In celebration of Earth Month in April, the Town of Newmarket is offering several opportunities for community members to get involved to protect the environment.
"Environmental sustainability is a key priority for Council, with the goal of preserving our natural resources and tackling climate change," says Mayor John Taylor. "We all have a role to play in reducing our environmental impact. I encourage everyone to get involved in the eco-friendly events happening in Newmarket this month. Recycle your old electronics and batteries at our Electronics and Battery Recycling event, purchase a rain barrel to conserve water and minimize runoff, make environmentally friendly choices by purchasing a discounted blue box, green bin or kitchen catcher, or plant a tree at a discounted rate through LEAF."
Here are events and programs in celebration of Earth Month:
Newmarket is offering an online rain barrel sale through Enviro World until March 31. Purchase a rain barrel for $79.95 (tax and home delivery included) to help conserve water, reduce stormwater run-off, promote plant and soil health and more! To take advantage of the sale, place your order online at enviroworld.ca/newmarket by March 31 for home delivery between April 1 and 30.
2. Electronics and Battery Recycling Event
Residents can drop off unwanted electronics and used household batteries at the Town’s annual Electronics and Battery Recycling event on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Robert N. Shelton Operations Centre (1275 Maple Hill Court). Electronic items collected at the event will be recycled by Quantum Lifecycle Partners LP and batteries will be recycled by Environmental 360 Solutions.
Fun fact: At last year’s event, we diverted a total of 19,144 pounds of electronic items and 614 pounds of batteries out of landfills.
Accepted items: Computers, headphones, cameras (including security cameras), TVs, telephones, cell phones, computer parts and used household batteries such as standard AA, AAA, C and D cell, 6- and 9-volt batteries and rechargeable battery packs.
Non-acceptable items: Automotive batteries, children’s toys, textiles, power tools, small and large appliances, damaged batteries, and equipment weighing more than 250kg are not accepted at this event.
Recycling batteries will keep heavy and harmful metals from contaminating soils, groundwater and streams. If you can’t make it to the event, drop them off at a battery collection bin located in select Town facilities and all Central York Fire Services locations!
3. Participate in the 47th annual Community Cleanup presented by TD
Help keep Newmarket clean and green during the 47th annual Community Cleanup on Saturday, May 3. Participants can get their cleanup kits from a centralized spot at Riverwalk Commons (200 Doug Duncan Drive) and help clean a public park, greenspace or trail of their choice. Visit the Town of Newmarket booth at the Newmarket Farmers’ Market on May 3 between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. to collect a free cleanup kit (while supplies last; one cleanup kit per group). Plus, high school students can earn up to three volunteer hours for participating! Learn more at newmarket.ca/communitycleanup
4. Prevent fires through smart battery recycling at Central York Fire Services stations
Central York Fire Services (CYFS) has joined forces with Call2Recycle, Canada’s top battery collection and recycling organization, to provide a safe battery recycling program for residents of Aurora and Newmarket. A dedicated drop-off container is now available at each CYFS fire station to collect and recycle used batteries. Batteries can start fires which is why they need to be safely handled and can’t be tossed in the trash. Try to drop-off unwanted batteries every three months to prevent corrosion. Visit RecycleYourBattery.ca for more battery safety tips and to find the closest battery recycling location near you
5. Plant a tree with LEAF!
Newmarket residents will receive an additional $100 rebate for planting a tree on their property through the Full Service or Do-It-Yourself program with LEAF. Limit of one rebate per property per year, while supplies last. For more information, visit yourleaf.org
6. Follow these Earth-friendly green tips:
- Replace your light bulbs with energy efficient light bulbs. Energy efficient light bulbs consume up to 80 per cent less electricity than conventional ones.
- Consider buying used items instead of new ones or try repairing damaged or broken items first before replacing them.
- Donate your old clothes and other textile items through our textile recycling program.
- Try moving towards zero waste to reduce your consumption of single-use items, such as switching to refillable or reusable containers.
- Prioritize walking, cycling or taking public transit instead of using your motor vehicles. Doing so can help to reduce emissions. Take a walk along one of our 44km+ of walking and cycling trails that connect to more than 20km of trails from neighbouring municipalities.
- Consider making your home more energy efficient by taking advantage of rebates through the Province’s Home Renovation Savings Program.
- Borrow books and even everyday items at the Newmarket Public Library’s Lendery. This program allows you to borrow items like tools, camping equipment, board games and more!
