Here's a list of ways Newmarket residents can spring into action for Earth Day

Town offers electronics and battery recycling event, tree planting, rain barrels, tips and more

Yorkregion.com
April 21, 2023
Lisa Queen

Newmarket residents, looking for ways to spring into action in celebration of Earth Day on April 22?

The town has a number of events and programs to help spread awareness and encourage residents to take action to protect the environment.

"Earth Day gives us a chance to educate the community about the actions we can all take to help minimize environmental impacts in our neighbourhood," Mayor John Taylor said.

“Your participation will collectively help to conserve valuable resources, reduce pollution, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions."

Here are events, programs and tips in celebration of Earth Day:

• The Electronics and Battery Recycling Event runs April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Robert N. Shelton Operations Centre at 1275 Maple Hill Ct. near Mulock Drive and Harry Walker Parkway. At this drive-thru, drop-off event, residents can bring their unwanted electronics and used batteries to recycle. Accepted items include computers and computer and audiovisual parts such as hard drives, speakers, headphones, cameras including security cameras, musical instruments, telephones including cellular phones and household batteries. Do not bring cars, toys, power tools, appliances and information technology, telecommunications, audiovisual (ITT/AV) equipment weighing more than 250 kilograms (551 pounds). For a full list, visit newmarket.ca/ecoevents.
• Purchase a rain barrel to help conserve water, reduce stormwater runoff, promote plant and soil health and more. The town is hosting a preorder sale through Enviro World. Place your order by May 31 at enviroworld.ca/newmarket. The cost of each rain barrel is $70, including tax. Pick up your rain barrel on June 10 at the operations centre at 1275 Maple Hill Ct. between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Bring your proof of purchase and your identification for pickup. Delivery is not available.
• Participate in the 45th annual Community Cleanup presented by TD on May 6. Visit the selected park in your ward to pick up your free cleanup kit, while quantities last. After picking up a kit, participants can clean up at a time and location of their choosing. For more information, visit newmarket.ca/communitycleanup. After May 6, kits will be available for pickup at select customer service kiosks until May 21, while quantities last.
• Plant a tree with LEAF. For a limited time, residents will receive an additional $100 rebate for planting a tree on their property through the full service or do-it-yourself program with LEAF. For more information, visit yourleaf.org.
• Rather than tossing broken items out, take them to the Newmarket Public Library’s Repair Cafe, run with NewMakeIt and York Region. Book a time at calendar.newmarketpl.ca to bring your item to the library at 438 Park Ave. on April 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Follow these Earth-friendly green tips: Replace your light bulbs with energy efficient light bulbs, which use 80 per cent less electricity, donate old clothes and other textile items through the town’s textile recycling program at newmarket.ca/textilerecycling, move toward zero waste by reducing use of single-use items and switching to reusable containers and walk, cycle or take public transit rather than your car.

For more information, visit EarthDay.ca.