Until we can be responsible for the actions of others, we must not forget that we are primarily responsible for our own actions. Moving is the perfect opportunity to finally sort through all your belongings, without putting it off again, and while decluttering, hold each item that sparks doubt and ask yourself: "What can I do with this?". In Edmonton, there are plenty of options to responsibly handle your old stuff, whether through recycling, donating to charities, selling or giving them away, or transforming them into something new with DIY projects. Below, we explore these options with practical tips and local resources to help you declutter sustainably.
Recycling Old Items
- Edmonton’s waste management system offers several ways to recycle items that can’t be reused or donated, ensuring they stay out of landfills. The City of Edmonton’s Reuse Centre accepts over 200 types of household items for reuse and recycling, including arts and crafts supplies, office supplies, and packaging materials like sealable plastic bags. You can drop off items at the Reuse Centre (6835 83 Street) or any of the city’s Eco Stations, which now accept Reuse Centre donations. Check the full list of accepted items on their website to ensure your items qualify.
- For electronics, the Electronic Recycling Association offers free pick-up services for items like computers and small appliances, ensuring they are refurbished or recycled responsibly. Visit era.ca for details.
- Textiles, even those in poor condition, can be recycled through Blenderz Garment Recyclers (5609 Gateway Boulevard), which accepts fabrics, sewing supplies, and more for upcycling or recycling.
Tip: Always check the condition of items before recycling. The Reuse Centre requires items to be clean and in good condition, and Eco Stations have specific guidelines for hazardous waste like batteries or paint. Use the City of Edmonton’s WasteWise app to find the right disposal method.
Donating to Charities
Donating gently used items to charities in Edmonton is a great way to give back to the community while decluttering. Here are some top organizations that accept donations:
- Goodwill Industries of Alberta: With 14 donation centres in Edmonton, Goodwill accepts clothing, furniture, electronics, and more to fund job training for people with disabilities. Find a location near you at goodwill.ab.ca.
- Bissell Centre: This organization supports people experiencing poverty by accepting clothing, hygiene items, and small household goods. Check their current needs at bissellcentre.org.
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Perfect for furniture, appliances, and building materials, ReStore offers free pick-up services for larger items. Donations support affordable homeownership. Schedule a pick-up at hfh.org.
- Edmonton Humane Society: Pet-related items like leashes, litter boxes, and stainless steel dishes are welcome to support animals awaiting adoption. Visit edmontonhumanesociety.com for details.
- WIN House: This shelter accepts gently used clothing, including newborn and maternity items, and unopened diapers to support women and children fleeing domestic violence.
Tip: Many charities, like Habitat for Humanity and Diabetes Canada, offer free pick-up services for donations. Schedule a pick-up through edmontondonations.ca for clothing and small household items to support MOMS Canada.
Selling or Giving Away Items
Your move could be someone's great chance to find what they've been looking for for a long time. If your items are still in good condition, selling or giving them away can connect them with people who need them. Here are some local options:
- reHome Hub by Sort & Simple: This online directory connects you with Edmonton businesses and individuals looking for second-hand items, from clothing to furniture. You can consign items at places like Bee & Key Boutique for women’s fashion or sell vintage pieces to Capital City Vintage. Explore options at sortandsimple.ca.
- Find Edmonton: This social enterprise accepts furniture, appliances, and household goods for their retail stores and Housing First program, which provides free furnishings to families moving out of homelessness.
- Online Platforms: Use Kijiji Edmonton or Facebook Marketplace for local sales. For free giveaways, join Edmonton-specific groups like Buy Nothing Edmonton on Facebook, where you can gift items directly to neighbors.
- The Salvation Army Thrift Store: With locations like 12928 50 St NW, they accept clothing, furniture, and household goods, which are sold to fund community programs. Check salvationarmy.ca for details.
Tip: When selling or giving away furniture, ensure it’s clean and in good condition. Some charities, like Find, may request photos to confirm suitability before pick-up.
DIY Projects with Old Items
Instead of discarding old items, consider transforming them into something new with DIY projects. Here are a few ideas inspired by Edmonton’s creative community:
- Fabric Upcycling: Turn old clothing or linens into quilts or reusable bags. Tammy Beakhouse, an Edmonton artist, accepts cotton prints and flannel for I SPY quilts donated to charities. Contact her at beaktj@gmail.com or explore similar projects through Reimagined Fabrics, which accepts unused fabrics for upcycling.
- Furniture Makeovers: Repaint or reupholster old furniture to give it a fresh look. For inspiration, check out workshops at the City of Edmonton Reuse Centre (6835 83 Street), which offers space for waste reduction and reuse activities. Book a workshop at edmonton.ca.
- Home Decor from Scraps: Use old picture frames, jars, or wood scraps to create wall art, storage solutions, or planters. MacKat Studio accepts donations of unique items like jewelry or mosaic glass for art projects.
- Textile Art: Transform worn-out wool sweaters into cozy mittens or blankets. JJ Wool Company in Edmonton accepts wool items (80% wool or better) for upcycling projects.
Tip: Join local crafting groups like the Human Ecology Clothing Repair Cafe at the University of Alberta to learn repair and upcycling skills while donating fabrics or sewing supplies. And don't forget about the various workshops from the city of Edmonton itself.
Last resort: Landfill
In Edmonton, effective waste management is crucial for maintaining a sustainable urban environment, and several landfills and waste management facilities cater to the disposal of large-scale waste. The Edmonton Waste Management Centre (EWMC) serves as a primary hub, accepting a wide range of materials, including construction and demolition waste, household hazardous waste, and bulky items from both residents and businesses. Additionally, the Claystone Regional Landfill in Beaver County is a Class II facility ideal for commercial and municipal solid waste, offering recycling and remediation services for large-scale disposal needs.
For companies specializing in large waste removal, Local Waste Services provides comprehensive solid waste and recycling solutions, including front-load dumpsters and roll-off bins with a capacity of up to 20,000 pounds, tailored for construction and industrial projects. Cactus Moving, as a services of moving in Edmonton area, also offers large-scale inorganic waste removal services for residents and businesses, handling items such as broken or old furniture, safes, pianos, plumbing fixtures, and more. 310 DUMP, a locally owned company with over 30 years of experience, provides junk removal and dumpster rentals for residential and commercial clients, emphasizing eco-friendly disposal through recycling and donations. These companies, alongside facilities like the EWMC and Claystone, ensure Edmonton residents and businesses have accessible, responsible options for managing large waste.
Final Thoughts
Edmonton offers a wealth of options to responsibly handle your old items. By recycling through the Reuse Centre or Eco Stations, donating to charities like Goodwill or Bissell Centre, selling or giving away items via reHome Hub or online platforms, or getting creative with DIY projects, you can make a positive impact on the environment and community. Before donating or recycling, always check the organization’s website for accepted items and contact them for pick-up options. For more resources, explore the City of Edmonton’s Reuse Directory to find the best home for your stuff.
Happy decluttering, and let’s keep Edmonton’s reuse economy thriving! And remember, we're always just a call or message away to make every your move perfect.
