Have a frequently asked question about Newmarket's Textile Recycling Program? View the FAQs below for more information.
What is textile recycling?
Textile recycling is the process through which textiles (clothing of all sizes, shoes, undergarments, purses, belts, hats, bedding, towels, curtains, pillows etc.) are recovered for the purposes of reusing, repurposing or recovering textile material. Non-profit organizations such as Diabetes Canada collect textile material and sell it to thrift retailers such as Value Village. Items are assessed and sorted to determine suitability for reuse or recycling depending on the condition of the item. Items in good condition are re-sold as used clothing with proceeds helping support local programs. Items that cannot be used are repurposed into other items (e.g. industrial rags).
Why should I donate my unwanted textiles?
Textiles account for 5 to 7 per cent of waste destined for disposal in York Region. Every Canadian consumer produces around 66-88 lbs of textile waste per year. By donating your unwanted textiles, you are helping the environment, creating a more sustainable community, and supporting local organizations such as Diabetes Canada for their causes.
What kinds of textiles are accepted in the Textile Recycling Program?
Clothing
(adults and children) |
Household Textiles |
Footwear
(singles or pairs) |
Accessories |
Active wear
Bathing suits Bathrobes Coats Dresses Jeans Pants Parkas Shirts Skirts Socks (single or pairs) Sweaters T-Shirts Undergarments Uniforms | Aprons Bedding Bibs Blankets Comforters Curtains, Drapes Cushions Fabric scraps Mats Old rags Oven mitts Pillows Sleeping bags Stuffed toys Towels Wash cloths | Athletic shoes Boots Cleats Dress shoes High heels Loafers Running shoes Slip-ons Slippers Sneakers | Backpacks Belts Gloves Hats, Toques Jewellery Mittens Pet clothing and beds Purses Scarves Ties
|
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.
What kinds of textile items are not accepted in the Textile Recycling Program?
The following items are not accepted due to sanitary, health and safety concerns: • Infant products – car seats, cribs, walkers, playpens, etc.
• Automobile parts– tires, mufflers, fenders etc.
• Construction material– bricks, lumber, windows, carpet, cabinets, etc.
• Hazardous materials– paint, batteries, cleaning products, any liquids, etc.
• Flammable products– propane tanks, barbeques, weed trimmers, tiki torches, etc.
• TVs and other large electronics
• Used mattresses/box springs
• Blue box recyclables
• Furniture
• Garbage
• Organics and food
• Any other textile items that do not fit inside the bin
Where can I donate my unwanted textiles?
Donations bins are located at three Town of Newmarket buildings and facilities:
• Magna Centre (800 Mulock Drive) – West Entrance – this bin is sub-contracted by Diabetes Canada to local charity Cornerstone to Recovery.
• Ray Twinney Recreation Complex (100 Eagle Street West) – Northeast Entrance
• Newmarket Community Centre and Lions Hall (200 Doug Duncan Drive) – West side of building facing Cedar Street
What happens to my textiles after I donate them?
Items are sorted and determined for its usability. Items that are in good condition will be re-sold to organizations such as Value Village where proceeds will generate funding to support Cornerstone to Recovery. 100 per cent of the net proceeds generated from textile recycling directly supports the work of Cornerstone to Recovery.
How does textile recycling help the environment?
On average, Canadians purchase 70 new articles of clothing a year, which contributes to 12 million tons of textile waste dumped into North American landfills. In York Region, textiles account for up to 5 to 7 per cent of waste destined for disposal. By recycling your textiles, you will help divert these textiles from our landfills, help create a more sustainable environment and raise funds for local organizations such as Diabetes Canada.
