There’s good news for Newmarket residents who have been driving to Markham to recycle their textiles: the Town of Newmarket recently partnered with Diabetes Canada on a new textile recycling program that will help to divert such things as pillows, oven mitts, footwear and backpacks from landfill.
Newmarket Councillor Victor Woodhouse shared the news and a photo of the new bins on a local Facebook group just before the holidays to much support among members.
“The Town is starting a new textile recycling program in January that will help support textile diversion in our community,” Woodhouse wrote. “The contract, awarded to Diabetes Canada, accepts all adult and children's clothing and footwear, including undergarments, towels, pillows, and curtains.”
The textile bins are located at the Magna Centre (800 Mulock Dr.), Ray Twinney Recreation Complex (100 Eagle St. W.) and the Newmarket Community Centre and Lions Hall (200 Doug Duncan Dr.).
A complete list of accepted items for recycling can be found here.
Diabetes Canada’s goods donation program has since 1985 functioned as a social enterprise in which textiles and small household items are collected and sold in support of the National Diabetes Trust’s work in the community. That includes diabetes research, education, advocacy programs, and the D Camps, summer camps for children with type 1 diabetes. About 100 million pounds of textiles each year is diverted from landfill, generating approximately 21 per cent of the organization’s total revenue.
All donated textiles must be dry and free of any medical or hazardous liquids such as grease/oil, blood and vomit. Infant car seats are not accepted due to sanitary and health-and-safety concerns.
Newmarket resident Bridget Mitchell Cremen said of the program: "Great to have it here in Newmarket!!! I was one of the (people) who implemented the program in the City of Markham and it has been incredibly successful and has brought benefits to many and to our environment. So happy to not have to cart my "stuff" to Markham anymore."
You can schedule a free pick-up of items too large to donate yourself by calling Diabetes Canada at 1-800-505-5525 or visit them online here.
