Want Reminders for Recycling and Garbage? Whitby Has an App for That

Whitby, April 4, 2012—If you are one of the more than 14 million Canadians who has an internet-enabled smartphone or tablet, you can now get Whitby’s garbage, recycling and special waste collection details right at your fingertips, anytime you want.

“Whitby is pleased to announce that we’ve got an app for that,” said Town of Whitby’s Mayor Pat Perkins.  “And best of all, it’s free!”

Called my-waste, this customizable digital application lets mobile device users download the full range of information that is on the Town of Whitby website and in its printed waste collection calendars. Residents can download the my-waste app by going to www.my-waste.mobi/Whitby and selecting the link to the store or marketplace for their device. There are currently versions of the app for iPhone/iPad and Android. An app for the Blackberry Torch is coming soon, and apps for the new generation of smartphones RIM will launch is planned for mid-2012.

“Once residents have downloaded the app, they can set it up so it gives them regular reminders for any of the collection programs. For example, they can set a reminder for the day that recycling is collected or they can set up alerts for holiday collection schedules,” adds Mayor Perkins. “This is a new way for us to connect with residents and communicate our resource recovery and waste diversion programs. We’ll be able to update the information on the app as necessary during the year, so it will always be current. Residents will never forget a collection day and that should lead to increased recycling rates. Everybody wins.”

Whitby is adding the my-waste app to enhance its external communication activities; however, the Town will continue to distribute printed materials and supply information on its website for residents who prefer those communication methods.

For more information on the my-waste app, please visit the Town’s website at www.whitby.ca/waste.