Durham Region’s minimum dump fees go up from $5 to $7 on May 1; here’s what you can and can’t dispose of

For every eight kilograms (17.6 pounds) above 40 kilograms, the fee will jump from $1 to $1.40. And for flat loads that weigh 1,000 kilograms or more, the cost will rise from $125 to $175 per 1,000 kilos.

In addition, costs for fill materials and mixed loads containing fill materials will go up from $250 to $375 per 1,000 kilos.

For more information, dial 311 within Durham region, or call 905-668-7711 (toll-free at 1-800-372-1102). You can reach a customer service representative Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Regional waste management facilities are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays only from the first Tuesday in May until the first Tuesday in October. They are closed on Mondays and holidays.

Oshawa Waste Management Facility

1640 Ritson Rd. N., Oshawa

Scugog Waste Management Facility

1623 Reach St., Port Perry

Brock Waste Management Facility

22480 Brock Sideroad #17

Clarington Household Special Waste Depot

1998 Bowmanville Ave., Bowmanville

Only household hazardous waste is accepted free of charge on behalf of the region. All other waste will be subject to the rates and hours posted by Miller Waste Durham. The Household Hazardous Waste Depot is open Tuesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Miller Waste Durham

1220 Squires Beach Rd., Pickering

Telephone: 905-426-4222

Hours of operation

• Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• The site is closed Sundays

Operating procedures

Your vehicle will cross weight scales both entering and exiting. You’re asked to obey all traffic signals and signs. When you enter, tell the scale house staff the type of materials you will have to dispose. Staff will direct you to the direct drop-off locations. At the exit scale, staff will inform you of the cost.

Material limits per day

• 50 litres or 25 cans per vehicle
• 40 fluorescent light bulbs and tubes per vehicle
• 10 tires per vehicle

Accepted materials

• Appliances
• Blue box recyclables
• Cardboard
• Carpet and underlay
• Drywall
• Furniture
• Garbage
• Porcelain bathroom fixtures
• Scrap metal
• Wood

No longer acceptable

• Leaf and yard waste is no longer accepted at regional waste management facilities. Residents can take advantage of the free curbside leaf and yard waste collection. Check your waste management calendar for collection dates.

Free materials

Loads containing only these materials are free:

• Bulky white polystyrene (Styrofoam)
• Electronic waste
• Audio and video devices
• Computer accessories
• Desktop computers
• Laptops and tablets
• Mobile devices
• Printing and copying machines
• Telephones and answering machines
• Televisions
• Household hazardous waste — 50 litres or 25 cans per vehicle
• Plastic signs (coroplast/film)
• Tires — 10 tires per vehicle

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE

Do not put household hazardous waste (HHW) in your garbage. Drop off HHW at a waste management facility for free. When dropping off this waste:

• Never mix substances.
• Keep materials in their original container or in a well-marked container.
• All containers should be securely sealed.
• Securely pack materials in your vehicle to prevent spills.

Acceptable materials

• Acids and alkalines
• Antifreeze
• Batteries
• Car batteries
• Cooking oil
• Compressed cylinders
• Fluorescent cylinders and energy efficient, compact light bulbs (CFLs) — 40 bulbs/tubes per vehicle
• Fuel (non-transferable)
• Household chemicals and cleaners
• Lawn and garden chemicals
• Medicine
• Mercury thermostats
• Motor oil
• Paints and solvents
• Pool chemicals
• Propane tanks
• Syringes (contained in a sealed puncture-proof container)
• Waxes and polishes

Unacceptable materials

• Ammunition
• Asbestos
• Commercial hazardous waste
• Explosives
• Flares
• Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs)
• Radioactive pathological material