Special Events in Waste Management

Compost Giveaway

In appreciation of a continued community-wide commitment to the Regional organics collection programs, residents are provided with free compost made using organics collected through curbside Green Bin and Leaf and Yard Waste programs. Quantities are first-come, first served and limited to four blue boxes of compost per vehicle.

Green bins, blue boxes, blue box lids and backyard composters will also be available for purchase (VISA, Mastercard, debit or e-transfer only), and broken bins can be exchanged for free.

What should I bring?

• Shovels: residents are responsible for shovelling their own compost.
• Containers: blue boxes, reusable containers, yard waste bags.

Event dates: Compost events are done for 2022.

Environment Days

Drop off items for reuse, recycling and safe disposal at Environment Days.

Event dates: Environmental Days are done for 2022.

October is Circular Economy Month

John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO has proclaimed the month of October as Circular Economy Month.

This proclamation shows the Region of Durham’s continued commitment to transitioning to a circular economy and prioritizing waste reduction in our community. While the Circular Innovation Council will roll out various themes and activities throughout the month to educate Canadians about the opportunities and benefits of the circular economy, Waste Reduction Week will continue to be highlighted during the third week of October.

To raise awareness about waste reduction and a circular economy, Durham Regional Headquarters will be lit blue and green from October 17 to 23, 2022.

The primary goal of Waste Reduction Week is to celebrate environmental efforts and achievements while encouraging innovative new ideas and solutions. The remainder of the month will focus on introducing the concept of a circular economy and amplifying its broader social, environmental and economic benefits.

What is a circular economy?

The future of waste management in Durham Region includes a circular economy, a model which retains and recovers as much value as possible from resources by reusing, repairing, refurbishing, remanufacturing, or repurposing products and materials before they are recycled or thrown out.

A circular economy encourages consumers and users of resources to think about what will happen to a product before we buy it; to consider waste as a resource instead of a cost, and finding innovative ways to better the environment and the economy.

Throughout the year, the Region supports residents in their waste reduction efforts by promoting the five “Rs” (Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover), collecting materials such as textensioniles and e-waste at Waste Management facilities. Special events are also held throughout the region, including annual reuse days and compost giveaways.  

To learn more about Waste Reduction Week in Canada, visit WRWcanada.com. For more information about waste reduction in Durham Region, visit durham.ca/waste.