Giveaway Day is set to take place in Kingston on Saturday, April 22, and this initiative aims to encourage people to reduce waste by giving away reusable items they no longer want to their neighbours who might like them. The event is an effective and unique way to reduce waste in Kingston, according to Adam Mueller, the Supervisor of Solid Waste.
“When you pick up free secondhand items, you not only save them from landfill – you also reduce the waste associated with packaging and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with manufacturing new goods. Giving away items also helps community members save money,” said Mueller.
To promote the event, residents are encouraged to share pictures of their Giveaway Day items on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #WasteNotYGK.
There are some guidelines for Giveaway Day to ensure that appropriate items are given away and to avoid giving away any items that could be hazardous. According to the Consumer Product Safety Bureau of Health Canada, the following items should not be given away or picked up: baby walkers, cribs, car seats, strollers, playpens, bath seats, mattresses, blinds, and toys.
On the other hand, appropriate items include books, CDs, DVDs, furniture and small appliances, electronics, construction materials (including drywall, lumber, hardware), kitchen gadgets, dishes, cutlery, pots and pans, and unwanted gifts. Residents are reminded to only set out items they know someone else might want.
When placing items at the curb, stickers or signs with the word ‘FREE’ should be placed on the items. It is important to ensure that any items that residents do not want taken are kept away from items placed at the curb. At the end of the day, any uncollected items should be brought back into the home, as the City will not collect unwanted items left at the curb. Residents are encouraged to consider donating these items to a local charity.
To pick up items, residents are reminded to respect other people’s property and avoid walking on lawns or gardens. Only the items that are marked ‘FREE’ and placed at the curb should be taken, and previously picked up items should not be left on the curb at other people’s property.
Residents can find these guidelines on the City of Kingston’s website.
