By Sarah Grishpul
Georgina is collaborating with Diabetes Canada and York University to introduce a new textile diversion program this year to reduce the number of used clothes in landfills while supporting an important charity and Canadian waste diversion research.
“The diversion program will help the Town ensure the textiles collected will not end up in landfills but recycled,” said Edgar Tovilla, Manager of Environmental Services for the Town of Georgina.
According to the Town of Georgina, residents accumulate about 500 to 600 kilograms of used textiles per year, typically sent to landfills or energy-from-waste facilities.
Clothing made from natural fibres will decompose and produce harmful greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change, while clothing with synthetic fibres takes up space in landfills.
“The objective of the overall strategy is for municipalities to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills,” said Tovilla, adding that the program will aid residents in reducing their concerns about the destination of their donations.
Diabetes Canada will pick up and deliver donations to Value Village stores, where proceeds raised will support research for healthcare professionals and resources for people with diabetes.
“The Town is also supporting Canadian research through the York University National Textile Diversion and Research Program,” said Tovilla, “which attempts to bridge the gap between academia, industry and government in issues surrounding waste.”
The textile diversion program accepts textiles such as adult and children’s clothing, footwear, undergarments, towels, pillows, and curtains in any condition.
Residents are encouraged to bring unwanted clothes to donation bins at the following locations:
- Georgina Transfer Station, 23069 Warden Ave.
- Food Basics, 199 Simcoe Ave.
- Green Storage Keswick, 33 Church St.
- UPI Gas Station & Convenience, 5 Victoria St.
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