Helping the environment on Earth Day and every day

Earth Day

Each year, on April 22, we celebrate Earth Day to raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage individuals to reduce their ecological footprint. Earth Day is the world’s largest environmental movement and reminds us that every action counts when it comes to protecting our planet.

All year around, Durham Region holds various events to reduce our carbon footprint and help our residents be more environmentally aware.

Make your home more energy efficient

On May 2, Durham Region is holding a free Home Energy and Electric Vehicle (EV) Expo. The expo offers a clear, fact-based look at electrification—covering heat pumps, home retrofits, solar options and more—while helping residents learn more about available rebates, grants and incentive programs.

“This expo is about showing how everyday choices can move Durham Region toward a cleaner, more resilient future,” said Ian McVey, Director, Environment & Climate for the Region of Durham. “By bringing experts, technology and practical guidance together in one place, we’re helping people understand their options and take informed steps that support their homes, their budgets and their community."

Learn more at durham.ca/HomeEnergyandEVExpo.

Upcoming Waste events help residents protect the environment

One of the ways the Region of Durham helps the environment is through our annual waste events.

Compost Giveaways

Starting April 25, with events continuing throughout May, residents are invited to pick up free compost for their gardens at one of our compost giveaway events. This nutrient-rich compost comes from our curbside leaf and yard waste collection.

Curbside Giveaway Days

June 13 marks the first of our Curbside Giveaway Days, with a second event in the fall. Curbside Giveaway Days encourage residents to place unwanted items still in good condition on their curb for anyone to pick up for free.

Environment Days

Later this year, our Environment Days will give residents the opportunity to donate items in good condition, recycle electronic waste, or safely dispose of household hazardous waste. This supports a circular economy by reusing, repairing, refurbishing, remanufacturing, or repurposing products and materials before they are recycled or thrown out.

Curbside battery collection

Twice a year, the Region picks up batteries at the curb. The spring collection takes place April 20 to 24, with the second collection in October. By disposing of used household batteries responsibly, residents are keeping heavy metals out of our environment. Since the first curbside battery collection in November 2012, Durham Region residents have diverted more than 513 tonnes (1,149,770 pounds) of household batteries from the waste stream. The Region of Durham was also selected as a Call2Recycle 2025 Leaders in Sustainability Award recipient in recognition of our leadership in battery recycling.

For more information, visit durham.ca/battery.

“These events are just some of the ways the Region promotes the five ‘Rs’—Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover,” said Andrew Evans, Director of Waste Management for the Region of Durham. “We are committed to continuing to deliver innovative waste reduction, diversion, and disposal programs.”

For more information about upcoming Waste events, please visit durham.ca/WasteEvents.

From Earth Day to year-round initiatives, Durham Region continues to work with residents to protect our environment and create a more sustainable future.

For more information about Earth Day 2026, please visit the website EarthDay.org.