Frequently asked questions
Reuse
Why should I reuse?
Reuse is a great way to both save money and help the environment. Used items can often be purchased at a lower price and by doing so both energy and raw materials are saved. You can extend the useful life of a product by donating it to someone else for reuse.
In 2010, 32, 000 Toronto residents at 44 Community Environment Days events across the city donated over 89 tonnes of reusable goods to not-for-profit charities - imagine what could be achieved if every household donated just one bag of goods per year!
What can I reuse?
Almost anything can be reused if it is still in good condition. Many not-for-profit agencies have a particular use for clothing, housewares, furniture, books and recreational equipment.
Consider used building materials for your next home renovation project and while you’re remodelling you may be able to donate what you no longer want to a construction reuse charity like Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore.
Old paints that are still useable along with automotive products and some cleaning materials can be dropped of at an HHW Reuse Centre at four of the HHW depots.
How can I sell a used household item?
Check out the YellowPages listing of second hand, consignment and thrift stores. You can also consider organizing an annual summer street sale, or a traditional yard sale to keep your used goods in your local community. Contact a not-for-profit agency who offers pick-up in advance so you can make sure that any unsold goods don’t end up in the garbage.
Where can I donate a used household item?
Many not-for-profit agencies accept donations of used household goods. Depending on what type of item you have to donate, and where you live, you can determine which agency can make the best use of it.
What if my item is not accepted for reuse?
If furniture or appliances are not acceptable for reuse they can be set out for collection on garbage day, without requiring garbage tags or an appointment. These items are picked up by a different truck on the same day and disassembled for reuse. If you live in an apartment or condo, speak with your building manager.
If your unwanted electronics are not current enough for reuse, they can be can be set out for collection on garbage day. All curbside collection customers received a plastic electronics collection bag to be used for small items; large items can be set directly on the ground. If you live in an apartment or condo, speak with your building manager. Drop-off Depots and Community Environment Days continue to accept these items.
What are the City of Toronto’s plans for reuse?
In June 2007, Toronto City Council passed the Getting to 70% Report which outline programs and policies to achieve a 70% diversion rate from landfill. An increased emphasis on reuse is central to achieving this aggressive goal. Over the next few years, a number of initiatives including bulky waste collection and reuse, and the construction of reuse centres across the City are scheduled for implementation.
What can I drop off for reuse at a Community Environment Day event?
Your local Community Environment Day is a great opportunity to drop off used items for reuse or recycling. Old clothes, books, housewares, working small appliances, and craft supplies are collected by our community partners for reuse. Electronics and used tires that are off the rim can also be dropped off for recycling.
Will the ReUseIt program pick-up my furniture/used goods?
The City of Toronto does not currently offer a reuse pick-up service. ReUseIt is an information-based site that refers residents to independent not-for-profit-agencies. You are required to contact individual organizations to arrange for pick-up and reuse.
Reduce
Why should I try to reduce my waste?
Reducing waste is the best way to deal with garbage - it's the most effective of the 3Rs. By eliminating waste at its source - by bringing your own bag to the grocery store, purchasing products with minimal packaging, or buying quality durable goods - that waste does not end up in landfill and no extra energy is required to reuse or recycle it.
What is Extended Producer Responsibility?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and product stewardship are environmental management tools for businesses and governments to reduce their impact on the environment. The objectives of these approaches are to prevent pollution and promote waste minimization. These two terms are often used interchangeably.
EPR and product stewardship objectives aspire to:
- provide management systems that consider the life-cycle (cradle to grave) responsibility of products
- shift the physical and/or financial responsibility of the post-consumer product to the producer and/or manufacturer, away from municipalities and consumers
- promote waste minimization and/or diversion through expansion or implementation of reduce, reuse and/or recycling mechanisms
- promote products with design considerations for the environment that minimize or eliminate resource consumption and hazardous/non-hazardous waste generation
What regulations control product packaging?
Virtually all products and packaging eventually become waste. Municipalities, being at the ‘end of the pipe’, are responsible for its management. Legislation requires that municipalities manage the waste set out by their residents.
Unfortunately, municipalities have very little input or control into how products and packages are designed. Packaging legislation lies primarily with the Provincial and Federal governments.
Poor initial design can result in packaging and products that cannot be reused or recycled and must be disposed of in landfill.
Federal and Provincial governments could enact legislation that requires end-of-life considerations to be taken into account when industry designs new products and packaging.
What is the City doing to help reduce unnecessary packaging?
See information about packaging reduction.
What can I do to reduce packaging?
Often opportunities to reduce waste are greatest at the point-of-purchase. Packaging makes up about half of our garbage by volume and one third by weight.
Don't buy items with excess packaging. Contact manufacturers and let them know that you find their packaging wasteful (possibly include the packaging from the product).
Whenever possible, buy refillable or reusable containers. If you are unable to avoid it entirely, choose products with packaging that is accepted into the Blue Bin program.
Bring your own bags when you shop and try to buy in bulk as often as possible. Use a travel mug for your tea and coffee when you’re on the go.
How can I reduce my waste?
Purchase quality durable goods rather than disposable items. The cost may be higher initially, but in the long run you can save money. Get the longest warranty with the best repair service possible.
Don't throw anything away that can be reused or repaired. Fabric scraps, books, sporting goods, toys and clothing are always needed by non-profit groups.
Take all of your household hazardous waste (HHW) to a Drop-off Depot. Try to compost your food and yard waste. Up to half of your household waste is compostable. It's a simple way to reduce waste and produce a nutrient-rich conditioner for your lawn, garden and houseplants. The City of Toronto has compost bins available at subsidized prices.
Participate fully in the City’s curbside collection programs: Green Bin, Blue Bin, Yard Waste.
Where can I repair a broken item?
There are many repair services offered in Toronto for everything from automobiles and furniture, to shoes and jewellery. The YellowPages provide a comprehensive repair listing section.