Who cares? It’s just one piece of trash

Isn’t it inspiring to see how one small action can have such a positive impact? Sure, it might seem like just one piece of trash, but imagine the difference we can make when we all come together to keep Mississauga clean and beautiful. By taking simple steps like properly disposing of waste and reducing our use of single-use plastics, we can create a healthier environment for everyone to enjoy.

Unfortunately, our community spaces are facing increasing litter and plastic waste, which threatens our wildlife, habitats and fragile ecosystems. Litter not only ruins the beauty of our neighborhoods but also harms the environment, impacts our stormwater infrastructure and affects everything from soil health to water quality. It’s essential for us to recognize the importance of preserving these spaces for future generations.

While it’s easy to overlook the impact of littering, it’s crucial to understand its far-reaching consequences. Every piece of litter, no matter how small, contributes to environmental degradation. Even a little litter can make issues like soil contamination, habitat loss and the spread of invasive species worse. It also harms aquatic life, especially when waste finds its way into the stormwater pipes and bodies of water like the Little Etobicoke Creek or Credit River. Almost 10,000 tonnes of plastic debris are estimated to enter the Great Lakes annually. And single-use plastics are unfortunately some of the most commonly littered items in Mississauga. It’s surprising to know that plastic can take over 1,000 years to break down! Yet, much of it ends up as litter, especially single-use plastics like grocery bags, straws and coffee cups. These items are only used once but can linger in our environment for centuries.

Every year, Mississauga Animal Services hears reports of wildlife getting tangled in litter left on the ground. It’s truly sad to think of animals struggling to free themselves from bottles, cans, and plastic bags, sometimes with fatal consequences. From small animals to birds and aquatic life, they all face risks from mistaking litter for food or becoming ensnared in it.

Dumping garbage, renovation, household or bulky items at facilities and parks is illegal in Mississauga. The Debris and Anti-Littering By-law prohibits throwing, placing or depositing debris on private or City property.

Under the Environmental Protection Act an individual or company could face significant penalties for each offence committed. Littering and illegal dumping fines can run upward of $500.

If you see a full garbage bin, recycling container or a litter in a park or trail, please report it online or by calling 311.

Together, by spreading awareness and encouraging responsible waste management, we can make strides toward a cleaner, greener Mississauga.

It’s not just about bylaws or adding more bins; it’s about each of us taking ownership of our environment. Let’s shift our mindset and recognize that addressing litter is a collective effort that benefits us all.

Let’s make a positive impact by making mindful choices and taking proactive steps to reduce waste. Together we can create a more sustainable future for Mississauga and ensure it remains a place we’re proud to call home.

Climate Change Action Plan

To gain a deeper understanding of the efforts being made by the City to address areas like litter and reduce landfill dependency, read the City’s Climate Change Action Plan.

The action plan includes measures to promote the circular economy approach by encouraging the reusing of materials and implementing community clean-up programs.  Discover more about the progress of the action plan.

Provincial Day of Action on Litter

Tuesday, May 14 is Provincial Day of Action on Litter. Its intent is to help raise awareness about the effects of litter on our environment and encourage businesses and residents to reduce waste.

To reduce waste, residents are encouraged to practise the circular economy approach to help keep items out of the landfill and prolong their lifespan. This can help create a system where we can reduce waste. Practising this approach helps reduce the need for new materials and helps lower carbon emissions and energy use.

We can all take actions to put litter in its proper place.

• Reduce waste by giving old products new life instead of throwing them away.
• Divert waste by recycling or composting materials, when possible, to divert waste from landfills.
• Prevent waste by buying products only when needed and choosing goods with less packaging.
• Organize a park clean up and volunteer with family or friends to pick up litter in a park.
• Report litter and dumping in parks and public spaces. Contact the City by calling 311 (905-615-4311 outside City limits) or reporting it online.
• Place dog waste in waste containers or green designated dog waste collection stations in select parks. Remember, dog waste does not belong in recycling bins or thrown on the ground.
• Limit single-use items and consider using reusable cutlery, water bottles and mugs instead.

Join the 50 for 50 challenge

Join us in showing your appreciation for the environment by participating in the 50 for 50 challenge and give back to our community. You can donate 50 clothing or electronic items, spend 50-minutes picking up of litter in the clean-up event or plant 50 trees or shrubs. Once you complete the challenge, download the certificate to show off your civic pride.

When enjoying the natural beauty of Mississauga, whether by walking your dogs, playing sports, having a picnic, or exploring a park or trail, keep in mind that we share and enjoy these green spaces. Together let’s keep them free of litter for everyone to enjoy.

For more information about how to stop litter issues in your neighbourhood, visit ownyourlitter.ca.

Tags

• Climate Change
• Parks and Forestry
• Stormwater