To promote Circular Economy Month (October 1 to 31), 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 host several events and initiatives to support these efforts such as:
Waste Collection Public Meeting on Wednesday, October 1
This public meeting will focus on Newmarket’s program around garbage, green bin and yard waste.
Questions regarding the Blue Box recycling transition that is being led by the Province of Ontario and Circular Materials will not be discussed at this meeting. Inquiries regarding the Blue Box transition program can be directed to Circular Materials at [email protected]
Electronics and Household Battery Recycling Event on Saturday, October 4
Green Bin and Kitchen Catcher Sale from Monday, October 20 to Sunday, October 26
These programs and events aim to help Newmarket residents reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a greener community.
"Waste reduction plays a vital role in protecting our environment, conserving energy, and embracing more sustainable ways of living,” says Mayor John Taylor. Waste Reduction Week is an important reminder that even small actions such as recycling properly and consuming more thoughtfully can make a big difference. Let’s keep that momentum going and continue to make responsible, sustainable choices together.”
See below for three fantastic initiatives taking place in Newmarket to honor Circular Economy Month, Waste Reduction Week, and other programs and green tips to keep in mind.
Newmarket is exploring changes to our waste collection program
As the Town prepares for future changes to the way waste and organics may be collected, we are hosting a public meeting to gather feedback from the community.
Join us on Wednesday, October 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. (drop in anytime) at the Newmarket Community Centre and Lions Hall, Hall 1 (200 Doug Duncan Drive) to share your experiences, offer ideas for improvement, and provide feedback on how our waste collection program (garbage, yard waste, green bin) can better serve our community.
Note: This public meeting will focus on Newmarket’s program around garbage, green bin and yard waste. Questions regarding the Blue Box recycling transition that is being led by the Province of Ontario and Circular Materials will not be discussed at this meeting. Inquiries regarding the Blue Box transition program can be directed to Circular Materials at [email protected]
For more information, visit HeyNewmarket.ca/Waste.
Electronics & Household Battery Recycling Event on Saturday, October 4
The Town of Newmarket will host an Electronics & Household Battery Recycling Event on Saturday, October 4 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 and household batteries.
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
(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.
Green bin and kitchen catcher sale from October 20 to 26
The Town of Newmarket will be offering Green Bins and Kitchen Catchers at a discounted price to help ensure that food waste is disposed of properly.
Cost:
- Green Bin*- $20.92 each (regular price: $29.89)
- Kitchen Catcher*- $6.13 each (regular price: $8.76)
*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].
Waste Reduction Tips
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 tree 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 people with broken items and volunteers who help repair them, giving the items a new life. 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, and mobile devices at Newmarket’s Electronics and Household Battery Recycling Event on October 4 or drop them off at a York Region Waste Depot.
Use refillable and/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 & Household Battery Recycling Event and the Town of Newmarket’s other environmental initiatives, visit Newmarket.ca/EcoEvents.
