It's Circular Economy Month!
A circular economy involves sharing, reusing, repairing and recycling goods, materials and food so we can eliminate waste and conserve our natural resources.
For Circular Economy Month The Regional Municipality of York is highlighting the innovative, circular-inspired programs available to our residents, businesses and organizations that help prevent waste and advance a circular economy.
York Region would also like to thank our community partners who have been instrumental in helping us develop and deliver these innovative programs. York Region has worked closely with many valued partners over the years, including several who have been recipients of our Circular Economy Initiatives Fund (CEIF).
During Circular Economy Month, we are featuring five of our circular-inspired programs:
Share, Reuse, Repair Hub
The Share, Reuse Repair Hub, an online directory where you can find more than 500 listings of local retailers, organizations and events that offer share, reuse and repair services. Thanks to Circular Innovation Council (CIC) for developing and updating this useful tool. CIC is a non-profit organization that develops programs to advance the circular economy in communities across Canada
Repair Cafés
Repair Cafés where you can bring broken household items to be fixed for free by a volunteer fixer. New volunteers are always welcome. Since 2018 over 720 items have been repaired! Thanks to NewMakeIt for coordinating and delivering these successful events. NewMakeIt is a non-profit organization that provides collaborative workspaces, tools and technology so members can develop their innovative, creative ideas
Recycle to Ride
Recycle to Ride where donated bicycles, broken or working, are fixed and put back on the road where they belong. Thanks to The Centre for Active Transportation and Markham Cycles for leading this program. Their goal to build a cycling culture through various cycling events, workshops and bicycle giveaways is a step towards a more environmentally-sustainable society
Lendery Libraries
Lendery libraries where you can sign out items for free like small kitchen appliances, tools and sports equipment. We are grateful to all the participating public libraries who offer and maintain these items and spaces. Since 2022, over 8,373 items have been borrowed!
Textile Donations
Textile donations where clean items like clothing, sheets, towels and drapes, even if stained, worn or torn, can be donated at our waste depots to be reused or repurposed. Thanks to B’nai Brith Canada and Diabetes Canada for providing the collection bins and service that help keep textiles and clothing in use and out of the garbage
Beyond Circular Economy Month
Keep your circular actions in motion beyond Circular Economy Month. There is always something new and innovative happening on the horizon. Let’s all continue the momentum as we move towards a circular future.
Discover other circular economy programs that help prevent waste at york.ca/CircularEconomy