(Brampton) – The Region of Peel is helping its residents with their spring cleaning by hosting Environment Day, a free and easy way for Peel residents to properly dispose of unwanted material.

“As part of Peel's waste diversion strategy, the Region is committed to keeping reusable and recyclable material out of landfill and away from disposal,” says Maja Prentice, Mississauga Regional Councillor and Chair of the Waste Management Subcommittee. “Environment Day helps raise awareness of our waste management programs and services, and gives residents the chance to learn how they can properly divert materials from the waste stream.”

Environment Day will be held on Saturday, May 12 at the Petro-Canada Lubricants Facility, located at Southdown Road and Gate Street, south of the Lakeshore Road West and Royal Windsor Drive intersection, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Environment Day is a great opportunity for Peel residents to conveniently dispose unwanted items, such as paint, batteries, wood, electronic equipment and much more,” says Dwayne Cromwell, Supervisor, Waste Operations. “Gently used items that are in good condition can also be donated to Goodwill at the events.”

Among the items that can be dropped off free of charge:

• Household hazardous waste (batteries, household cleaners, paints and solvents)
• Reusable goods for Goodwill (clothing, furniture, books and small appliances)
• Scrap metal (all metal items, no appliances containing refrigerants)
• Old tires (maximum six passenger car or light truck tires per vehicle)
• Waste wood (small stumps and limbs, lumber)
• Used electronic equipment (phones, personal computers, circuit boards - no TVs)
• Toner cartridges
• Mattresses
• Paper for shredding

Materials other than those listed above will not be accepted and must be taken to a Community Recycling Centre or returned home for disposal or recycling. Only residents arriving in vehicles will be permitted to enter the location.

Residents can also exchange damaged recycling boxes for new ones, or purchase additional boxes for $6; backyard composters for $17.25; a green organics bin for $20 or kitchen containers for $5; rain barrels for $50; and water efficiency kits for $20 (taxes included in all prices).

Residents making a non-perishable food donation will receive two free bags of compost (limit of two per vehicle). Food donations will be distributed to local Peel food banks.

For more information or a complete listing of acceptable items, call the Region of Peel at 905-791-9499. Visit peelregion.ca/waste for a detailed map of the Petro-Canada Lubricants Facility.

The Region of Peel provides waste management services in the Cities of Brampton and Mississauga and in the Town of Caledon. For more information, call the Region of Peel at 905-791-9499 or in long-distance areas of Caledon call 905-584-2216, free of charge. Visit the Region of Peel website at peelregion.ca/waste.