Clean Ups

Cleaning Up the Don Valley

The waste we saw in the valley was what first inspired us to form Don’t Mess with the Don. It seemed everywhere we looked there was garbage and the problem was only getting worse so we knew we had to do something about it. Five years on and we’ve completed over 115 clean ups removing thousands of pounds of garbage including everything from shopping carts to tires and we’re not stopping there! We run regular clean ups throughout the year as well as the occasional extra pop up clean up.

As well as cleaning up garbage we want to stop it from ever reaching the valley. Garbage comes from many sources and sometimes isn’t from people littering, though does occur. Upstream sources can include re-garbage, where dumpsters from residential buildings are not fit for purpose meaning strong winds blow the garbage into the valley. We are working with the city and with private buildings and business to address these upstream sources but it’s a lengthy process so in the meantime we’ll continue to do our clean ups for as long as we’re needed!

Totals for 2023

27 Clean Ups

9 Shopping Carts

67 Tires

2,350 Volunteer Hours

1,744 Garbage Bags Filled

47,150 lbs of Garbage Removed

Upcoming Clean Ups

Moss Park Community Clean Up - August 18th, 11am, Ontario Street Parkette, Moss Park

We'll be joining Toronto Police Service for a community clean up in Moss Park!

We will of course be cleaning up garbage but we'll also remove graffiti, do some power washing and remove hazardous waste. This will all be followed by a barbecue in Ontario Street Parkette.

We will provide all tools and equipment. Please be mindful of the weather and dress appropriately. We recommend you wear sturdy closed toe shoes, a sun hat and bring sun screen and water.

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Our Progress

Totals Since 2018

119 Clean Ups

18,989 Volunteer Hours

10,794 Garbage Bags Filled

276,550 lbs of Garbage Removed