What do batteries, toothpaste tubes and old shirts have in common?
None of them can go in your blue bin — but they can be recycled! If you know where to look, common “waste” items can go to a new home or be recycled using special programs.
The map embedded above shows locations in Waterloo Region where you can drop off items that are not accepted in curbside waste collection. From thrift stores that take old clothing to community recycling hubs, we have mapped out the places where you can contribute to the circular economy in Waterloo Region.
The circular economy includes conventional recycling but also things beyond the blue bin — like reusing, refurbishing or repairing products to put them back into service. Recycling is only part of the solution. Choose to reuse and repair first before considering to recycle and, where possible, pick more sustainable products that last longer and free of any plastic (even recycled).
Community associations like the Eastwood Neighbourhood Association have been setting up hubs to collect items for sending them to TerraCycle, an organization that gathers non-recyclable materials on behalf of your favourite brands.
About the Map
Community collection sites participating in the TerraCycle program are on the map above in green, marked by the recycling logo.
There are also lots of retail locations that accept old and used products for recycling. For example, markers and pens can be recycled at any Staples location. We have marked these on the map in yellow.
Gently used items can be donated to many thrift stores and community projects in Waterloo Region. We have marked these in blue on the map.
There are also drop-off bins, where gently used items can be deposited for charities. These are marked in purple.
Help us make this map more useful
This map is a starting point for the circular economy in Waterloo Region. We know there are more places out there.
If you see a place missing, send us an email — [email protected].
