To promote Waste Reduction Week (October 21 to 27), the Town of Newmarket is encouraging residents to reduce, reuse, recycle, and make eco-friendly choices to help combat climate change. This year, the Town will be hosting various events and initiatives such as the Blue Box, Green Bin and Kitchen Catcher sale from October 21-27 and the Electronics and Battery Recycling Event on October 26 to help make Newmarket residents further their environmental efforts.
"Waste reduction is essential as we face a climate emergency in Newmarket and around the world. Waste Reduction Week is a great reminder that we can all do more to protect the environment, save energy and consider more sustainable living choices.” says Mayor John Taylor. “At last year’s recycling events, we were able to divert 18,063 pounds of electronic items and 828 pounds of batteries from landfill. Let’s continue to do more and ensure all items are disposed of and recycled properly and kept out of landfills.”
See below for two fantastic initiatives taking place in Newmarket to honor Waste Reduction Week and other programs and green tips to keep in mind.
Blue box, green bin and kitchen catcher sale from October 21 to 27
The Town of Newmarket will be offering Blue Boxes, Green Bins and Kitchen Catchers at a discounted price to help ensure that all waste is disposed of properly.
Cost:
- Blue Box*- $10.50 each (regular price: $15.50)
- Green Bin*- $19.60 each (regular price: $29)
- Kitchen Catcher*- $5.60 each (regular price: $8.50)
*Limit 2 per household
To purchase bins during this sale, residents can: Place an order through the Town’s online store at newmarket.perfectmind.com. Please note that an online account is required to make the order. Signing up for an account is free and easy.
You can also place an order by calling Customer Service at 905-895-5193, Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Purchased items will be delivered by GFL (Green For Life) within 1-2 weeks. For more information, please email [email protected]
Electronics & Battery Recycling Event on Saturday, October 26
The Town of Newmarket will host an Electronics & Battery Recycling Event on Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Robert N. Shelton Operations Centre (1275 Maple Hill Court). This is a drive-thru and drop off style event that will allow residents to properly dispose of unwanted electronics.
Accepted items include:
- Computers (e.g. desktops, laptops, tablets, notebooks)
- Computer accessories (e.g. keyboards, mice, cables, webcams, etc.)
- Printers (desktop and floor-standing)
- Printer cartridges
- Copying and scanning equipment (e.g. scanners, fax machines, photocopiers)
- Video gaming devices
- Telephones and cell phones
- Display devices (e.g. televisions, monitors, e-readers)
- Radios, stereos, tuners, turntables, record and cassette players
- Headphones and microphones (wired and wireless)
- Speakers, amplifiers, receivers
- CD, VCR, DVD, Blu-ray, PVR players/recorders
- Digital media (e.g. MP3) players
- Cameras (e.g. digital, security) and video recorders
- Projectors (e.g. digital, video)
- Audio recording equipment
- Drones with audio or visual recording equipment
- Peripherals and cables used to support the function of information technology, telecommunications and audio-visual equipment (e.g. charging equipment, remote controls)
- Parts of information technology, telecommunications and audio-visual equipment sold separately (e.g. hard drives, modems, routers)
- Handheld point-of-sale terminals or devices
- Musical instruments (i.e. a musical instrument designed to be used with a cord, battery or both)
Items not accepted include:
- Small and large appliances (e.g. microwave oven, kettle, toaster oven, freezer, fridge, coffee maker, etc.)
- Vacuum cleaners
- Fans
- Lawnmowers and weed trimmers
- String lights, light bulbs
- Power tools
- Motor vehicles
- Children’s toys
- VHS tapes, CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs and cassettes
- Textiles, clothing, furniture or any other upholstered or stuffed articles containing electrical or electronic equipment
- Information technology, telecommunications, audio-visual (ITT/AV) equipment weighing more than 250 kg
- Lightbulbs
- Paint
(Note: Use the Recycle Coach app to find out how to properly dispose of these items).
Used household batteries will also be accepted.
Automotive, industrial, leaking/damaged and batteries that weigh over 5 kg (11 lbs) are not accepted.
Residents can also participate in helping make Newmarket even greener by keeping these tips in mind:
- Plant a tree for less with LEAF. Trees play an important role in the environment as they remove harmful pollutants, absorb greenhouse gases and provide shade to reduce energy use. Plant a Treat with LEAF and the Town will cover $100 towards the purchase price of one tree as part of the Stormwater Rebate Program.
- Remember to bring reusable bags when shopping. Keep a few reusable bags in the trunk of your vehicle or right by the door so they are always available.
- Plan your meals ahead and shop with a grocery list. Planning your meals for the week and only buying groceries that you know you will eat will help reduce food waste (and save money too!).
- Try making some DIY cleaning products and beauty supplies. Making your own cleaning products and beauty supplies helps reduce the need for purchasing packaged products and helps reduce the amount of toxins released into our environment.
- Consider buying used items instead of new or try repairing them before replacing them. Libraries and community spaces across York Region will be hosting Repair Cafe, in partnership with NewMakeIt. This free event brings together those with broken items and volunteer fixes help make items brand new. Check the website for event location and details.
- Buy in bulk. Buying in bulk can be better for your wallet and also helps reduce waste.
- Recycle old and/or unwanted electronics such as computers, monitors, laptops, mobile devices at Newmarket’s Electronics and Battery Recycling Event on October 26 or drop them off at a York Region Waste Depot.
- Use refillable or reusable food containers. Avoid using disposable or non-recyclable food containers.
- Use the Recycle Coach app to find out what items go where as well as get collection reminders, customized notifications, program updates and lots more! This app will help guide you in properly disposing of and recycling all kinds of items.
For more information on what is accepted at the Electronics & Battery Recycling Event and the Town of Newmarket’s other environmental initiatives, visit newmarket.ca/ecoevents.
