Reuse and recycling drop-off events

Becoming a Zero Waste community means rethinking what we send to the landfill, and looking for alternative ways to reuse and recycle as much as possible.

Whether you’ve just cleaned out your closet or have a garage full of old, broken, or unwanted electronics, these items can likely be reused or recycled – instead of ending up in the landfill.

We, along with our partners, host reuse and recycling drop-off events to make it convenient for residents to dispose of items that can be reused or recycled.

Review guidelines for attending an event

What’s accepted for drop-off

The following items are accepted at each Zero Waste Reuse and Recycling Drop-off event.

 Clothing and other textiles can be dropped off for both reuse and recycling as long as they are washed, dried, and tied in a bag. This includes items that can be worn again or are torn, ripped, full of holes, stained, worn-out or faded, missing buttons, with broken zippers, or singles of paired items. Depending on the type of item and its condition, it will be reused, repurposed, or recycled.

Clothing or textiles that are wet, mildewed, contaminated, infested with moths or bed bugs, or not in a bag will not be accepted.

For a full list of accepted items, visit our event partners' websites:

• Computers, laptops, and monitors - reBOOT Canada External web site, opens in new tab
• Electronics - Encorp External web site, opens in new tab
• Household batteries - Call2Recycle External website, opens in new tab
• Light bulbs and light fixtures - LightRecycle External web site, opens in new tab
• Small appliances and power tools - ElectroRecycle External web site, opens in new tab
• Smoke and CO alarms – Product Care External website, opens in new tab

What's not accepted for drop-off

The following items are currently not accepted at Zero Waste reuse and recycling drop-off events: 

Learn how to recycle or dispose of these items

Attending a reuse and recycling event

When attending a drop-off event, follow these guidelines:

• Do not visit if you are sick, caring for someone who is sick, or if you are self-isolating due to COVID-19. 
• Pay attention to signs and ground markings at the entrance and exit and follow instructions given by on-site staff.
• If you are carrying heavy items, lift carefully, and ask event staff for help if needed.
• Wash your hands before and after your visit. Hand sanitizer is available on site.
• Bring only “accepted” items that are sorted and bagged. Before you come to the event, pre-sort your items into the categories shown above. Unsorted and unacceptable items will not be collected. Items in their original packaging can stay in their original packaging.
• Drop-off events are popular and can be very busy. Expect long lineups, be kind to one another, and wait for your turn.