The City of Pickering is partnering with Diabetes Canada to reduce household waste from going to landfill with its Textile Diversion Program.
The launch of this new charitable program coincides with Diabetes Awareness Month (November) and World Diabetes Day (November 14).
A city statement pointed out that an average person throws away 37 kg of textiles per year – the majority of which could be reused or repurposed, but instead, ends up in landfills. Textiles can include clothing, curtains, towels, blankets, sheets, and footwear.
The city said textile recycling boxes are now available at the following locations:
- Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex (arena parking lot)
- Dunmoore Park
- Esplanade South (Municipal Parking Lot)
Community members are encouraged to donate their unwanted textiles by leaving them in the bins, which Diabetes Canada will collect. Net proceeds from the revenue generated by the donated clothing will help support diabetes camps (D-Camps), diabetes research, and more, the statement said.
As part of a multi-year research study by York University, data will be collected about the quantities of textiles recovered from the new recycling boxes to help identify the economic, environmental, and social impacts of textile diversion, it added.
“It’s through these innovative and meaningful partnerships that we are able to make progressive and long-lasting change within the community,” said Mayor Kevin Ashe. “In addition to making positive environmental impacts, we are thrilled to be able to support community members who are living with diabetes.”
Visit pickering.ca/wasteandlitter to learn more about the city’s new textile recycling bins.
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