Reducing Your Waste

Generating less garbage means we spend less money collecting, processing and disposing of trash. Making small changes to reduce waste at home and work can impact the community, environment and the bottom line.

Rethink your waste

Reduce

Organics are materials such as fruit and vegetable scraps, paper towels, coffee grinds, leaf and garden materials that break down naturally and can be turned into compost. Organics that end up in landfills are one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions.

A recent study suggests that an estimated $31 billion in Canadian food annually finds its way to landfills and composting, 50% of which originates from food thrown away in the home. That adds up to about 100 kg, per person, per year!

Take positive steps to eliminate wasted food in your home:

• buy only what you need. Stop wasteful eating and food storage habits to cut down on the amount of food waste you throw away
• visit the Foodland Ontario website for recipes and storage tips
• visit the Durham Farm Fresh website to buy local and reduce packaging and transportation
• sort your organic waste as part of the City's organic waste collection programs. Get details on the City's Green Bin page and Yard Waste page
• green your garden by composting your food scraps in your backyard. Find more information on the City's Gardening page

Changing habits

We are becoming a disposable society from, paper towels to aluminum wrap to cleaning products designed to make our life easier. You can make a big difference by simply refusing to buy disposable items and replacing them with reusable items.

• shop in bulk
• shop at farmer's markets and buy local
• use reusable food and beverage containers for lunches, water and coffee on the go
• drink tap water
• make rags out of old clothing to use for clean ups instead of paper towels
• make your own salad dressing, canned relish, tomatoes and jams

Re-examine the gifts you give. Instead, try encouraging a new sport, skill or interest by providing an experience. Be a conscious consumer and consider the following gift ideas:

• recreational opportunities such as activities, classes, camps and programs
• spend quality time with friends and family by taking a walk in nature or spending the day at a park, playground or splash pad
• donate a tree or a bench to the recipient's favourite park
• a garden plot in a local community garden

Reuse or repurpose what you can

If it is not broken, do not throw it away. Instead, consider holding a yard sale, visiting a consignment store, donating or using an online forum to find a new life for gently used household items. Before you make a donation, call to confirm the drop-off location and specifications.

• Visit the Habitat For Humanity website for information about the ReStore
• Visit the Salvation Army website for more information about the Thrift Store

Visit the Durham Region website for more information about Community Event Reuse Days

Recycle

Check out some of the common household items below to find our how and where you can properly recycle them! Do you have something not on the list below? No problem - use the know before you throw look up tool to quickly search the item to find out how best to dispose of it.

Textile recycling

The City of Oshawa has partnered with Diabetes Canada on a textile recycling program that accepts all adult and children's clothing and footwear, including undergarments, towels, pillows, and curtains. The program takes items in all conditions. Please ensure items are cleaned before donation.

Find a textile donation bin at the following recreation facilities: 

• Delpark Homes Centre, 1661 Harmony Rd. N.
• Donevan Recreation Complex, 171 Harmony Rd. S.
• South Oshawa Community Centre, 1455 Cedar St.
• Civic Recreation Complex, 99 Thornton Rd. S.

Accepted items

All donated textiles must be dry and free of any medical or hazardous liquids such as grease/oil, blood and vomit. Some items will not accepted, due to sanitary or health and safety concerns, such as infant car seats.