Markham officially launches its textile recycling program

YorkRegion.com
Oct. 28, 2016
Amanda Persico

Now, those mismatched socks, old boxers, tattered sneakers, un-fluffy pillows and not-so-soft sheets have a place to go.

Markham, together with the Salvation Army, officially launched its textile recycling program with donation bins located throughout the city. 

Markham already has one of the highest curbside waste diversion rates in the country, with about 81 per cent, Mayor Frank Scarpitti said.

Currently, textiles make up about 7 per cent of the city’s waste.

“Our goal is to work with our residents to increase our current waste diversion rate through textile recycling with a target of diverting 1,000 tonnes of textiles from the landfill,” Scarpitti said.

The new smart bin, located at the Milliken Mills Community Centre, features built-in sensors. The city plans to add another eight smart bins by the end of next year.

Smaller bins are located at fire stations and multi-residential buildings, which will increase to about 60 and 70 bins next year.

The Salvation Army will sort and service the bins at no cost to the city. Resalable items will be sorted and sold  through Salvation Army Thrift Stores where proceeds help support local food banks, shelters, children’s camps and addiction treatment facilities.