RICHMOND HILL – Longer days and warmer weather mean it’s time to open the windows and begin spring cleaning. As you declutter, before throwing things away, be sure to consider the following eco-friendly initiatives and services: 

• Donate your used clothing and fabrics – It’s estimated that Canadians throw 500 million kilograms of clothing and other textiles into the garbage each year. The best way to limit the environmental impacts of clothing and other textiles is to make sustainable choices. Visit RichmondHill.ca/Textiles to find out where you can donate your unwanted clothing or textile items and get other useful tips on how to limit the environmental impact of clothing waste.

• Mark your calendar for Curbside Giveaway Days - On Curbside Giveaway Days residents are invited to place gently used unwanted items at their curb (labelled FREE) for other residents to take for their own use. This year’s dates are as follows: June 25, July 30, August 27, and September 24 from 7a.m. to 5 p.m. Any remaining items must be brought back in by 5 p.m. Visit York.ca/CurbsideGiveaway to find out more.

• Schedule a pick up for your unwanted large appliances and metal items – Items such as fridges, freezers, barbecues, patio furniture and more are collected free of charge by the City, by appointment only. Visit RichmondHill.ca/Appliance to learn more about what items are accepted, collection guidelines and how to schedule your collection.    

• Properly recycle your household batteries – Throwing batteries in the garbage or recycling is harmful to the environment and can be hazardous. Used household batteries are accepted in collection boxes at Richmond Hill’s main Municipal Offices (225 East Beaver Creek Road), the Operations Centre (1200 Elgin Mills Road East) and all community centres and libraries. They can also be taken to select York Region Waste Depots. For safety reasons, please tape the ends of primary lithium, button cell, rechargeable and 6 and 9 volt batteries. 

• Know what goes where – It is important to know how to properly dispose of items and be aware of what items can and can’t be recycled or composted. If you are unsure about an item use the Bindicator tool at York.ca/bindicator or download the free Recycle Coach app. 

For more information about Richmond Hill’s waste collection services and initiatives, visit RichmondHill.ca/Waste.

MEDIA CONTACT 
Ash O’Malley, Communications Advisor, ash.omalley@richmondhill.ca