April 2024 Toronto Clean-up Activities
- Mar 31, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 2, 2024
Participant in 2023's Toronto Cleanup. Credit: City of Toronto.
With Earth Day approaching, the City of Toronto is preparing to engage in its annual city-wide spring cleanup weekend. Ever since 2004, Toronto residents have united to clean litter from public spaces such as parks and schools. Here are some ways to register and get involved.
Community Cleanup Days - Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21
On these days, community groups, families, and individuals are encouraged to visit a local park or public space to pick up litter. You can register by visiting the City of Toronto website or by clicking here!
Corporate 20-Minute Makeover - Friday, April 19
On Friday, April 19, businesses can participate in a quick cleanup to contribute to the 2024 Earth Day efforts. Staff members are encouraged to clean up public spaces close to the business, including the sidewalk in front of the business. Urge your boss to let you take a 20-minute break and direct them to sign up on the City of Toronto website or by clicking here!
School Cleanup Day: Monday, April 22 (Earth Day)
On Earth Day, students and teachers are able to participate in community cleanups. Activities can include cleaning up the schoolyard or taking a walk in a nearby community. All Toronto schools, colleges, and universities are welcome to take action. Note that the City no longer provides free cleanup supply kits to schools, and TDSB and TCDSB members looking to participate will be provided additional information on where to get supplies. All school cleanups need permission from the principal or property manager. Tell your teacher about this initiative and ask if your class is able to participate! Direct them to the City of Toronto website or click here to sign up!
Safety Tips for Your Cleanup from the City of Toronto:
Wear appropriate clothing and protection (long pants, long sleeves, boots, gloves, rain jacket, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent).
Bring a first aid kit; students should be accompanied by a person trained in first aid.
Be mindful of vehicles when near or adjacent to a road.
Do not work on unstable or slippery ground (ravines, river banks), in tunnels, or near stormwater management ponds.
Only pick up litter. Leaves, twigs and plants can remain on the ground.
Avoid stepping on shrubs, bulbs, and flowers.
Do not pick up or move heavy objects such as tree limbs.
Do not pick up animal waste.
Do not pick up needles or other dangerous items (e.g. syringes, metal, chemicals, medical waste). Report the location of these items to 311.
Hazardous waste such as batteries, aerosol containers, lights and light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, helium and propane tanks/cylinders should be set aside from recycling and litter.
Report suspicious items to the Toronto Police Service via their non-emergency telephone number at 416-808-2222.
Things to Do During and After Your Cleanup:
Sort the waste you collect appropriately. Here are some recycling tips from the City of Toronto, visit their website for more information.
Only put clean recycling in clear plastic bags, such as empty plastic bottles and aluminum cans.
Place dirty recyclables and wet papers in a litter bag.
Recyclables collected in a City park should be placed in or beside the large City Blue Bins in the park in clear plastic bags.
Share pictures of your cleanup on social media! The City of Toronto encourages you to use the hashtag #cleantoronto when posting about your experience.
We hope that you consider participating in these amazing events. Thank you for your commitment to keep our beautiful city clean, we’ll see you out there!
Citations:
City of Toronto. (n.d.). Clean Toronto Together. Retrieved March 31, 2024, from https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/clean-toronto-together/
