Reuse Resources
Why Reuse?
The average person throws out 37 kilograms of textiles each year; yet, 95 per cent could have been reused or recycled.
The average Canadian buys 70 new clothing items every year. One cotton t-shirt takes 2,650 liters of water to produce. Imagine how much water the average Canadian consumes for their yearly wardrobe choices!
Once clothing items are no longer wanted, consider using them for a different purpose or giving them to someone in need.
Let’s work together to find a new life for unwanted or damaged products and textiles. Many websites and apps exist for trading or selling used goods to others. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure! Find resources below that support reuse and check out the local directory to find businesses near you.
Ways to Reuse:
1. Host a swap event
2. Buy secondhand goods
3. Donate used items to donation centres
4. Give used items to friends in need
5. Take them to recycling centres or depots
General Resources
Community Toolkit: A Best Practices Toolkit for Community-Led Textile Reuse
Visit NACTR to access the free Community Toolkit to help you organize events in your community, such as clothing swaps, yard sales, free markets, municipal initiatives, and university events. "The consumption of textiles and household goods is a key contributor to...
Garage Sale Listings – Kijiji
Find local garage sale listings or post your own garage sale. Shop secondhand within your community.
Let’s Go Zero Waste Directory
"...we’re here to help you find low-waste-friendly places nearby & online by bringing together a searchable directory of businesses & initiatives that are focused on promoting a circular economy, such as bring your own (BYO) container-friendly...
Poshmark
Poshmark is a leading fashion resale marketplace powered by a vibrant, highly engaged community of buyers and sellers and real-time social experiences. Buying thrifted items gives them new life and prevents them from going to waste. Secondhand goods are often...
Salvage and Reuse: Green Home Renovation Guide
Salvage and Reuse: Green Home Renovation Guide Renovating your home or business? Consider using a salvage and reuse approach following the guidance from this City of Vancouver resource.By using “greener” alternatives or methods than the standard, you reduce your...
IKEA Furniture Bank Partnership (GTA)
Ikea Furniture Bank partnership IKEA has partnered with Furniture Bank to collect your gently used mattresses and couches to give to families in need. Check out their removal services and associated costs below. Donating what you don’t want or need is a...
Habitat for Humanity Restore
Habitat for Humanity Restore Habitat for Humanity ReStores are home and building supply stores that accept and resell quality new and used building materials. Donating what you don’t want or need is a great alternative to throwing them out....
Swap It Toolkit
Swap It Toolkit Developed by the Circular Innovation Council, the Swap-It Toolkit is a multi-language and customizable package of resources that includes everything you need to organize a successful swap event in your community, building, or workplace. ...
Facebook Marketplace Buy & Sell
Facebook Marketplace If you have a Facebook account, you can sell what you don't need or look to buy secondhand from someone in your community! Buying thrifted items gives them new life and prevents them from going to waste. Secondhand goods are often much more...
Bikes for Cuba
Donate your Bicycle “Help us support young cyclists in Cuba by donating bikes and gear [or] by helping transport our donated bikes while on your next Cuban holiday!" Donating what you don’t want or need is a great alternative to throwing them out. When...
Peel Region Resources
Turtle Green Refillery
"Turtle Green Refillery offers earth-friendly home and personal care products in minimal packaging and refillable containers. Cut back on plastic consumption by choosing earth-friendly products right here at Turtle Green!" A refillery is a place where you can buy...
Give and Receive Goods for Free in Peel Region: Freecycle.org
Freecycle.org Find free secondhand goods, post a "wanted" post, and donate things you no longer need on Freecycle.org. Click the links below to check out the Freecyle available in your community.Buying thrifted items gives them new life and prevents them from going to...
Kijiji Mississauga & Peel Region
Kijiji Buy and Sell Sell what you don't need or look to buy secondhand from someone in your community! Buying thrifted items gives them new life and prevents them from going to waste. Secondhand goods are often much more affordable than buying new, keeping more...
York Region Resources
PALZ Trading Zone – North Toronto & York Region
A place to trade your stuff and skills. Join the online group to learn more and start trading! Buying thrifted items gives them new life and prevents them from going to waste. Secondhand goods are often much more affordable than buying new, keeping more money in...
Kijiji Markham / York Region
Kijiji Buy and Sell Sell what you don't need or look to buy secondhand from someone in your community! Buying thrifted items gives them new life and prevents them from going to waste. Secondhand goods are often much more affordable than buying new, keeping more...
City of Markham Textile Donation Bins
City of Markham Textile Donation Bins There are over 160 public-access bins available in Markham where textiles can be donated! Program partners pick up the donated items for reuse. Donating what you don’t want or need is a great alternative to throwing them...
JRCC Furniture Depot
Thornhill Furniture Bank The JRCC Furniture Bank donates gently used furniture to families in need. Drop off your items at a registered location after receiving confirmation, or make a monetary donation to have their team pick up from your location. ...
Curbside Giveaway Days in York Region
Curbside Giveaway Days in York Region In search of free items but don't know where to look? Take a look for free curbside items on specific dates, and leave your own for others to take. Donating what you don’t want or need is a great alternative to...
Give and Receive Goods for Free in York Region: FreeCycle.org
Freecycle.org: York Region Find free secondhand goods, post a “wanted” post, and donate things you no longer need on Freecycle.org. Click the links below to check out the Freecyle available in your community. Buying thrifted items gives them new life and...
Mini-cycle
"Mini-Cycle is a children's boutique offering durable, sustainable clothing for children aged 0-14y. It also offers a solution to the investment of buying organic, durable, and quality clothing. Mini-Cycle sells the latest from brands like Bobo...
To find the listing of individual businesses and organizations, please visit the local directory.
Contribute to the Hub
Know of a resource, local business, or event that supports share, reuse, or repair that we should know about? Let us know by filling out the form at the link below.