Saturday, April 20 marks the first Giveaway Day for 2024, a city initiative encouraging residents to set out reusable items for neighbors to claim, thereby reducing waste.
Adam Mueller, Supervisor of Solid Waste Disposal, emphasized the environmental and economic benefits in a City release, saying: “Giveaway Days are an effective and unique way to reduce waste in Kingston. When you pick up free secondhand items, you not only save them from the 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.”
Residents are invited to share images of the items they give away on Instagram or X (formerly Twitter) using the hashtag #WasteNotYGK.
Guidelines for the Giveaway Day include only setting out items that are likely to be reused. Permitted items include books, CDs, DVDs, furniture, small appliances, electronics, construction materials such as drywall and lumber, kitchen gadgets, and dishes. Conversely, items flagged by the Consumer Product Safety Bureau of Health Canada, including baby walkers, cribs, car seats, strollers, playpens, bath seats, mattresses, blinds, and toys, should not be given away due to safety concerns.
For those putting items out, they should be placed at the curb in front of homes with a ‘FREE’ sign or sticker attached. Items not intended for pickup should be kept separate, and any uncollected items must be removed from the curb by the end of the day, as the city will not collect these. Residents are encouraged to consider donating unclaimed items to local charities.
For those picking up items, it is important to respect property by not walking on lawns or gardens and to only take items explicitly marked as ‘FREE’ and positioned at the curb. Additionally, residents should avoid leaving items picked up from one location at another person’s property.
Full guidelines for the Giveaway Day can be found at www.CityofKingston.ca/Giveaway, providing all participants with the information needed to engage responsibly in this community-enhancing event.
