Help your neighbours save money while reducing waste and your impact on the environment by taking part in Giveaway Day on Saturday, Sept. 18.
Giveaway Day is an eco-friendly community event initiated by the Green Task Force in which residents may put gently used household items that are no longer wanted at the curb for pick-up. Other residents will then have a chance to look through what has been set out and take what they want of the clearly-marked items.
Accepted items are those in working condition and can include furniture, small appliances, books, DVDs, kitchen items, renovation materials (e.g. lumber, hardware) and more.
Please do not put out anything that could pose as a safety hazard or that has been recalled by the manufacturer. Consumer Product Safety Bureau of Health Canada advises that the following items should not be given away or picked up: baby walkers, cribs, car seats, strollers, playpens, bath seats, mattresses, blinds and toys.
The event will run rain or shine. Items should be placed to the curb by 8 a.m. and brought back in by 8 p.m. on the event day. Remember to follow public health guidelines, including maintaining physical distance and wearing a face covering as needed when putting items out and collecting items.
“We are very excited to be bringing this initiative to Belleville,” said Councillor Chris Malette, Chair of the City of Belleville’s Green Task Force. “By taking items that are no longer used and giving them a new life we are not only diverting waste from landfills, we are also preserving resources by avoiding buying new. Surrounding municipalities have seen great success with similar programs and we look forward to the impact it will make here in our community.”
Leading up to the event, residents are also encouraged to share what they will be putting to the curb to social media using the hashtag #GiveawayDayBelleville to let others know what will be available and on which street, to reduce emissions from driving around.
Guidelines for Participation
Putting items out:
- Place stickers or signs on the items with the word ‘FREE.’
- Ensure items you’ve set to the curb have been properly cleaned and disinfected.
- Ensure any items that you do not want taken are kept away from the curb.
- Do not leave items curbside after the event is done. The City will NOT collect unwanted items. It will be considered dumping and Bylaw will be enforcing the Clean Yards Bylaw following the event.
Picking items up:
- Respect other people’s property – do not walk on people’s lawns or gardens.
- Take only the items marked ‘FREE’ and placed at the curb.
- Bring hand sanitizer with you to use before and after handling items.
- Limit the number of items you handle as much as possible.
- Do not leave previously picked-up items on the curb at other people’s property.
For more information and event updates, visit: Belleville.ca/GiveawayDay.
