Community Environment Days return to help Toronto get rid of its old batteries (and other stuff)
Annual series of events runs April 15 to Sept. 24, with at least one in each ward.
So you’ve got a closet or basement full of broken electronics, or a drawer stuffed with spent batteries. They can’t go in the Blue Box or regular garbage, but you don’t know how to get rid of them otherwise.
One way is to take them to a drop-off depot, though many Torontonians don’t have one of those nearby. And those who do need a safe vehicle in order to use them.
This is where Community Environment Days come in.
First held in 1991, these are special events held throughout the spring and summer in all of Toronto’s wards. According to the City website, they’re designed to “reduce the amount of reusable or recyclable waste going to landfill and allow for safe disposal of household hazardous waste.”
Ahead of last year’s Community Environment Days — the first ward-based events in two years after a COVID-related layoff — then mayor John Tory said he was happy to see their return:
These events help keep items out of landfill and offer a way for residents to dispose of household goods, electronics or hazardous waste in their own community. I encourage residents to come out to these Community Environment Days and help us safely dispose of household hazardous waste and other unwanted items.
During the 2022 events, the City collected 327,520 kg of household hazardous waste, 107,775 kg of electronics, and 102,215 kg of reusable household goods.
And these events aren’t just for dropping stuff off. You can also pick up free loose or bagged compost, created from the yard waste and organic materials collected at curbs throughout Toronto. In 2022, 737,100 kg of bagged compost was picked up by residents.
This year’s Community Environment Days run from April through September. There will be 45 in total, with at least one in every ward, and six more at drop-off depots on Sundays in July and August.
The first event will be held at Centre Point Mall from 10:00–2:00 on April 15. Check the map for the timing of the one closest to you.
What can you drop off at Community Environment Days?
The City targets two larger categories of drop-off items. The first is items for recycling or proper disposal:
- Electronic waste, including everything from computers and cellphones to cables and printer cartridges; and
- Household hazardous waste, including items that are corrosive, flammable, explosive, or poisonous. That’s batteries, paint cans, drain cleaner, and more.
The second category is items for re-use. Here’s the list of City suggestions:
- Sporting goods
- Books (excluding textbooks)
- Cameras, CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays
- Dress-up clothing and costume jewelry
- Clothing, footwear, accessories, linens, etc.
- Small household items
- Musical instruments, board games
- Eyeglasses, walking aids, hearing aids, etc.
- Non-perishable food for donation
For more information, check out the Community Environment Days page on the City of Toronto website.
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