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 after you are done with it.
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.
Within your own home often items that no longer function in their original use could be useful in another capacity – old clothes as rags, jars and yoghurt containers for food storage.
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 six 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.
|
