Frequently Asked Questions

What is litter?
Is London the only city with a Clean & Green Day?
How many people participate in London Clean & Green?
Can any area in the city be cleaned up?
Why do I have to register?
How should I prepare for this event?
Is this different than the Thames River Clean Up?
Can I use this as my volunteer hours for high school?
What do I do with recyclables collected with the litter?
What is the 20 Minute London Makeover?
What can I do if I see someone illegally dumping?
Could you be inadvertently littering?
Do you have any questions or comments?
 

What is litter?

Litter is any product or material that is lying around on our boulevards, roads, sidewalks, open spaces or parks that doesn't belong there.

A litter audit done by one of Canada's largest cities found that paper products represented over 40 per cent of all large littered items. Other large items littered included: plastics packaging (13%), confectionary (9%), cups (6%), construction (5%), beverage bottles (5%), tobacco (4%), other containers (3%), bags (3%) and others.

Is London the only city with a Clean & Green Day?

London Clean & Green is a local version of a national community clean up program, Pitch-In Canada. Many other cities across Canada (and the United States) promote citizens to get outside and clean up their neighbourhoods, including Toronto, Mississauga, Waterloo and Windsor. The clean up day usually takes place on or near Earth Day (April 22) and during Pitch-In Canada Week.

How many people participate in London Clean & Green?

In 2012, between 7,000 and 9,000 Londoners joined together to clean up litter, remove graffiti and plant trees at more than 130 sites (and growing) across the City.  The 20 Minute London Makeover was launched in 2006 and in 2012 more than 150 businesses and government locations participated to clean up their business community.

Can any area in the city be cleaned up?

Yes. There are some designated areas in the downtown core and throughout the city in neighbourhood parks and along river banks. Visit the sites webpage to see if you would like to help at any of the registered locations. If you don’t see an area close to you, you can start your own clean up.  Garbage bags and vinyl gloves can be picked up at one of the Official Meeting locations on the Saturday morning, brought from home or picked up at City Hall, 8th Floor, in advance of the event.

Why do I have to register?

We need to know how many people are cleaning up where because garbage bags, gloves and snacks are provided to participants. Registration is also important because city crews need to know where to go on to pick up the litter your group collects. If you don’t register, then the bags filled with litter left behind won’t be picked up and this can lead to problems. Other people might add garbage to the pile and, in addition to this being illegal, it creates a mess in the neighbourhood.

We also want to be able to recognize your group on helping to keep London Clean & Green.

How should I prepare for this event?

Don’t forget to wear appropriate clothing for the day such as gloves and boots. Items such as bug repellant, bottled water, sunscreen and a pail for sharp objects can be useful.

Is this different than the Thames River Clean Up?

Yes, but they are similar. The events are both litter clean up events. The Thames River Clean Up focuses on cleaning up the river banks and Clean & Green focuses on city parks (which may be along the river) and public areas.  The events used to be held on different days which usually meant splitting the volunteers. This year the events have been coordinated to be held on the same day.

Can I use this as my volunteer hours for high school?

Yes. You need to participate at a registered site.  A Site Captain will sign your volunteer form at the end of the morning.

What do I do with recyclables collected with the litter?

If possible, we encourage you to put any recyclables collected in public space recycling bins or even take them home and put in your Blue Box.

What is the 20 Minute London Makeover?

This is a litter clean up activity that focuses on getting businesses involved in cleaning up their business area and the property nearby. Participants are encouraged to take 20 minutes out of their day to clean up their community.

What can I do if I see someone illegally dumping?

If you see someone illegally dumping, record their license plate and call the Police.

Could you be inadvertently littering?

Litter resulting from items placed at the curb for Blue Box collection is a problem. Check your Waste Reduction & Conservation Calendar to confirm that you are recycling everything that is accepted and nothing more. Unacceptable items are often left behind by collectors. Some common items that are not collected in the City’s recycling program and may be left behind are: clementine crates, fast food containers, coffee cups, packaging foam.

On windy days, any light weight items may blow away. A good way to avoid your recyclables from blowing away is to place all your paper products in a grocery bag and lay it on top of your Blue Box to weigh down all the light plastic, glass and metal containers.

Do you have any questions or comments?

Please call us at 519 661-4570 or  us with any questions or comments that you may have.

Let’s all work together to make London Clean & Green.

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