Frequently Asked Questions
What is classed as yard trimmings?
Yard trimmings are leaves, weeds, flowers, branches and sod edgings. Branches must be cut in 3 foot lengths and tied with heavy duty string (no wire) in 20 kgs. manageable bundles. Please note that grass clippings will no longer be collected. Waste will only be picked up in kraft paper bags. There is no limit to the amount of yard waste you can put out as long as it is bundled properly.
Why were my yard trimmings and branches not picked up?
You may not have had it out at the proper time or had it bundled properly. Please have yard trimmings set out at the curb by 7 a.m. on the day of your garbage collection in the proper fashion, in the kraft paper bags and branches cut to the proper length. Yard trimmings are picked up by a separate truck than the garbage, so don't panic if the garbage truck goes by and doesn't pick up your yard trimmings. Another truck will be by.
Why was my cardboard not picked up?
The trucks that collect our recyclables are constructed with compartments which are 2' x 2' x 1'. There are three sections on the side of this truck, one for cardboard, one for newspapers and one for cans and glass. If the cardboard is not cut down to the size of your blue box, it will not fit into the compartment, and therefore will be left behind. To ensure collection of your cardboard, please cut to the appropriate size, flatten, bundle and tie together (no wire please).
How do I get a blue box?
Blue boxes can be purchased for $5 at the Operations & Environmental Services Department at 491 Mackenzie Avenue or at Town Hall at 65 Harwood Avenue South. Blue boxes are also available at the Miller Waste Transfer Station located at 1220 Squires Beach Road, Ajax. Call (905) 426-4222 for the hours of operation of the Transfer Station.
How do I dispose of large household items?
Large appliances such as fridges, stoves, washers, dryers, and large furniture items can be put out on your regular garbage day by 7 a.m. There is a four-item limit of garbage pickup per household, plus you can have up to two large items such as appliances. If you have more than the allowed items at your curb, you will be responsible for disposing of all remaining items by 8 p.m. that day.
How do I dispose of hazardous waste?
You can take your hazardous waste to the Oshawa Transfer Station. For more information on fees and hours call 905-433-2050.
How do I dispose of animal litter?
Dog owners should always stoop and scoop. Animal feces from dogs and cats should NOT be put in with your regular garbage, but should be flushed down the toilet.
Where can I buy a backyard composter?
We do not keep composters in stock, but they are easily available at local garden centres and hardware stores.
How do I get my curb cut?
It's explained in our Roads section. Contact us
When do I get my road swept?
Spring clean up of roads starts in April with sweeping, followed by flushing. Contact us
Who is responsible for cleaning litter on roadways?
Debris such as cans, bottles, paper etc. along the road surface, shoulder, boulevard or median is removed regularly to discourage dumping. Contact us
When does roadside ditching take place?
Ditches are inspected on a regular basis throughout the year to identify required maintenance. Contact us
When do the gravel roads get maintained?
Grading gravel roads takes place several times throughout the year to remove potholes and washboard conditions. Calcium chloride is used once or twice per year throughout the spring and summer months to control dust along gravel roads. Contact us
How do I get a culvert installed?
See our Roads section for information. Contact us
How do I get playground equipment fixed?
We regularly check playground equipment, but if you see a problem, please contact us.
Who maintains the easements? For example, debris, broken glass, weeds, etc?
Please contact us with details.
When will graffiti be cleaned up?
If it is racist or rude, we will clean it up within 24 hours. Other graffitti is removed as soon as possible, in priority of importance. If you spot graffiti, please contact us to make sure we are aware of it.
How do I rent the showmobile?
It's all explained in our Special services section.
Please tell me about boulevard trees: How do I get one? What if my boulevard tree seems to be dying? My boulevard tree has insects, how can I get rid of them?
Contact us and we will notify our arborist to investigate. Note: Home owners are responsible for trees on private property.
Do you spray pesticides?
We use non-spray methods whenever possible to ensure the health of our green spaces and gardens. Pesticides are used only when necessary.
What is the sign on the boulevard for?
The sign is posted by law for health and safety reasons. The sign indicates specific information on pesticides/herbicides.
Will the chemicals hurt my children or animals?
No - you can contact us for more details.
What have you sprayed?
Different times of the year dictate different types of pesticides/herbicides. We can give you specific details depending on location and time of year if you contact us.
Why are some areas not trimmed and cut?
Our naturalization program means that we leave certain areas of parks, easements and other green spaces, particularly along the banks of creeks, in their natural state. Natural plant life helps keep the area healthy.
Parks Maintenance
When does the grass get cut?
Mowing takes place throughout the months of May to September.
How do we get litter in the parks cleaned up?
Our Parks section continually cleans the parks and garbage containers within the parks; however, if there is excess debris or a container is full or overflowing, residents are urged to contact us.
Who cleans up the animal excrement?
Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. There are signs posted within Ajax to ensure pet owners are aware of this. Town of Ajax employees do not pick up excrement as part of their duties.
Who picks up animals on the road?
I have lost my cat or dog, who do I call?
Animal services in Ajax are provided by Pickering-Ajax-Whitby (PAW) Animal Control. You can reach them at 905-427-8737 or paw@town.whitby.on.ca. Their office hours are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed Sundays and holidays.)
How do I go about getting a tree or bench dedicated?
It's explained in our Special services section.
There is a light out or stuck on in a park or walkway, who do I call?
Contact us and we will let Veridian, the electricity provider for Ajax, know about it. Be sure to give us the pole number and address.
Who do I call about a sign that is damaged or down?
Contact us with details.
How do I get a new sign installed?
Please contact us with details. We will raise the issue to Council for discussion and possible approval.
Where do I report a problem with noxious weeds on someone else's property?
Noxious weeds are regulated by Durham Region. Upon complaint about noxious weeds on a property, the Region may take action to enforce the Weed Control Act, without further notice. The owner will be invoiced for the actual cost to destroy the weeds and a 50 per cent surcharge. For further information call the Region at 905-668-7721 or 1-800-372-1103
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