Don’t throw your old clothing away!

Learn how to upcycle textiles in Vaughan

Did you know the average person throws away approximately 37 kilograms (81 pounds) of textiles every year? That’s a lot of shirts, pants, dresses and jackets that could have been reused or repurposed instead of added to a giant landfill pile.

There are so many ways you can reduce your household textile waste! Try these tips from the City of Vaughan:

• 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 or family.
• Sell: Look up online reuse platforms to sell your unwanted clothing. You can also organize a garage sale to sell clothes and other textiles, such as blankets and curtains, you no longer need. 
• Repurpose: Search online for creative ideas on how to turn an old shirt into something new, such as a cleaning rag, or come up with your own ideas to refashion your clothing.
• Repair: Got a tear in your shirt? Watch online tutorials to learn how to do basic clothing repairs, such as sewing a hem or button, mending seams and holes, 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 tomorrow at the East Gwillimbury Public Library.
• 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. 

Read for more information on textile waste reduction.

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. You can also visit other participating properties in your community to find new treasures for yourself! The next Curbside Giveaway Days are Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25.

Here’s how to participate:

• Place your materials curbside on the morning of designated Curbside Giveaway Days, beginning at 7 a.m.
  • Any items that are not claimed must be brought in by 5 p.m. on Sunday. Items left at the curb after that time could result in a by-law violation.
• Download and print a “FREE” curbside giveaway poster (PDF) to place on your items.

• Share pictures of your items using #VaughanCurbGiveaway on social media.
• Keep items you do not want to give away close to your home or inside to avoid confusion.
• Keep sidewalks and fire hydrants clear.
• Only take items that are marked “free.”
• Respect private property and do not walk on people’s lawns or gardens.
• Obey traffic laws at all times – please do not block traffic or driveways.

Visit the City’s curbside giveaway events webpage for details.

What goes where?

If you’re unsure what items go where, use the City’s online ‘What Goes Where?’ sorting tool to search for an item and learn where to dispose of it. 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 waste-less tips and a personalized collection schedule with optional alerts on what to put to the curb each week.

For more information on the City’s waste services, visit vaughan.ca/waste.

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