All municipal election signs that were propped up on front lawns or off sidewalks must be removed by Thursday. The City of Toronto issued a reminder on Tuesday morning to candidates, property owners and residents that they are responsible for getting rid of the signs displayed on private property by Oct. 29. The responsibility also falls on candidates to get rid of the signs they put up on public property. The city says the signs can be brought to any drop-off depot for disposal or recycling. All seven drop-off depots will accept fibre-based signs, plastic film signs and signs made of corrugated plastic. The city-run drop-off depots will also accept wooden and metal stakes. Do not bundle corrugated plastic signs or mix different materials when disposing of the signs, the city says. Instead, separate all stakes and metal supports, consolidate plastic sleeves in a clear plastic bag and remove all staples. Signs that still have staples on them will be trashed, the city says, and a fee will be charged. While there is no fee for dropping off separated and cleaned signs, the city says unseparated mixed waste will be charged the regular fee of $189.86 per metric tonne of material and a flat fee of $19 for the first 100 kilograms. Any signs that are still left up past the deadline can be reported to 311, where residents can submit a service request including the name of the candidate or advertiser displaying the sign and the location of it. For more information about election sign disposal, residents can review the city’s website here.
