The battle against local pollution is intensifying as the City of Pickering brings back its highly successful anti-littering initiative. On April 9, 2026, municipal officials announced the return of the ‘That’s so trash’ campaign in Pickering, a public awareness program designed to challenge the idea that littering is a harmless habit. Following a successful debut last year, the city is doubling down on its efforts to protect the environment, preserve local wildlife, and reduce the heavy strain that illegal dumping puts on municipal resources.
Surge in Community Reporting and Enforcement
Since its initial launch, the ‘That’s so trash’ campaign in Pickering has fostered a significant shift in community vigilance. Mayor Kevin Ashe reported a 25 per cent uptick in reports, with over 300 cases of littering and dumping flagged through the city’s Customer Care Centre. This surge in reporting signals a “clear refusal to look the other way” by residents who take pride in their shared spaces.
The awareness efforts are backed by a major increase in enforcement. Municipal Law Enforcement has stepped up patrols in high-complaint areas, resulting in more than 50 charges laid for illegal dumping. Mayor Ashe emphasized that a cleaner city starts with community action, stating that when residents report and stand together, those who disrespect the city are officially put on notice.
Multilingual Outreach and Earth Month Integration
To ensure the ‘That’s so trash’ campaign in Pickering reaches all members of the diverse community, the city has expanded its educational resources. A new waste-etiquette pamphlet is now available in the top eight languages spoken in Pickering, while online resources can be translated into more than 100 languages. These tools aim to ensure that every resident, regardless of their background, has access to the rules and support needed for responsible waste disposal.
The campaign is also a core part of the city’s broader Earth Month programming throughout April. Key upcoming events include:
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20-Minute Makeover: On Wednesday, April 22, businesses and schools are invited to spend at least 20 minutes cleaning up litter in their immediate surroundings.
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Community Cleanup: Offered throughout the month, with the city providing free bags and gloves to volunteers.
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Take Pride in Pickering Tree Planting: A community event at Alex Robertson Park on Saturday, April 18.
How to Get Involved
The ‘That’s so trash’ campaign in Pickering encourages residents to take an active stand. Community members can visit LetsTalkPickering.ca/Litter to access resources, report problem areas, or find information on how to join local cleanup efforts. By using the hashtag #ThatsSoTrash on social media, residents can share their progress and inspire others to keep the Durham Region beautiful. Through these collective efforts, Pickering is proving that illegal dumping and littering carry real consequences and will no longer be ignored by the community.
