Waste Reduction Programs, Initiatives and Events

• Reduces the amount of treated water used for watering plants and gardens.
• Diverts significant quantities of rainwater run-off from the sewer system during storms.
• Helps conserve energy and resources by reducing the amount of water and wastewater that needs to be treated and pumped.
• Reduces soil erosion and water pollution in local waterways by reducing storm water run-off.
• Rain water is better for your plants and gardens.
• Saves money by lowering municipal water consumption for garden and lawn watering.
• Helps conserve water that can be used for other household chores such as washing windows, cleaning patio furniture, and watering indoor plants.

Ensure the rain barrel is completely emptied of all water and stored inside if possible (e.g., in a garage or shed). Leaving the rain barrel outside during the winter with water inside can result in the rain barrel cracking. Maintenance information is also included in the rain barrel installation instructions.

The Town will be offering blue boxes, green bins, and kitchen catchers at the following reduced prices from April 21 to 27, 2025:

• Blue Box*: $11.19 each
• Green Bin*: $20.92 each
• Kitchen Catcher*: $6.13 each

Residents looking to purchase reduced price bins can do so by:

• Purchasing online through newmarket.perfectmind.com and then clicking on 'Online Store'. You will need to create an Xplor account to make an order.
  • Need assistance in creating an Xplor account? Watch this video.
  • Need assistance in how to use the online store? Watch this video.
• Calling Customer Service at 905-895-5193, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Purchased items will be delivered by GFL (Green for Life) within 1-2 weeks.

Founded in 1971, Canadian Environment Week is a celebration of Canada’s environmental achievements and an encouragement for all Canadians to participate in the conservation and protection of our natural surroundings. This week-long event features key dates such as Clean Air Day (first Wednesday in June), World Environment Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8). For additional information and resources, visit the Government of Canada's website.

Plastic Free July, an initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation, is a global movement that encourages people to reduce or eliminate single-use plastics. Started in Western Australia, the Plastic Free July movement has inspired millions of participants across the world. The Plastic Free July challenge encourages everyone to become a part of the solution in tackling the plastic waste problem by reducing or eliminating single-use plastics during the month of July (and beyond). Changes, even if just small ones, add up to make a big difference when we all work together.

Single-use plastics (SUPs) are plastic items that are typically used once and then discarded. Not typically designed for durability, reuse or recyclability, SUPs include items such as straws and stir sticks, cutlery, bags, take-out cups, and foam food and beverage containers. Many of these items are not always disposed of properly and end up as litter in our community, polluting our parks and waterways.

Once in the natural environment, SUPs take a very long time to decompose. As the plastic breaks down, it disintegrates into smaller and smaller pieces of plastic known as micro-plastics, making them ingestible by small organisms and enabling micro-plastics to enter the food chain.

In addition to ingestion, SUPs can also harm wildlife through entanglement. The impacts to the natural environment can be reduced by replacing SUPs with alternative items that are paper-based or compostable, or with more durable materials that can be reused, or are more cost-effective to recycle.

• Take the Plastic Free July challenge
• Learn about reusable alternatives
• Refuse SUPs at source (e.g. when purchasing goods, look for items that are not pre-packaged in single-use plastic)
• Spread the word! Tell your friends, family and colleagues about Plastic Free July
• Share and post how you reduced or eliminated SUPs and tag @TownofNewmarket

• Always bring reusable shopping bags with you such as canvas totes
• Swap out plastic wraps for reusable containers to store your leftovers
• Bring reusable straws and cutlery with you
• Use a reusable water bottle and take it with you while on the go
• Use reusable travel mugs for your hot or cold beverages
• Use reusable produce bags instead of single-use plastic bags
• Try using reusable food wraps such as beeswax-coated cloths (or learn to make your own) to package food instead of plastic cling wrap
• Use reusable cloth sandwich/snack bags
• Shop at your local farmer's market – farmer's markets are a great way to buy fresh fruits and vegetables without the plastic waste
• Ask your local butcher or deli if they can use your own reusable container – they can weigh the container and deduct the weight
• Buy in bulk – find local stores that sell food items in bulk bins and allow you to use your own containers or bags
• Repair before your replace
• Try to borrow or rent items before buying them - check out York Region's Lendery!
• Opt for items that have refillable features
• Try DIY recipes for making cleaning products, lotions, makeup, or shampoo
• Host a zero-waste dinner, party or event. Let guests know beforehand that it will be zero-waste!
• Ask if you can use your own containers for take-out or for taking home restaurant leftovers
• Pack your lunch in reusable containers or reusable cloth bags

Launched in 2022, Circular Economy Month evolved from Waste Reduction Week into Canada’s first-ever public awareness campaign dedicated to raising awareness and educating Canadians on the benefits of the circular economy while also celebrating circular innovations. For the entire month of October, Canadians are encouraged to learn more about the circular economy and embrace circular solutions.

Each week within Circular Economy Month focuses on different themes however, the third week of October will continue to be recognized as Waste Reduction Week in Canada.

A circular economy aims to minimize waste from design to end-of-life through retaining and recovering valuable resources. A circular economy approach emphasizes the continual use, recycling, and recovery of products and materials. Benefits of a circular economy includes resource conservation, reducing impacts to the environment, and supporting sustainability. For more information on the circular economy, visit the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

Throughout the year, the Town of Newmarket, as well as York Region, support residents in their waste reduction and reuse efforts by promoting initiatives that help support a circular economy such as textile and battery collection at Town facilities. Special events are also held including Curbside Giveaway Days and E-waste events. Participating in the initiatives listed below helps support a circular economy:

• Backyard Composting – Backyard composting helps improve plant health and growth by returning valuable nutrients to the soil. Backyard composters are available for purchase year-round from the Newmarket Operations Centre.
• Battery Recycling – Battery collection bins are located at most Town facilities. Battery recycling allows materials to be recovered, reused, and disposed of properly, keeping these hazardous materials out of landfill.
• Circular Marketplace – A circular business directory for circular products and solutions (funded by York Region).
• Curbside Giveaway Days – Held once a month between April and October, Curbside Giveaway Days provide an opportunity to give unwanted items a new life while keeping them out of landfill.
• Good Food – Provides education to reduce household food waste through meal planning, proper storage, and tips for managing leftovers.
• The Lendery – Borrow household items such as small kitchen appliances, tools, sports equipment, and toys and games.
• Repair Café – York Region, in partnership with Newmakeit, offers a series of Repair Cafés, hosted at local libraries and community spaces. At these events, people can bring their broken household item to be fixed for free. Volunteer fixers are available to assess your needs and will do their best to fix your item.
• Recycle to Ride – York Region is partnering with Newmarket Cycles to collect used bikes, teach people how to fix them, and get them back in use.
• Share, Reuse, Repair Hub – Online directory for share, reuse, and repair resources (funded by York Region).
• Textile Recycling – Textile recycling helps keep this material out of landfills. Textile/clothing donation bins are located at the Magna Centre (800 Mulock Drive), Ray Twinney Recreation Complex (100 Eagle Street West), and Newmarket Community Centre and Lions Hall (200 Doug Duncan Drive).

To learn more about Circular Economy Month, visit circulareconomymonth.ca. For more information about the Circular Economy in York Region, visit york.ca/circulareconomy.

In Canada, Waste Reduction and Recycling Weeks started in the mid-1980s. In 2001, Waste Reduction Week became a nationalized program, formalized by Circular Innovation Council (formerly Recycling Council of Ontario). Observed during the third week in October, Waste Reduction Week focuses on the principals of circular economy, waste reduction, and resource efficiency. The program focuses on celebrating environmental efforts and achievements while encouraging innovative ideas and solutions.

• Remember to bring reusable bags when shopping. Keep a few reusable bags in the trunk of your vehicle or right by the door so they are always available. This will help reduce the use of plastic bags.
• Plan your meals ahead and shop with a grocery list. Planning your meals for the week and only buying groceries that you know you will eat will help reduce food waste (and saves money too!).
• Try making some DIY cleaning products and beauty supplies. Making your own cleaning products and beauty supplies helps reduce the need for purchasing packaged products and helps reduce the amount of toxins released into our environment.
• Consider buying used instead of new or try repairing before replacing.
• Buy in bulk. Buying in bulk can be better for your wallet and also helps reduce waste.
• Use refillable or reusable food containers. Avoid using disposable or non-recyclable food containers.
• Not sure what goes where? Use the Recycle Coach app to find out.