Print Toolkit
- Access posters and flyers on the project page to display in schools, businesses, or community spaces. Every printout helps amplify the message.
- Explore Resources
- Dive into educational materials available on the project page or contact sustainability@pickering.ca for more information.
- Report Littering or Illegal Dumping
- Witness bad behavior? Gather details like descriptions, license plates, and locations, then report it to the Customer Care Centre at 905.683.7575 or customercare@pickering.ca. Alternatively, use the online Report Tool.
Earth Month Activities
Interested in planting trees, learning how to grow vegetables, or discovering the lifecycle of honeybees? Check out our lineup of Earth Month events—because every small action contributes to a cleaner, greener Pickering.
Together, we can redefine what’s acceptable in our city and ensure that littering becomes a thing of the past. Let’s show everyone that Pickering cares—for its people, its wildlife, and its future.
Visit City of Pickering site for more information -> LITTER
