Toronto is now holding multiple days in the name of limiting landfill.
This year, a total of 45 Environment days, held across the city’s 25 wards, are planned by the city to help residents recycle unneeded items into something that could be more beneficial for others.
The drive began on April 15, and the final one is expected to be held on Sept 24.
Collections Supervisor for Environment Days Derek Tung said the city wants “gently used items.”
“Obviously, we encourage items that can be reused. Not any items that, for lack of a better word, have seen better days. Yeah, the whole idea is to divert as much as we can from our landfills.” Tung said.
According to the news release provided by the city, last year’s Environment Days initiative saw the collection of 102,215 kg of reusable household goods and 107,775 kg of electronics during the ward-specific events. Drop-off Depot events collected 6,148 kg of household goods and 7,610 kg of electronics.
“In general, we’re just looking for items that are that can have a second chance that aren’t necessarily garbage per se, but it can be reused at some sort of capacity. So to answer your question, I don’t think we have one specific item that we’re looking for,” Tung said.
“The donatable goods being brought into the various events throughout the year will be collected by one organization,” he said.
The organization mentioned by Tung is the Salvation Army.
In the news release provided by the City of Toronto website Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie said she is happy to see that the environment days are starting up again.
“I am pleased to see the Community Environment Day season begin this spring with many events planned where residents can help keep items out of landfill by bringing them to these events where they can be reused, recycled or safely disposed. I encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity and attend an event,” said McKelvie in the news release.
Tung expressed hope that “if history repeats itself” then they would be able to “collect just as much as in previous years if not more” reusable goods and electronics.
“The whole goal of the program is to divert as much as we can from our landfills whether it be recycling it in a proper manner or giving us a second chance, such as reusable household goods,” he said.
More information about the Environment Days can be found on the city’s webpage regarding the event.