Upcycle your wardrobe!

Textiles are a part of everyone’s life, often for only a short time – especially clothing. Did you know, the average person throws away 37 kilograms (approximately 81 pounds) of textiles each year? By working together, we can reduce that number to help protect the environment for future generations.

Consider applying the following clothing waste reduction tips from the City of Vaughan in your day-to-day life:

• Buy items that will last longer. Choose natural, non-synthetic fabrics that are free from toxins and chemicals. More environmentally-friendly substitutions include organic cotton, bamboo and hemp. 
• Host or attend a clothing exchange with your friends.
• Visit online reuse platforms to sell your unwanted clothing. You can also organize a garage sale to sell clothes and other textiles you no longer need. 
• Donate all clothing and textiles to a second-hand store or a textile donation bin in Vaughan or at a York Region Community Environmental Centre. Even worn, torn or stained clothing can be recycled!
• Watch online tutorials to learn how to do basic clothing repairs such as sewing a hem or button, mending holes or replacing zippers. Search for online resources for creative ideas on how to turn an old shirt into something new or come up with your own ideas to refashion your clothing.
• Visit a York Region Repair Café – the next one taking place on Saturday, Aug. 6 at Pierre Berton Resource Library – where you can bring a variety of household items, including clothing, to be fixed for free.

If you want to get rid of clothing items that are still in good shape, consider participating in the City’s upcoming Curbside Giveaway Days!

Curbside Giveaway Days

During Curbside Giveaway Days – the next one taking place on Saturday, Aug. 27 and Sunday, Aug. 28 – place gently used items on your property (next to the sidewalk or curb) for others to take. This initiative gives useful items a new life while keeping them out of the landfill. It also encourages recycling, builds a stronger community and contributes to a more sustainable city.

Interested in participating? Mark items with a ‘FREE’ sign (PDF) and set them out between 7 a.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday. Items left at the curb after that time could result in a by-law violation.

Are you still unsure where to properly dispose of an item? The City has an online ‘What Goes Where?’ sorting tool so you can quickly and easily check where a waste item belongs by using the search bar. You can also download the waste reduction app, Recycle Coach, through the Apple App Store or Google Play to check where waste items belong. The app provides waste-less tips and a personalized collection schedule with optional alerts on what to put to the curb each week.

If you need a new blue box or green bin, you can purchase them online through Service Vaughan and have them delivered right to your door. Alternatively, buy these items in person at select community centres. You can also sign up to exchange a broken City-issued blue box or green bin for a new one at vaughan.ca/ServiceVaughan.

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

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