Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to declutter and reorganize your living space. As you go through your belongings, you may find items that you no longer want or need. Rather than simply kicking them to the curb, there are many sustainable options for dealing with unwanted items.
Common unwanted items include:
- Furniture (couches, chairs, etc.)
- Mattresses
- Large Appliances (stoves, fridges, freezers, etc.)
- Clothes
- Electronics
We strongly encourage following the 5R Pollution Prevention Hierarchy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recovery and Residuals Management) when it comes to managing your unwanted items, with a focus on using the first 3 Rs by Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling. Let’s take a closer look at how each of these steps could be applied to common unwanted items:
Reduce: The best way to deal with unwanted items is to not have them in the first place. Consider reducing your consumption by only replacing items that you truly need. This can help reduce waste and save you money in the long run.
Reuse: Find a new home for usable items by advertising online or donating to local charities.
Recycle: Check if your item can be recycled for free under stewardship programs, this can apply to items such as electronics like TVs and small kitchen appliances. You can use resources such a myrecyclopedia.ca to learn how to properly dispose of your unwanted item.
Finally, for items that cannot be reused or recycled, consider responsible disposing methods by taking your unwanted items to a facility that accepts garbage. When you dispose of your unwanted items responsibly you contribute to a circular economy, improve the quality of life in your community and help reduce the region’s waste by one third to extend the life of the Hartland Landfill to 2100 and beyond.
Not having a vehicle doesn't have to be a barrier
Have unwanted items but don't have a vehicle? Don't let that get in your way. There are a lot of ways to dispose of unwanted items, and most of them don't require even leaving your home.
- Email friends and family, or post something on your favorite social media outlet to see if they could take the item off your hands.
- Post an online ad for your item - make sure to specify that pick-up is required.
- Contact a local charity as some will pick-up items free of charge.
- Book a vehicle through a carshare co-op.
- Arrange a community disposal day with a neighbour who has a vehicle and coordinate a shared visit to the landfill; you'll both be doing the environment a favour.
What is illegal dumping and waste abandonment?
Illegal dumping is when materials are purposefully left in public spaces instead of using proper recycling or safe and legal disposal methods. Waste abandonment is when items are placed in areas like boulevards or 'donated' to charities, often with the intention of re-use, but often ending up as garbage.
How to prevent illegal dumping on your street or in your neighbourhood
Improper disposal of unwanted items is unsightly, increases health and environmental risks, encourages more illegal dumping activity and sends a message that illegal activity is permissible in a neighbourhood. If you manage or own a building and there is repeated illegal dumping on your street or in your lane, the CRD suggests a combination of:
- Building a private garbage enclosure.
- Installing security cameras with accompanying warning signs.
- Consistently lock dumpsters and other waste containers.