The Durham curbside giveaway returns Saturday, September 19, giving residents across the region a one-day opportunity to pass along reusable household items.
The event runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Residents can place unwanted items that remain safe and in good condition at the curb, clearly label them “Free,” and allow other people to take them.
Durham Region organizes Curbside Giveaway Day with its local municipalities as a waste-diversion initiative. The goal is to keep usable products out of disposal sites while helping residents find free, new-to-them items.
Items must be safe and clearly marked
Participants should attach labels securely and keep all items on their own property without blocking roads, sidewalks or driveways. Anyone collecting an item should make sure it is clearly marked as free rather than assuming that property near a curb is available.
The Region says mattresses, broken furniture and dangerous or illegal items must not be offered. Child-safety products—including car seats, booster seats, baby gates, walkers, cribs and cradles—are also excluded because of safety and regulatory concerns.
Residents should check whether a product is subject to a Health Canada recall before offering or taking it. Hard-surface items should be cleaned and disinfected, while acquired clothing and other fabrics should be laundered before use.
Unclaimed items must be removed by 7 p.m.
Anything left at the curb when the event ends must be brought back onto the property. Durham Region warns that material remaining after 7 p.m. may be subject to municipal bylaw enforcement.
Usable leftovers can be offered to a charity or thrift shop that accepts the item, or listed through an online buy-and-sell or giveaway service. Residents should contact donation organizations in advance because accepted materials and drop-off hours vary.
Drivers and pedestrians taking part should obey traffic laws, watch for children, avoid illegal parking and stay off private property. Items should be collected only from safe locations where stopping will not obstruct traffic.
This September event is a separate occurrence from the earlier Durham curbside giveaway held in June.
Complete rules are available on Durham Region’s Special Events in Waste Management page.
Sources: Region of Durham, Durham Radio News
