Celebrate Waste Reduction Week

In Canada. Waste Reduction and Recycling Weeks started in the mid-80’s, when a number of recycling councils and environmental organizations began holding provincial events. In 2001, the national Waste Reduction Week program was formalized by Recycling Council of Ontario who now leads the national campaign, and our Habitat for Humanity ReStores play a big part in helping to reduce waste and recycle the items you no longer need.

Habitat ReStores are home improvement and building supply stores that accept and resell quality new and used building materials. Shopping at a Habitat ReStore is a socially conscious decision, as funds generated are used to fund local Habitat for Humanity homebuilding projects. It’s also an environmentally conscious decision, as much of what is sold is product that is new, gently used or customer returns that would otherwise end up in a landfill, and in turn your donations help us build homes for local families.

Circular Economy

At our Habitat ReStores, we often receive items that need a little TLC before we put them in the store for sale. We have an amazing group of warehouse volunteers who test, repair, refurbish and clean donations so that they have a new extended life through selling at our ReStores. See our extensive list of items that can be donated (your donation may also qualify for a tax receipt!)

Textiles

The average person throws away 37 kilograms of textiles each year, and 95% of that clothing could be reused or recycled. Did you know that you can donate clothing at our Habitat Niagara ReStores? We have big blue textile bins at all of our ReStores, making our stores a one-stop place to bring your donations.

E-Waste

E-waste (electronic waste) is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world. Last year the total global amount of electronic waste reached 53.6 million metric tonnes! In 2019, our Habitat Niagara ReStores diverted 145,880 lbs of e-waste from the landfill and recycled it. You can recycle your e-waste at our Habitat Niagara ReStores instead of putting them in the landfill, we partner Quantum Lifecycle to ensure that end-of-life electronics are responsibly recycled. So remember the next time you get new electronics, you can donate your old electronics to our ReStores.

Metal Waste

Did you know our Habitat Niagara ReStores collect metal waste? In 2019 our ReStores recycled 220,000 lbs of metal waste through collecting scrap metal from individuals and businesses.

As of this week, the Niagara Region will no longer collect appliances and scrap metal at the curb. So, if you’re getting rid of any metal items, donate them to our ReStores! We work with local companies that recycle metal (including non-working appliances, automobiles building supplies and more!) and money raised from collecting these items helps to fund our mission.

Business Product Waste

Do you own a business and are challenged to find a solution for overstock items that are taking up valuable space in your store or warehouse? Our ReStores provide a solution for businesses that have merchandise returns, mis-packaged items, damaged, discontinued, end-of-season or overstock products. We’ll pick them up for free and sell them at our Habitat Niagara ReStores which help to build affordable homes for local families in need of safe and decent housing. Contact us today!

Learn how you can take action on reducing waste while supporting Habitat for Humanity!