In celebration of Earth Month in April, the Town of Newmarket is offering several opportunities for community members to get involved to protect the environment.
"Environmental sustainability continues to be a major focus for Council as we work to protect our natural resources and address climate change," says Mayor John Taylor. "Each of us has a part to play in reducing our environmental impact. I encourage everyone to take part in Newmarket’s eco‑friendly activities this month and recycle your old electronics and batteries at our Electronics and Battery Recycling event, pick up a rain barrel to help conserve water and reduce runoff, or plant a tree at a discounted price through the LEAF program."
Here are events and programs in celebration of Earth Month:
1. Rain Barrel Sale
Newmarket is offering an online rain barrel sale through Enviro World from April 1 to 26. Purchase a rain barrel for $79.95 (tax and home delivery included) to help conserve water, reduce stormwater run-off, promote plant and soil health and more! To take advantage of the sale, place your order online at enviroworld.ca/newmarket by April 26 for home delivery between May 1 and 6.
2. Electronics and Battery Recycling Event
Residents can drop off unwanted electronics and used household batteries at the Town’s annual Electronics and Battery Recycling event on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Robert N. Shelton Operations Centre (1275 Maple Hill Court). Electronic items collected at the event will be recycled by Quantum Lifecycle Partners LP and batteries will be recycled by Call2Recycle.
Fun fact: At last year’s event, we diverted a total of 18,182 pounds of electronic items from landfill.
Accepted items: Computers, headphones, cameras (including security cameras), TVs, telephones, cell phones, computer parts and household batteries such as standard AA, AAA, C and D cell, 6- and 9-volt batteries and rechargeable battery packs.
Non-acceptable items: Automotive batteries, children’s toys, textiles, power tools, small and large appliances, damaged batteries and equipment weighing more than 250kg are not accepted at this event.
Recycling batteries will keep heavy and harmful metals from contaminating soils, groundwater, and streams. To prevent fires and make safe disposal easy, Central York Fire Services (CYFS) and the Town of Newmarket have partnered with Call2Recycle to provide convenient battery drop‑off locations for residents of Aurora and Newmarket. Each CYFS fire station and various Town facilities have a dedicated drop‑off container.
For more information on what is accepted and not at the event, please visit newmarket.ca/ecoevents.
3. Participate in the 48th annual Community Cleanup presented by TD
Calling all individuals, community groups, sports teams, schools, local businesses, and organizations! Help keep Newmarket clean and green during the 48th annual Community Cleanup on Saturday, May 2. Pick up cleanup kits from at Riverwalk Commons (200 Doug Duncan Drive) and help clean a public park, greenspace or trail of your choice. Visit the Town of Newmarket booth at the Newmarket Farmers’ Market on May 2 between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. to collect a free cleanup kit (while supplies last; one cleanup kit per person). Plus, high school students can earn up to three volunteer hours for participating!
Learn more at newmarket.ca/communitycleanup.
4. Plant a tree with LEAF!
Newmarket residents will receive an additional $100 rebate for planting a tree on their property through the Full Service or Do-It-Yourself program with LEAF. Limit of one rebate per property per year, while supplies last. For more information on the various options available to plant a tree or shrub, visit yourleaf.org.
5. Follow these Earth-friendly green tips:
- Replace your light bulbs with energy efficient light bulbs. Energy efficient light bulbs consume up to 80 per cent less electricity than conventional ones.
- Consider buying used items instead of new ones or try repairing damaged or broken items through Repair Café before replacing them.
- Donate your old clothes and other textile items through our textile recycling program.
- Try moving towards zero waste to reduce your consumption of single-use items, such as switching to refillable or reusable containers.
- Prioritize walking, cycling, or taking public transit instead of using your motor vehicles. Doing so can help reduce emissions. Take a walk along one of our 44km+ walking and cycling trails that connect to more than 20km of trails from neighbouring municipalities.
- Consider making your home more energy efficient by taking advantage of rebates through the Province’s Home Renovation Savings Program which has been recently updated to include energy efficient appliances.
- Borrow books and even everyday items at the Newmarket Public Library’s Lendery. This program allows you to borrow items like tools, camping equipment, boardgames and more!
For more information on these events and more, visit newmarket.ca/ecoevents.
