New Initiatives to Support a Cleaner City

Peterborough, ON – New measures to make waste disposal easier, address illegal dumping and improve the cleanliness of parks, streets and public spaces across Peterborough are being introduced through the Clean Streets Peterborough program. 

This initiative responds to concerns identified through the Clean Streets Peterborough survey, community feedback and operational experience, including illegal dumping, overflowing public bins, improper waste set-outs, bulky items left at the curb, and waste accumulation in parks, neighbourhoods and other public spaces. 

“We’ve heard from residents that illegal dumping, overflowing bins and waste in public spaces are concerns,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “This program responds by making proper disposal easier, improving education and reporting tools, and strengthening our ability to keep public spaces clean and welcoming for everyone.” 

The program is designed to reduce barriers to proper waste disposal, improve access to waste services and support cleaner public spaces across the city. 

The program includes: 

• waiving large article collection fees in 2026 
• reducing the cost of a replacement green bin cart from $88.49 to $35.40 
• temporarily increasing residential garbage bag limits from four bags to eight bags until December 31, 2027 
• enhancing public education, community engagement and outreach around proper waste disposal 
• targeted outreach to landlords, property managers, businesses and multi-residential properties 
• improving waste reporting tools 
• additional park cleanup support, a targeted surveillance camera pilot at selected parks and public spaces, and increased monitoring and enforcement in problem areas. 

Waste-related concerns have increased across Peterborough, particularly in parks, public spaces, downtown areas and locations where public waste bins are being used for household garbage. Community feedback, service requests, operational experience and ongoing public engagement have identified several contributing factors, including missed collection days, large article collection fees, bag limits and limited disposal options for some residents.  

The program combines service improvements, education, outreach, monitoring and enforcement to strengthen reporting and response processes and support cleaner parks, streets and public spaces. 

Program results will be monitored through waste collection data, tonnage reporting, Large article collection volumes, waste collected from parks and public receptacles, complaints and reporting trends, enforcement activity and ongoing community feedback. This information will help shape future decisions about waste collection services, organics participation, multi-residential servicing, public space waste management and long-term landfill planning. 

For more information on the program, visit peterborough.ca/cleanstreets.