Special Events in Waste Management
The Region of Durham offers various giveaway and waste events throughout the year, including Curbside Giveaway Days, Environment Days and Compost Giveaway Events.
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As part of our ongoing efforts to improve waste management programs and services, we're seeking your input.
Transforming Waste Into Energy! Durham York Energy Centre PA Day Events
Ever wonder what happens to our household waste after collection? Drop in to our free, family-friendly events at the Durham York Energy Centre and explore how we are transforming household waste into valuable resources!
Event Dates:
Please check back for 2025 event dates.
Here's what you can expect:
- Guided tours to our control room to view the waste pit and ‘claw’!
- Interactive waste sorting games.
- Meet the staff and have your questions answered by our team.
The event will have accessible parking and access.
Curbside Giveaway Days
Curbside Giveaway Day events are organized in cooperation with the local municipalities, where residents place unwanted items in good condition—clearly marked FREE—on their curb for anyone to pick up. At the end of the Giveaway Day, residents return unclaimed items to their home.
Please ensure items whether new or used, are safe and meet current regulatory requirements. It is important to only place items that are in good condition. The Region is not responsible for quality of items placed out for the Curbside Giveaway Day.
Spring Event:
Saturday, June 14, 2025
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Fall Event:
Saturday, September 13, 2025
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
| Rules and Guidelines |
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| Acceptable Items |
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Please clean and disinfect all items prior to the swap.
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| Unacceptable Items |
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Please do not put out any items with a potential safety risk.
Check for consumer product recalls posted by Health Canada. |
| Unclaimed Items |
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Compost Giveaway Events
Green Bins and backyard composters will not be available at these events. Purchase new Green Bins, kitchen containers or backyard composters or exchange broken Green Bins and kitchen containers online with free home delivery.
Collected leaf and yard waste is processed into nutrient-rich compost. In the spring, residents are invited to our complimentary compost giveaways. Quantities are first-come, first served and limited to four reusable containers of compost per vehicle.
What should I bring?
- Shovels: residents are responsible for shoveling their own compost.
- Containers: blue boxes, reusable containers, yard waste bags.
Residents are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item, to be donated to a local food bank (please check that boxes and cans are not damaged, opened or expired).
Event Dates:
| Ajax Compost Event - Saturday, April 26, 2025 |
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Saturday, April 26, 2025 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ajax Operations Centre 800 Salem Road North, Ajax |
| Oshawa Compost Event - Saturday, May 3, 2025 |
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Saturday, May 3, 2025 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Lakeview Park (parking lot) Kluane Avenue, Oshawa |
| Clarington Compost Event - Saturday, May 3, 2025 |
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Saturday, May 3, 2025 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Clarington Operations Depot 42 178 Darlington-Clarke Townline Road, Bowmanville |
| Whitby Compost Event - Saturday, May 10, 2025 |
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Saturday, May 10, 2025 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Whitby Operations Centre 333 McKinney Drive, Whitby |
| Uxbridge Compost Event - Saturday, May 10, 2025 |
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Saturday, May 10, 2025 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Uxbridge Arena & Recreation Centre 291 Brock Street West, Uxbridge |
| Scugog Compost Event - Saturday, May 24, 2025 |
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Saturday, May 24, 2025 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Scugog Community Recreation Centre 1655 Reach Street, Port Perry |
| Brock Compost Event - Saturday, May 24, 2025 |
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Saturday, May 24, 2025 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Foster Hewitt Memorial Community Centre 176 Main Street, Beaverton |
| Pickering Compost Event - Saturday, May 31, 2025 |
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Saturday, May 31, 2025 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Don Beer Arena 940 Dillingham Road, Pickering |
Environment Days
Drop off items for reuse, recycling and safe disposal at Environment Days.
| Donate items in good condition for reuse |
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We accept:
We do not accept:
Charities have the right to refuse materials. Unaccepted materials are your responsibility. You can bring unaccepted materials to a waste management facility. Fees will apply.
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| Recycle your electronic waste |
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We accept:
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| Safely dispose of your Household Hazardous Waste |
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We accept:
Tips for attending:
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2025 Event Dates:
| Ajax Environment Day - Saturday, April 26, 2025 |
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Saturday, April 26, 2025 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ajax Operations Centre 800 Salem Road North, Ajax |
| Clarington Environment Day - Saturday, August 16, 2025 |
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Saturday, August 16, 2025 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Clarington Operations Depot 42 178 Darlington-Clarke Townline Road, Bowmanville |
| Uxbridge Environment Day - Saturday, September 20, 2025 |
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Saturday, September 20, 2025 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Uxbridge Seniors Centre 75 Marietta Street, Uxbridge |
| Pickering Environment Day - Saturday, October 18, 2025 |
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Saturday, October 18, 2025 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex 1867 Valley Farm Road, Pickering |
Celebrate National Public Works Week
Durham Region celebrates National Public Works Week from May 18 to 24, 2025 to recognize the vital services our public works staff provide each and every day. Take part in our free, informative community events. Fun for all ages! Mark you calendar:
Saturday, May 24, 2025
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
| Durham York Energy Centre - 1835 Energy Drive, Courtice |
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Saturday, May 24, 2025 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Durham York Energy Centre 1835 Energy Drive, Courtice Activities include a tour of the Control Room to see the garbage ‘claw’ in action, Touch-a-Truck, equipment demonstrations and children's activities. No pre-registration needed; tours will be based on guest volume. |
| Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant - 901 McKay Road, Pickering |
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Saturday, May 24, 2025 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant 901 McKay Road, Pickering Activities include a tour of this award-winning plant, children’s activities, Touch-a-Truck, watermain repair and tapping demonstrations, and the opportunity to try out one of our heavy equipment simulators. Pre-registration is required for the tour only. Please register here today. |
October is Circular Economy Month
The Regional Municipality of Durham is celebrating Circular Economy Month this October. The Circular Innovation Council has extended Waste Reduction Week in Canada beyond the third week of October into Circular Economy Month to educate and excite Canadians about the opportunities and benefits of the circular economy.
The third week of October will continue as Waste Reduction Week (WRW), with daily themes related to specific waste streams and the waste reduction component of a circular economy. The primary goal of the week is to celebrate environmental efforts and achievements while encouraging innovative new ideas and solutions.
Daily Themes:
- Repair Monday
- Textiles Tuesday
- E-waste Wednesday
- Plastics Thursday
- Food Waste Friday
- Sharing Economy Saturday
- Swap Sunday
The remainder of the month will focus on introducing the concept of circular economy and highlighting its broader social, environmental, and economic benefits.
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 textiles and electronic waste at Waste Management facilities, and with special pick-ups. Additional opportunities through special waste events, including annual environment days and compost giveaways, provide residents with options to implement waste reduction efforts.
The Region, together with our residents, is committed to supporting the circular economy and will continue to deliver innovative waste reduction, diversion, and disposal programs to meet the needs of our growing population. The 2022 to 2040 Long-term Waste Management Plan (Waste Plan) is focused on rethinking and reducing the waste we create, managing resources, and finding opportunities to create energy from waste.
To learn more about Circular Economy month, visit circulareconomymonth.ca. For more information about waste reduction in Durham Region, visit durham.ca/waste.
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