Waste reduction tips - for every day and holidays
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General waste reduction tips
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- Reduce food waste. See section below. Recycle all your food scraps and other organics by using the green bin. This can reduce your garbage by over 50 per cent!
- Adopt "green" buying habits. Buy only what you need; resist impulse purchases. Before buying new, check out what is available at local re-use stores. Buy local. Purchasing food grown and products made locally reduces the impacts of transportation. Look for items that are durable and have recycled content. Purchase items with no to little packaging. Ensure any packaging is 100 per cent recyclable.
- Repair items when possible, including furniture, cellular phones, computers, etc.
- Reuse. Use refillable bottles for water and coffee, cloth shopping bags, and reusable containers for food (BYOC - Bring Your Own Container). Switch to cloth napkins and towels. Save wrapping, gift bags, and ribbons for reuse. Become a member of the local library.
- Donate used clothing and other household items, bicycles, windows, doors, lumber and many other items through residential reduce and recycle options in our community. (See Directory below.)
- Discuss the 3R's (reduce, reuse and recycle) with your family. Make sure they understand how to sort properly and why it is so important.
- Compost in your backyard. Check our Backyard Composting page for details.
- Grasscycle. Mulch your grass when mowing by leaving it on your lawn to provide nutrients for a healthier lawn.(Did you know that grass has been banned from landfill since 2003?!)
- Reduce household hazardous waste. Look online for ways to make your own "green" cleaners, furniture polish, and laundry detergent.
- Rethink your use of plastics and recycle all plastics that are accepted in our Blue Box program. Consider joining the 10,000 changes movement, sponsored, in part, by the Government of Canada.
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Food waste reduction tips
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Waste reduction tips for holidays and celebrations
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Celebrating? Use these waste reduction tips for your next get together:
- Reduce food waste. If it's a potluck, suggest what guests can bring. Have containers available to portion out and share the leftovers.
- Whether you are buying groceries or gifts, make sure packaging is 100 per cent recyclable.
- Stock up on kitchen container and green bin liner bags.
- Set up an "eco depot". Place your green bin beside blue boxes and garbage can for an easy-to-use sorting station for you and your guests.
- Use reusable dishware and napkins. Or recycle paper ones in your green bin.
- If you are buying presents, consider giving the gift of an experience such as tickets for a festival or museum. Donate to a local charity on behalf of your loved one. Or give gifts that give to our earth such as refillable water bottles, travel coffee mugs and litterless lunch kits. Share your skills and make your gift (bake, knit, scrapbook special photos, create a poem, carve or weld a masterpiece, create "coupons" for chores or special things such as an extra story at bedtime for your children).
- Make gift tags out of old greeting cards.
- If your celebration produces more organics than your green bin holds, put the organics in an acceptable liner bag, and place on top of your green bin for collection. (If you have organics on a regular basis though, pick up an extra green bin.)
- Recycle alcohol containers and packaging through the Ontario Bag it Back recycling program.
- Make the most of out of wrapping (and unwrapping) gifts. Make the wrapping part of the present (such as a scarf, towel). Reuse cereal or cracker boxes, cookie tins, or pages from comics or magazines. When unwrapping presents have
- a box to collect gift bags, bows and ribbons, and tissue paper for reuse
- grocery-sized plastic bag(s) to recycle any paper gift wrap
- a garbage can or bag for anything that you don't want to reuse or can't be recycled (such as foil wrapping paper, Styrofoam, and bubble wrap), and
- choose a person to flatten and bundle corrugated cardboard.
New Years
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The New Year can be a time to rethink our habits. Below are some resolutions to consider. Perhaps start with one or two of these ideas, and then introduce others each month.
- Skip single use items.
- swap plastic bags for reusable ones
- bring your own water bottle and travel mug
- carry your own reusable cutlery and straw
- make most of your own meals at home. When you go out, eat in a restaurant. (Minimize take-out and delivery.)
- Rethink purchases.
- consider buying used at local stores or at auctions, or borrowing from friends or family
- buy locally-produced items
- repair instead of purchasing new
- do your research to help determine if the item has recycled content, if the company has environmental practices or accreditation, etc.
- plan menus and take stock of what you already have on hand before going to the grocery store
- rethink gift-giving - perhaps make gifts, or give a special heirloom instead
- Reduce packaging and clutter.
Strive for zero waste. It's an ambitious goal, but many people have documented their experiences and tips online. (Note: "waste" means recyclables and garbage!)
Draw inspiration for other resolutions from our Earth Month section below.
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Valentines
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Celebrating your loved one is never a waste when you use the green bin, and do the two-box so rt (or the three-cart sort if you are in a multi-residential building).
To put in your green bin:
- candy, chocolates and cinnamon hearts
- cheese, ice cream and other dairy
- cookies, cake, bread, crackers
- grapes, apples and other fruit (including peelings, cores, seeds)
- honey, syrup
- roast beef, salmon, and other meat (including bones, fat, grease)
- sugar, sprinkles and baking ingredients
- sweet peas and other veggies
- paper products such as facial tissues, paper
 candy wrappers
- cold wood ashes and wooden toothpicks
For the Containers Only blue box
- aluminum take-out trays
- cans* (pop, whipped cream)
- cartons* (juice, milk, cream)
- glass bottles and jars* (food, beverage)
- clear, hard plastic packaging (such as for electronics)
- plastic food and beverage containers
*Return alcoholic beverage packaging to The Beer Store through the Bag it Back program.
For the Paper Products and Plastic Bags blue box:
- boxboard (gift boxes, gift wrap tubes)
- cards, gift wrap (remove bows and ribbons)
- magazines, catalogues, books
- corrugated cardboard (size and bundle no larger than 75x75x20 cm or 30x30x8 inches)
For the garbage:
- broken drinking glasses (wrap in several layers of paper or put in a sturdy cardboard box, and seal)
- candles
- foil gift wrap, bows and ribbons, cellophane, bubble wrap
- plastic cutlery, plastic plates
- Styrofoam
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Earth Month (includes some spring cleaning tips, too!)
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| April is Earth Month, a time to reflect on the state of our environment and re-commit to doing more to honour the precious resources of our world.
But the challenge is, what more can you do? First, learn more about your environmental footprint and calculate it. Next, rethink your daily activities. Make changes to be a conserver, rather than a consumer.
- Cleaning out your pantry? Donate food you won't be using to local food banks, as appropriate. For expired food, empty food into your green bin, and rinse and recycle acceptable packaging.
- Be part of the cure for litter. Prevent litter by following these set-out tips. Pick up litter in your neighbourhood (and sort out the recyclables). Learn more about the impacts of litter, and then discuss with your friends and family.
- Consider ways to reduce your pet's carbon footprint. Recycle pet waste including kitty litter and droppings in your green bin.
- Green your cleaning routine. Some cleaners have toxic chemicals. Make your own cleaners instead. There are lots of recipes online.
- Drop off batteries, chemicals, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and other household hazardous waste at local depots.
- Cycle more to reduce greenhouse gasses.
- Make your own compost.
- Dispose of all medical waste correctly.
- Recycle all of your electronic waste. Cell phones, laptops and other e-waste contain valuable resources that can be recovered.
- Keep in the know! Subscribe to our electronic newsletter to keep up-to-date on our Waste Management programs and operations. Follow us on social media: Twitter @WasteWR, and Facebook @ROWWaste Management. Learn tips, and share your ideas. Learn more about Canada's latest environmental indicators, including solid waste diversion and disposal.
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Easter
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- Buy items that are durable and reusable, such as baskets.
- For decorations, consider potted plants - perhaps ones that can be planted outside later.
- Make your own decorative eggs at home using real eggs (use the yolk and white for cooking).
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Halloween
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Halloween is scary enough without being buried under waste! Here are ways to not horrify collection crews:
Preparing for Halloween:
- Buy candy in bulk. Ensure packaging is recyclable. Or consider giving out non-food items (ideally made from recycled materials) such as pencils, erasers, bookmarks, reusable bags.
- Make your own decorations and costumes. (Store and save them for next year.)
- When carving your pumpkin,
- layout sheets of newspaper to make clean-up easy (roll it up and put it in your green bin or backyard composter)
- keep the seeds, clean, and then toast in the oven for a snack, and use the offcuts in soups, muffins or breads. (check for recipes online)
After Halloween: 
- Remove candles and decorations, and put it
- on top of or beside your green bin,
- beside yard waste containers/bags (if it is your week for yard waste collection), or
- in your backyard composter (chop it up first)
- If you have unwanted candy, unwrap and put wrappers in the garbage, and the candy in the green bin.
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Christmas
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Make it a season of "light" with these ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle:
- Put greenery and houseplants in your green bin (remove any wire and decorations). Also, green bin all food scraps from dough to burnt cookies.
- "Tree-cycle"! Set out your natural Christmas tree during our special collection period. Check the Holiday section of our Collection Schedules page for details.
- Consider hosting a post-Christmas potluck to use up the leftover turkey and trimmings.
- Rethink traditions. Talk with your family about starting new traditions that are earth-friendly. Instead of everyone buying a present for everyone else, buy one present for the whole family, or draw names, or play a "gift-giving game" (there are many variations online). As a family or with friends, consider volunteering, caroling, painting, rock climbing or some other activity.
- Give old gifts new life. Thoughtful re-gifting reduces waste, and could include antique or heirloom pieces that have special meaning to your family.
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Drop-off facilities and programs for residents
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Our drop-off facilities located at 201 Savage Drive, Cambridge and 925 Erb Street West (Gate 2), Waterloo re-opened to the public. Learn about what to expect, including COVID-19 measures, when you use our facilities.
Plan ahead
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- For residents with curbside collection, check Waste Whiz for materials accepted and preparation requirements. Take advantage of the services we offer at the curb.
- Read the by-law and bans to understand the rules and requirements. Violators can be refused entry and in some cases, face surcharges at our drop-off locations.
- If you are coming to our Waterloo site, measure your vehicle to determine where you need to go:
- Gate 2 at our Waterloo site can accept vehicles such as cars, vans, and pick-up trucks with a maximum length of 10 metres (35 feet) and total gross weight (combined weight of vehicle and load) of less than 25,000 kilograms (55,000 pounds).
- Gate 1 of our Waterloo site can accept vehicles such as pick-up trucks with self-tipping trailers, roll-off trucks, dump trucks, and tractor trailers up to 24 metres (80 feet) and weighing up to 80,000 kilograms (176,000 pounds).
- Our Cambridge site can accept all kinds of vehicles from cars and pick-up trucks to tractor trailers up to 24 metres (80 feet) long and weighing up to 80,000 kilograms (176,000 pounds).
- If you have a dump trailer, please inform the scale operator and you'll be directed to the tipping floor of our transfer building. Note: This option is not available on Saturdays.
- Sort loads by material type if you want to be charged lower tipping fees. You will be required to drop off any garbage first, then weigh each remaining material (such as blue box items, yard waste, etc.) separately. Loads of mixed materials will be charged at the highest applicable rate.
- Be aware of the fee schedule, payment options, and hours of operation. See sections below.
- Prepare the proper identification, such as proof of residency.
- Bring helper(s) to unload, if necessary. Region staff is not permitted to assist you.
- Wear safety gear and bring tools, as appropriate (such as gloves and garden fork if you have loose yard waste). Closed-toe footwear, ideally safety boots are recommended for your protection at all sites. Safety boots and a high-visibility safety vest are required at Gate 1 of our Waterloo site.
- Secure open loads (such as with tarps or ropes).
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When you are onsite
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- The following COVID-19 measures are in place:
- Staff will limit the number of vehicles permitted on site.
- There will be an appropriate distance between drop-off areas.
- Residents are reminded to please restrict themselves to essential trips only, and to observe physical distancing.
- No cash, please. Use credit or debit cards only.
- Your vehicle will be weighed in and out. Wait for the green light before driving onto the scale. Do not get out of your vehicle while on the scale.
- Provide the information required by the scale house operator, such as what material(s) you have for disposal. Be prepared to show photo identification proving you are a resident of Waterloo Region. Or if you are contracted to do work in Waterloo Region, the signed agreement/letter on letterhead of the local business.
- Follow instructions provided by staff and on signage. Obey posted speed limits.
- Drop off the correct material in the correct bin/area. Do not push down/compact the material inside bins and drop-off areas.
- If you have different materials to drop off in different bins/areas, secure your load (such as closing the trunk) before moving to the next bin/area.
- Reduce pollution and do not idle your vehicle. Park and turn off your vehicle when dropping off material.
- Children, pets, and non-helpers must remain in the vehicle at all times.
- Do not remove, scavenge, or scatter any waste material.
- Do not smoke.
- Be prepared to pay fees when weighing out.
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Locations and hours of operation of our landfill and other waste facilities
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COVID-19 measures are in place at our waste management sites.
Note: These hours of operation are for residential customers and do not apply to commercial customers.
- Cambridge Waste Management site, 201 Savage Drive, Cambridge, Ontario N1T 1S6, Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Waterloo Waste Management site, 925 Erb Street West, Gate 2, Waterloo Ontario N2J 3Z4, Monday to Saturday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- See Maps below.
Holiday schedule
These sites are closed for residential drop-off on all statutory and designated holidays.
During Christmas and New Years, both sites will be closed:
- Friday, December 25, 2020
- Saturday, December 26, 2020
- Friday, January 1, 2021.
Our locations accept waste that has been generated within only Waterloo Region. Waste from other jurisdictions is not allowed.
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Materials allowed and fees
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COVID-19 measures are in place at our waste management sites.
- Our locations accept waste generated within only Waterloo Region.
- There is a minimum $5 fee at the waste drop-off locations (some exemptions apply).
- Loads over the $5 minimum will be charged at the rates listed below.
- Loads of mixed materials will be charged at the highest rate. For example, if you have garbage and cardboard, you will be charged the garbage rate.
- Payment options: debit or credit. No cash, please. Garbage tags cannot be used towards payment at our locations.
- Our sites are closed for residential drop-off on all statutory and designated holidays.
- General refuse/garbage is charged at $8.20 per 100 kilograms.
- Tires are charged at $8.20 per 100 kilograms.
- Garbage requiring special handling, such as stumps greater than 60 centimetres (24 inches) in diameter, brush greater than 2.4 meters (8 feet) in length, wire, Styrofoam, asbestos. These items are accepted at our Waterloo site only and are charged at $16.40 per 100 kilograms.
- Drywall (gypsum wallboard) is charged at $8.20 per 100 kilograms. Must be free of contamination such as wood, plastic, insulation, ceramic tiles and all other garbage.
- Electronics (e-waste) such as computers, tablets, televisions, keyboards, etc. are charged at $8.20 per 100 kilograms.
- Recyclables including blue box materials, green bin organics, yard waste, brush, leaves, grass, inerts (such as clean fill, bricks, concrete rubble), appliances and scrap metal are charged at $4.10 per 100 kilograms.
- Appliances: a $10/unit Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) removal fee also applies.
- Concrete rubble: an additional surcharge rate applies if the material contains rebar, wire mesh, or other embedded materials or is in oversized pieces.
7. Wooden pallets/skids are charged at $8.20 per 100 kilograms. Must be free of contamination such as metal or plastic banding, plastic wrap and all other garbage.
Also,
- Garbage tags are sold at $10 per sheet ($2 per tag and 5 tags per sheet).
- Weighing personal vehicle is charged at $10 per vehicle.
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Drop-off programs operated by the Region
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Please note: The Bicycle Reuse program, and Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity drop-off programs are closed. Please use our Reduce and Recycle Directory below to find options for your reusable items.
Below are other programs, including waste diversion programs, operated by the Region of Waterloo.
Cooking oil
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For larger quantities of cooking oil. Maximum 25 litres.
Cost: Free
Where:
- Cambridge Waste Management site, 201 Savage Drive, Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please tell the scale house operator that you have cooking oil to recycle and the operator will provide instructions.
- Waterloo Waste Management site, 925 Erb Street West (Gate 2), Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please empty your container in the labelled bulk cooking oil tank near the Household Hazardous Waste depot (on the left before you reach the inbound scale). Empty plastic containers can be placed in the nearby recycling cart.
Our sites are closed on statutory and designated holidays.
What happens to it? The used cooking oil gets recycled into bio-diesel.
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Diapers, Incontinence products
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Residents who receive our curbside collection can drop off a clear bag containing diapers or incontinence products only to either of the Region's waste management sites.
Cost: Free
Where:
- Cambridge Waste Management site, 201 Savage Drive, Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Waterloo Waste Management site, 925 Erb Street West (Gate 2), Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Our sites are closed on statutory and designated holidays.
What happens to it? Diapers and incontinence products will be landfilled.
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Drywall (gypsum wallboard)
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This voluntary diversion program accepts drywall that is free of contamination. Drywall that is painted, or wet (from rain or snow), but clean is still acceptable. Metal screws, nails and corner bead are acceptable.
- No wood, plastic, insulation, ceramic tiles and other garbage.
- No cement wallboard (often used in bathrooms and basements).
Cost: $8.20 per 100 kilograms
Where:
- Cambridge Waste Management site, 201 Savage Drive, Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Waterloo Waste Management site, 925 Erb Street West (Gate 2), Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Our sites are closed on statutory and designated holidays.
What happens to it? All drywall collected through this program is 100 per cent diverted from landfill, and reused in products for soil stabilization and/or animal bedding.
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Electronic waste (e-waste)
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Electronic waste includes computers, keyboards, phones, printers and more. These items are banned from curbside collection.
Cost: $8.20 per 100 kilograms
Where:
- Cambridge Waste Management site, 201 Savage Drive, Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Waterloo Waste Management site, 925 Erb Street West (Gate 2), Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Our sites are closed on statutory and designated holidays.
What happens to it? A processor breaks down the equipment to harvest metal and other components for reuse and recycling.
Alternative: Take advantage of the province-wide stewardship recycling program. Go to Recycle My Electronics website for a full list of e-waste you can drop off for free at local businesses.
Resource: How to wipe your data
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Household Hazardous Waste - paint, motor oil, etc.
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Go to our Household Hazardous Waste page for details.
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Tires
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Cost $8.20 per 100 kilograms
Passenger and light truck tires only. Tires on rims are accepted.
Limit of 10 tires per visit.
No commercial or agricultural tires.
Where:
- Cambridge Waste Management site, 201 Savage Drive, Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Waterloo Waste Management site, 925 Erb Street West (Gate 2), 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Our sites are closed on statutory and designated holidays.
Alternative drop-off program: Go to the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority's website to find local businesses that accept tires.
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Wooden pallets
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This voluntary diversion program accepts wooden pallets that are free of contamination. Existing nails or staples in pallets are acceptable. Wooden pallets that are wet (from rain or snow) but clean are acceptable.
- No metal or plastic banding, no plastic wrap, and other garbage.
- No other types of wood.
Cost: $8.20 per 100 kilograms
Where:
- Cambridge Waste Management site, 201 Savage Drive, Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Waterloo Waste Management site, 925 Erb Street West (Gate 2), Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Our sites are closed on statutory and designated holidays.
What happens to the pallets? They are 100 per cent diverted from landfill, and reused (ground up and used as animal bedding).
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Bring your own container (BYOC) directory
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Due to COVID-19, please contact the businesses listed below prior to visiting them to check on their hours and the services available.
Interested in reducing packaging? BYOC! Below are local businesses that will allow you to use your own containers when buying food, including take-out. This reduces waste, such as polystyrene trays, plastic wrap, and plastic and other types of containers.
Please remember to always use Safe Food Handling Practices.
We are providing this list for information only. We do not recommend, endorse, or guarantee the service of the businesses and organizations external to the Region of Waterloo.
To have your business or organization added to the list or information updated, please email us.
How does it work?
1. Bring clean, sealable, and undamaged containers from home to the businesses below. Containers
- must be durable and made from non-porous material such as metal, glass or food grade plastic
- must be in very good condition. Clean and dry. No stains, cracks or chipped pieces
- have tight sealing lids to protect your food and prevent leaks/spills
2. Tell the salesperson that you want to use your own container.
3. Give the salesperson your container to zero out the scale and weigh only the material inside. Note: Food businesses reserve the right to refuse any container they feel does not meet food safety standards.
4. Pay and take your container home to be reused.
- When transporting perishable food, consider using a clean, insulated thermal bag or "cooler" to keep hot foods hot; or with ice packs to keep cold foods cold (especially during warmer weather).
- Refrigerate food within two hours of picking it up.
Participating businesses:
- 126 Chinese Food, 2922 King Street East, Kitchener
- A Dish Called Wanda, 421 Greenbrook Drive, Kitchener
- All Things Tea, 681 Belmont Avenue West, Kitchener
- Ambrosia Pastery Co., 150 Roger Street, Waterloo
- Angie's Waterloo, 47 Erb Street West, Waterloo
- Apothecare Pharmacy, 439 Park Street, Kitchener
- Arabesque Family Restaurant, 869 Victoria Street North, Kitchener
- Aroma Cafe, 33 Erb Street West, Waterloo
- Ayres Bulk Food and Baking Supplies, 354 King Street North, Waterloo
- Bangkok Cuisine, 1500 Weber Street East, Kitchener
- Bao Sandwich Bar, 62 Balsam Street, B106, Waterloo
- Barley Works, 59 King Street North, Waterloo
- Bauer Butcher, 150 Caroline Street South, Waterloo
- Bauer Kitchen, 187 King Street South, Unit 102, Waterloo
- Brady's Meat and Deli, 465 Phillip Street, Waterloo
- Brick and Mortar General Store, 20 Grand Avenue South, Cambridge
- Bulk Barn
- 425 Hespeler Road, Cambridge
- 5 McLaren Avenue, Cambridge
- 1400 Ottawa Street South, Kitchener
- 1400 Weber Street East, Kitchener
- 66 Bridgeport Road East, Waterloo
- 295 The Boardwalk, Waterloo
- Bullseye Bar and Grill, 446 Highland Road West, Kitchener
- The Busy Locavore, 4293 King Street East, Kitchener
- Cafe 1842, 59 King Street North, Waterloo
- Cafe Du Monde Creperie, 878 Weber Street North, Waterloo
- Cafe Pyrus, 16 Charles Street West, Kitchener
- Caudle's Catch
- 60 Otanabee Drive, Kitchener
- Cambridge Market stall - 40 Dickson Street, Cambridge
- Kitchener Market stall - 300 King Street East, Kitchener
- St. Jacobs Market stall - 878 Weber Street North, Waterloo
- Charles Quality Meats, 1448 Wilby Road, St. Agatha
- Chopan Kebab Restaurant, 200 Highland Road West, Kitchener
- COBS BREAD The Boardwalk, 245-6 The Boardwalk, Waterloo
- Copper Branch, 80 King Street South, Unit 106, Waterloo
- Country Bulk, 845 Weber Street North, Waterloo
- The Crazy Canuck, 845 Weber Street North, Waterloo
- Daniel's Cheese and Deli, 250 Thompson Drive, Cambridge
- Davids Tea
- 2960 Kingsway Drive, Unit G002, Kitchener
- 95 King Street South, Waterloo
- Distinctly Tea, 187 King Street South, Waterloo
- Edelweiss Tavern, 600 Doon Village Road, Kitchener
- Ennio's Pasta
- 655 Fairway Road South, Kitchener
- 384 King Street North, Waterloo
- Frat Burger, 247 King Street North, Units 1A to 1B, Waterloo
- Fresh Ground, 256 King Street East, Kitchener
- Full Circle Foods, 3 Charles Street West, Kitchener
- Golf's Steakhouse, 598 Lancaster Street West, Kitchener
- Golden Hearth Bakery, 343 King Street East, Kitchener
- Good Vibes Juice Co., 1 King Street West, Kitchener
- Grand Trunk Saloon, 30 Ontario Street South, Kitchener
- Guanaquita Restaurant, 273 King Street West, Kitchener
- Imperial Market and Eatery, 60 Huron Street, New Hamburg
- Kenzo Ramen, 140 University Avenue West, Unit 6A, Waterloo
- King Wok Chinese Food, 501 Krug Street, Kitchener
- Kismet Restaurant, 160 University Avenue West, Waterloo
- Kypreos Restaurant, 305 Lancaster Street West, Kitchener
- La Casbah, 47 Scott Street, Kitchener
- Lana's Lounge, 220 King Street North, Kitchener
- Lancaster Smokehouse, 574 Lancaster Street West, Kitchener
- Little Greek Grill, 10 Townsend Drive, Unit 18, Breslau
- The Lion Brewery Restaurant, 59 King Street North, Waterloo
- Mambellas Italian Kitchen, 160 Columbia Street West, Waterloo
- Mark's Caribbean Kitchen, 20 King Street East, Kitchener
- McMullans, 188 Highland Road West, Kitchener
- Mel's Diner
- 645 Westmount Road East, Kitchener
- 140 University Avenue, West, Waterloo
- Meltwich Food Co, 255 King Street North, Unit 2, Waterloo
- Mediterraneo Family Restaurant, 425 University Avenue, Waterloo
- Mikey's Eatery, 160 University Avenue West, Unit 7, Waterloo
- Moderno Rugatino, 383 Elgin Street North, Cambridge
- Molloy's Bulk Refill and Soap Supply, 225 Elgin St. N., Cambridge
- Mountain Oak Cheese Ltd., 3165 Huron Road, New Hamburg
- Mucho Burrito
- 594 Hespeler Road, Cambridge
- 4195 King Street East, Building B, Unit 102, Kitchener
- 220 King Street North, Waterloo
- My Thai, 51 King Street North, Waterloo
- Nostra Cucina, 31 Manitou Drive, Kitchener
- O and V Tasting Room, 2 Queen Street West, Cambridge
- Obie's Bar and Grill, 209 Pinebush Road, Unit 6A, Cambridge
- Pierogi House
- 4336 King Street East, Kitchener
- 655 Parkside Drive, Waterloo
- The Poke Box, 255 King Street North, Unit 3, Waterloo
- Princess Cafe, 46 King Street North, Waterloo
- Proof Kitchen and Lounge, 110 Erb Street West, Waterloo
- Pub on King, 77 King Street North, Waterloo
- Pupuseria Latinos, 25 Eby Street South, Kitchener
- Qdoba Mexican Eats, 10 Manitou Drive, Kitchener
- Queen Street Commons, 43 Queen Street South, Kitchener
- Quesada Burritos and Tacos
- 100 Jamieson Parkway, Unit 8, Cambridge
- 95 Saginaw Parkway, Unit 5A, Cambridge
- 324 Highland Road West, Unit 3, Kitchener
- Rawlicious, 718 Belmont Avenue West, Kitchener
- Ray Woodsy's Craft Chippery, 94 King Street South, Waterloo
- Red Ginger, 465 Highland Road West, Kitchener
- Rosel's, 20 Hurst Avenue, Unit 1, Kitchener
- Settlement Co.
- 1 Victoria Street South, Kitchener
- 23 King Street North, Waterloo
- Seven Shores, 10 Regina Street North, Waterloo
- Shiri's Kitchen, 169 Lexington Court, Unit D, Waterloo
- Slice and Rice, 251 Hemlock Street, Unit 114, Waterloo
- Stark and Perri, 56 King Street North, Waterloo
- Sticks and Scones Cakes, 62 Balsam Street, Waterloo
- Taco Farm, 8 Erb Street West, Waterloo
- Taj Rasoi Indian Cuisine, 8 Bloomingdale Road North, Kitchener
- Taste of Creole, 878 Weber Street North, Waterloo
- Three Kretans, 151 Frederick Street, Kitchener
- T and J Seafood, 26 Elm Street, Unit 2G4, Kitchener
- Victoria Wholesome Food Market, 1373 Victoria Street North, Kitchener
- Vincenzo's, 150 Caroline Street South, Waterloo
- Wellesley Gourmet Meats and Cheese, 1211 Queens Bush Road, Wellesley
- Wildcraft, 425 King Street North, Waterloo
- Wuddup Dog, 763 King Street East, Cambridge
- The Yeti, 14 Eby Street North, Kitchener
- Zero Waste Bulk, 110 King Street South, Unit B, Waterloo
Other
- For sidewalk salt - Your Salt Connection, 40 Spring Valley Road, Kitchener www.yoursaltconnection.com: Sign up for service and pay $2.00 deposit for a pail. When your pail is empty, they will pick it up and replace it with a full one.
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Reuse and Recycle Directory (includes local take-back programs, businesses and organizations that deal with reusable items)
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Due to COVID-19, please contact the business ahead of time to check if they are open and any changes to their terms of service.
Welcome to the Reuse and Recycle Directory for residents. Under each category are links to Region of Waterloo programs and/or local organizations and businesses that deal with that item.
Please note that we are providing this list for information only. We do not recommend, endorse, or guarantee the service of the the businesses and organizations external to the Region of Waterloo.
To have your business or organization added to this list or information updated, please email us.
Agricultural plastic and other containers
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| CleanFARMS - cleanfarms.ca |
Antiques
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J.C. Miller Antiques - millerandmillerauctions.com
Lucy's - lucypearlle.ca
Market Road Antiques - 845 Weber Street North, Waterloo
Southworks Antiques - southworksantiques.com
Victoria Antiques and Heirlooms - pickerstradingplace.com
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Appliances
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| Elmira MCC Thrift Store -thrift.mcc.org
Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region - habitatwr.ca, kitchen removal/salvage program
Junkey Monkey - junkeymonkey.ca
Kitchener Goodwill Community Store - goodwillindustries.ca
New Hamburg Thrift Centre - newhamburgthrift.com
Salvation Army Thrift Store - thriftstore.ca
Thrift on Kent - thriftonkent.com
Worth a Second Look - theworkingcentre.org
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Batteries
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| Call2Recycle - call2recycle.ca
CarQuest Canada - carquest.ca
Eco-Tech Inc. - eco-techrecycling.com
Junkey Monkey - junkeymonkey.ca
Raw Materials Company Inc. - rawmaterials.com
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Bicycles
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Cycling into the Future: Arrange porch pick-up of your unwanted bike. Bikes will be refurbished and donated to people in need in our community. Contact Sharon to arrange details: sharon@cyclingintothefuture.com, 519-240-5526
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Books and textbooks
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| A Second Look Books and Movies - asecondlookbooks.com
Mission Thrift Store - missionthriftstore.com
Elmira MCC Thrift Store -thrft.mcc.org
Federation of Students (FEDs) Used Book Store - feds.ca
K-W Book Store - 308 King Street West, Kitchener
Little Free Library - llkw.ca
New Hamburg Thrift Centre - newhamburgthrift.com
Quality Discounts - 26 Arthur Street South, Elmira
Value Village - valuevillage.com
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Building materials
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Habitat for Humanity Restore - habitatwr.ca: Donate reusable building materials, purchase building materials at their stores.
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Car seats
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| Child car seats: Recycle through ATMO Rethink Recycling - atmo.ca |
Clothing
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Carousel Clothing: Fashionable Consignment Clothing and Accessories - carouselclothing.ca
Elmira MCC Thrift Store - thrift.mcc.org
Fabulous Finds Boutique - 421 Greenbrook Drive, Kitchener
Goodwill Donation Centres - goodwillindustries.ca
Luster and Oak Vintage and Consignment Boutique - lusterandoak.ca
May Court Shop - maycourtclubofkw.org
Meow Boutique - 78 King Street North, Waterloo
Mission Thrift Store - missionthriftstore.com
New Hamburg Thrift Centre - newhamburgthrift.com
Once Upon a Child, Cambridge - onceuponachildcambridge.com
Once Upon a Child, Kitchener - onceuponachildkitchener.com
Plato's Closet - platosclosetkitchener.com
Quality Discounts - 26 Arthur Street South, Elmira
Recovery Room Shop - 38 Ainslie Street South, Cambridge
Redemption Prison Ministry Thrift Store - 15 Water Street North, Cambridge
Salvation Army Thrift Store - thriftstore.ca
Talize - talize.com
Thrift on Kent - thriftonkent.com
Tisha's Ultimate Designer Consignment shop - 640 King Street East, Cambridge
Twice is Nice and Twice the Man - twiceisnicewaterloo.com
Value Village, Value Village Thrift Store North Waterloo - valuevillage.com
Woolwich Community Services (WCS) Thrift Shop - 5 Memorial Avenue, Elmira
Worth a Second Look - theworkingcentre.org
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Composting, mulch, and organics
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Region of Waterloo Backyard Composting program
Region of Waterloo compost and mulch giveaway
Region of Waterloo Cooking Oil drop-off program
Region of Waterloo green bin organics drop-off program. Fees will apply.
Worm Composting Canada
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Diapers
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Bear Bottoms - bearbottoms.ca
Ava's Appletree, Natural Parenting Store - avasappletree.ca
Bumble Baby - bumble-baby.com
Caterpillar Baby - caterpillarbaby.com
Cozybums - lagoonbaby.com
Diaper Days - well.ca
Diapers n' More - diapersnmore.ca
Extraordinary Baby Shoppe - extraordinarybabyshoppe.com
Lil' Monkey Cheeks - lilmonkeycheeks.ca
New and Green Baby Co. - newandgreen.com
Parenting by Nature - bynature.ca
Rearz, the Diaper Authority - rearz.ca
Snuggle Bugz - snugglebugz.ca
Tadpoles and Butterflies - thatbabywearingstore.ca
Wee Love Baby Co. - weelove.getpayd.com
Region of Waterloo Diaper Drop-off program
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Do-it-yourself repairs
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| Repair Café - Check https://repaircafe.org for local repair cafes and events |
Electronic waste (e-waste)
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Recycle My Electronics program: This is a province-wide recycling program funded by the fees paid when purchasing electronics. Electronic waste includes computers, keyboards, phones, printers and more. These items are banned from curbside collection. For information about proper disposal of electronic waste, including the most up-to-date list of free drop-off locations, please visit the Recycle My Electronics website.
Below are local businesses that deal with electronics:
Buy 'n Sell - buy-n-sell.ca
City Pawnbrokers - citypawnbrokers.ca
CPR Cell Phone Repair - cellphonerepair.com
EB Games - ebgames.ca
Eco-Tech Inc. - eco-techrecycling.com
Far Out Flicks - faroutflicks.com
Games Exchange - gamesexchange.ca
Goodwill Donations Centres, Conestoga, Erb Street West, Kitchener Community Store - goodwillindustries.ca
Good Time Games - goodtimegames.ca
Henry's - henrys.com
JC Retail - jcretail.ca
KW Vintage Games - 301 King Street East, Kitchener
Little Geeks Foundation - littlegeeks.org
Main Street Pawnbrokers - 130 Main Street, Cambridge
Microplay - microplay.com
New Hamburg Thrift Centre - newhamburgthrift.com
Pawn Centre - 159 King Street East, Kitchener
Peter's Market Games - 519-897-4420
Playin' Around - 8A Queen Street West, Cambridge
Retro Replay - retroplay.ca
Second Hand World - 175 King Street East, Kitchener
The Beat Goes On - beatgoeson.com
Think Recycle program - greentec.com
Value Village Thrift Store North Waterloo - valuevillage.com
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Eyeglasses
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Conestoga Eye Care - conestogaeyecare.com
Hakim Optical - hakimoptical.ca
LensCrafters (Conestoga Mall and Fairview Park Shopping Centre) - lenscrafters.ca
Lions "Recycle for Sight" - a711lions.ca/recycleforsight/
Pearle Vision (Cambridge Centre) - pearlevision.ca
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Furniture
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Bits and Pieces, Furniture and Décor - bitsandpieces.ca
Goodwill Donation Centres (Conestoga, Erb Street West) and Kitchener Goodwill Community Store - goodwillindustries.ca
Green Standards - greenstandards.com
Habitat for Humanity Restore - habitatwr.ca
J.C. Miller Antiques - millerandmillerauctions.com
Lucy's - lucypearlle.ca
Mission Thrift Store - missionthriftstore.com
New Hamburg Thrift - newhamburgthrift.com
Next Time Around - nexttimearound.ca
Saint Vincent de Paul Value Centre - 75 Dundas Street, Cambridge
Salvation Army Thrift Store - thriftstore.ca
Second Hand World - 175 King Street East, Kitchener
Thrift on Kent - thriftonkent.com
Value Village - valuevillage.com
Woolwich Community Services (WCS) Thrift Shop - 5 Memorial Avenue, Elmira
Worth a Second Look - theworkingcentre.org
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Household Hazardous Waste
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Health Products Stewardship Association - For unused and expired medicines and "sharps. Note: Sharps such as syringes, need to be placed in approved syringe disposal containers (available from your pharmacy).
Orange Drop program - For automotive chemicals such as antifreeze and oil, empty oil containers, oil filters, pressurized cylinders, and fertilizers and pesticides
Regeneration - For paint products
Region of Waterloo Household Hazardous Waste depots
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Jewellery
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Ben Moss - benmoss.com
Cambridge's Buy and Sell Inc. cambridgebuyandsell.ca
City Pawnbrokers - citypawnbrokers.ca
Gold and Ice Inc. - 1005 Ottawa Street North, Suite 2, Kitchener
J C Miller Antiques - millerandmillerauctions.com
JR Watch and Jewellery - jrjewellery.ca
Jar Enterprises - 501 Krug Street, Kitchener
JC Retail- jcretail.ca
John Anthony Jewellers - johnanthonyjewellers.com
Kaieteur Gold Jewellery Centre - 653 Bishop Street North, Cambridge
Main Street Pawnbrokers - 130 Main Street, Cambridge
MT Jewellers and Goldsmiths Ltd. - mtjewellers.com
New Hamburg Thrift - newhamburgthrift.com
Northern Cash - northerncash.com
Pawn Centre - 159 King Street East, Kitchener
Second Hand World - 175 King Street East, Kitchener
Seropian Jewellery - 560 Hespeler Road, Unit 3, Cambridge
The Cambridge Pawn Shop - 703 King Street East, Cambridge
The Diamond Outlet - thediamondoutlet.ca
Victoria Antiques and Heirlooms -pickerstradingplace.com
William J Grant Coins and Supplies - 99 Water Street North, Kitchener
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Junk removal
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JustJunk (Cambridge, Elmira, Kitchener, Waterloo) - justjunk.com
Junk Hungry - 226-979-2165 - junkhungryinc@gmail.com
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Miscellaneous items (alcohol containers, environmental audits and advice, musical instruments, sidewalk salt, tools)
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Bag it Back program for alcohol containers
Colonial Acres Coins - www.colonialacres.com
Habitat for Humanity Restore - habitatwr.ca
Library of Things (donate or borrow everything from tools to tents) - kwlot.ca
Long and McQuade - long-mcquade.com
R.E.E.P.Green Solutions - reepgreen.ca
Your Salt Connection - www.yoursaltconnection.com For sidewalk salt. Sign up for their service and pay a $2.00 deposit for a pail. When your pail is empty, they will pick it up and replace it with a full one.
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Office supplies
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New Hamburg Thrift - newhamburgthrift.com
Redemption Prison Ministry Thrift Store - 15 Water Street North, Cambridge
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Scrap metal, and auto parts
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Autocraft Foreign Cars - 1701 Glasgow Street, Kitchener
Cambridge Auto Wreckers - cambridgeautowreckers.com
Combined Metal Industries (CMI) Inc. - combinedmetal.com
Discount Auto Wreckers - discountautowreckers.com
Dundee Recycling Ltd. - dundeerecycling.ca
Earl's Auto Parts Ltd. - 956 Guelph Street, Kitchener
Eco-Tech Inc. - eco-techrecycling.com
Hank's Auto Wreckers - hanksautowreckers.com
Joseph and Company Inc. - josephco.ca
Junkey Monkey - junkeymonkey.ca
Logel's Auto Parts Limited - logels.com
Parkway Auto Recycler - parkwayautorecyclers.com
Scrap-It - 519-572-0987
Triple M Metal LP - triplemmetal.com
Woznuk Bros. Limited - 1050 Main Street, Cambridge
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Shoe repair
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Italian Canadian Shoes and Repairing - 351 Louisa Street, Kitchener
Pfeifer S Shoe Repair - 18 Duke Street East, Kitchener
Schreiner Shoe Service - 315 Lincoln Road, Waterloo
Shoe Doctor Quality Shoe Repair - 2960 Kingsway Drive, Kitchener
Shoecrafters - 94 Weber Street West, Kitchener
The Village Cobbler (Cambridge Centre) 519-623-5628
Uptown Shoes and Repairs - 200 Highland Road West, Kitchener
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Sports equipment
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Cycling into the Future: Arrange porch pick-up of your unwanted bicycle. Bikes will be refurbished and donated to people in need in our community. Contact Sharon to arrange details: sharon@cyclingintothefuture.com, 519-240-5526
Instant Replay Sportszone - sportszonecanada.com
New Hamburg Thrift - newhamburgthrift.com
Phoenix Games and Hobbies - phoenixgames.ca
Play It Again Sports - playitagainsportskitchenerguelph.com
Re-Run Sports - 997 King Street East, Cambridge
The Bow Shop - shooterschoice.com
The Working Centre, Recycle Cycles - theworkingcentre.org
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Tires
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| Go to the website for Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA) to for information about this Ontario stewardship program, and to find local businesses participating in it. Up to four tires are accepted for free. Tires from most on and off-the-road passenger, industrial and agricultural vehicles are accepted. |
Toys
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Goodwill Donation Centres -goodwillindustries.ca
Missions Thrift Store - missionthriftstore.com
New Hamburg Thrift - newhamburgthrift.com
JC Retail - jcretail.ca
Once Upon a Child, Cambridge - onceuponachildcambridge.com
Once Upon a Child, Kitchener - onceuponachildkitchener.com
Playin' Around - 8A Queen Street West, Cambridge
Quality Discounts - 26 Arthur Street South, Elmira
Thrift on Kent - thriftonkent.com
Value Village, Value Village Thrift Store North Waterloo - valuevillage.com
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VHS tapes, DVDs and CDs, Records
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Encore Records - encorerecords.ca
Far Out Flicks - faroutflicks.com
JC Retail - jcretail.ca
Missions Thrift Store - missionthriftstore.com
New Hamburg Thrift - newhamburgthrift.com
Pawn Centre - 159 King Street East, Kitchener
Project Get Reel - redpropeller.ca
The Beat Goes On - beatgoeson.com
Value Village Thrift Store North Waterloo - valuevillage.com
X-Disc-C - 7 Moyer Place, Kitchener
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Take a list when you shop, and resist "impulse buys". Don't shop when you are hungry. Consider the 
