What to do with a solo sock? Newmarket launches textile recycling program

Newmarket joins Aurora, Markham, King, Whitchurch-Stouffville in diverting textiles from landfills

Yorkregion.com
January 8, 2019
Teresa Latchford

If you plan to purge your home as part of your New Year’s resolutions, the Town of Newmarket has a place for your old clothing and other textiles.

Partnering with Diabetes Canada, Newmarket’s new textile recycling program has launched with the intention of supporting more waste diversion in the community. Residents can now bring unwanted textiles, such as clothing, footwear, undergarments, towels, pillows, curtains and more to the donation bins located at the Magna Centre, Newmarket Community Centre and Lions Hall and the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex.

“Textile recycling and more importantly, textile diversion is key in reducing the amount of waste that goes into our landfills,” Mayor John Taylor said. “By participating in this textile recycling program and partnering with Diabetes Canada, we are actively protecting the environment, helping to raise funds for diabetes research and supporting those in need in our community.”

The average Canadian purchases 70 new articles of clothing over the course of a year, contributing to 12 million tons of textile waste in North American landfills. In York Region, textiles account for five-to-seven per cent of waste destined for disposal.

By launching the program, Newmarket joins Aurora, Markham, Whitchurch-Stouffville and King to support York Region’s SM4RT Living Plan goals to raise awareness about reducing, reusing and recycling.

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

Residents also have the option of arranging a home collection with Diabetes Canada by calling 1-800-505-5525.

Here are the items accepted in the new textile recycling program:

Clothing: Active wear, bathing suits, bathrobes, coats, dresses, jeans, pants, parkas, shirts, skirts, socks, sweaters, T-shirts, undergarments and uniforms.

Household textiles: Aprons, bedding, bibs, blankets, comforters, curtains, drapes, cushions, fabric scraps, mats, old rags, oven mitts, pillows, sleeping bags, stuffed toys, towels and wash cloths.

Footwear: Singles or pairs of athletic shoes, boots, cleats, dress shoes, high heels, loafers, running shoes, slip-ons, slippers and sneakers.

Accessories: Backpacks, belts, gloves, hats, tuques, jewelry, mittens, pet clothing and beds, purses, scarves and ties.

For more information, visit Newmarket.ca.