Reduce, reuse, recycle and repeat during National Waste Reduction Week

Plastic water bottles are pictured in a blue box recycle bin in North Vancouver, B.C., Tue., May 7, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

Barrie is recognizing Canada’s national Waste Reduction Week with events across the community this week.

Hosted in partnership with the Barrie Public Library and the Barrie Farmers' Market, the city supports a circular economy and will be educating residents on ways to minimize and better manage waste this week.

A circular economy is a system where the lifecycles of products and items are extended and kept in circulation longer through activities such as redesigning, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, repurposing or recycling.

With this approach, waste is minimized, resources are conserved, and the life of our landfill is extended.

The annual campaign for Waste Reduction Week in Canada began in 2001 by the Circular Innovation Council, a national, not-for-profit organization.

In 2022, building on twenty years of success delivering Waste Reduction Week in Canada, the Circular Innovation Council launched Circular Economy Month, an expanded program to amplify Canada’s knowledge of the circular economy.

Information sessions in Barrie during Waste Reduction Week:

Wednesday, E-Waste Wednesday

Find out how to reuse and recycle electronics at the Downtown Barrie Public Library, Downtown Branch between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Friday: Food Waste Reduction Friday

Learn about curbside organics & vermicomposting at the Downtown Barrie Public Library 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday: Sharing Saturday

Learn more about the Firebird Bike Program, Curbside Giveaway Days, and composting at the Barrie Farmers’ Market at City Hall between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.