When you reuse an item, you're giving it a longer life instead of tossing it after one use. Reusing saves resources and is better for the environment as it keeps waste out of landfills.
Why Should I Reuse Items?
- It saves you money
- It supports local businesses and non-profits, keeping resources in our community
- It prevents usable items from going to landfill
- It conserves energy and resources
How Can I Support This Initiative?
Visit the Reuse Centre: The Reuse Centre accepts a variety of everyday items and makes them available for reuse.
Donate your items to local organizations: Search our Reuse Directory for a list of places that accept donations.
Learn how to become a Reuse Champion.
How Can I Become a Reuse Champion?
- It’s good for your wallet and our planet!
- Shop at consignment and secondhand stores. See Waste Free Edmonton’s directory of local reuse and upcycling businesses!
- Shop and sell on online marketplaces, like Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji.
- Host and shop at garage sales (don't forget your garage sale permit).
Upcycle and find new uses for your items. For upcycling courses and inspiration, check out:
- Reuse Centre
- City Arts Centre
- One of Edmonton's many Senior Centres
- Edmonton Public Library
- Metro Continuing Education (Edmonton Public School Board)
Extend the life of your items through repair. Edmonton has local businesses that specialize in the repair of shoes, clothing, jewelry, appliances, computers, furniture and more. Learn the skills needed to repair items yourself by taking a workshop offered by:
- Bike Edmonton
- Metro Continuing Education (Edmonton Public School Board)
- City Arts Centre
- One of Edmonton's many Senior Centres
Rent items that you rarely use. It reduces clutter and saves money. Many local businesses rent:
- Home and garden tools
- Sport and camping equipment
- Party supplies
- Audio visual equipment
Borrowing, sharing and gifting saves money, reduces clutter and builds strong communities.
- Join your neighbourhood Buy Nothing Project group. There are over 20 in Edmonton.
- Borrow tools from the Edmonton Tool Library.
- Borrow books, music and movies from Edmonton Public Library.
- Join one of Edmonton’s new toy libraries.
- Host a clothing swap.
- Share items with friends, family and neighbours.
- Donate unwanted items or give them away for free on online marketplaces.
Education Programs and Events
The City of Edmonton offers facility tours and educational presentations for schools, groups and members of the public.