Help reduce waste in landfills by donating or recycling textiles

Have you ever wondered what happens to your gently used clothing and household textiles once you no longer need them? Instead of tossing items like clothes, rugs, curtains or blankets into the trash and adding to landfill waste, there are so many ways they can be reused or repurposed.

Try the following textile recycling tips to give your used items new life:

• Donate: Donate all unwanted clothing and textiles to a second-hand store, textile donation bin in Vaughan or a York Region Community Environmental Centre. Even worn, torn or stained clothing can be recycled!
• Exchange: Set up a clothing exchange with your friends, family or neighbours.
• Sell: Look up online resale platforms to sell your unwanted clothing. You can also organize a garage sale to sell clothes and other textiles you no longer need.
• Repurpose: Search online for creative ideas on how to upcycle old items into new pieces of clothing or even home goods. Turn an old shirt into something you might need around the home, like a cleaning rag. An old rug can be turned into a floor mat for the inside of your car trunk. The possibilities for your old textiles’ second life are endless!
• Repair: Got a tear in your shirt? Watch online tutorials to learn how to do basic clothing repairs, such as mending holes and seams, sewing a hem or button, or replacing zippers. Don’t want to repair it yourself? Visit a York Region Repair Café where you can bring a variety of household items, including clothing, to be fixed for free – the next one is on Saturday, June 14 at the Richmond Hill Public Library, Central Branch (1 Atkinson St.). Registration is required and available online.
• Buy longer-lasting items: When buying new, choose natural, non-synthetic fabrics, free from toxins and chemicals. More environmentally friendly substitutions include organic cotton, bamboo and hemp. 

For more information, visit the City’s textile waste reduction webpage.

Curbside Giveaway Days

If you want to re-home clothing that is still in good shape, you can also participate in the City’s upcoming Curbside Giveaway Days! This waste reduction program allows you to place gently used items at the curb of your property for your neighbours to come and take, free of charge. The next Curbside Giveaway Days are Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22.

Visit the City’s curbside giveaway events webpage to learn more.

Not sure what goes where?

If you’re unsure where items belong, use the online ‘What Goes Where?’ sorting tool to easily check using the search function. You can also download the free Recycle Coach app from the Apple App Store or Google Play for more sorting help. The app also provides more waste-less tips and a personalized collection schedule with optional alerts on what to put to the curb each week. 

For more information on waste collection in Vaughan, visit vaughan.ca/waste.

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