If the recent sunny weather has you busy with your spring cleaning, remember that proper disposal of unwanted items is easy B次元官网网址� and will go a long way to keeping our community clean and safe.

B次元官网网址淚f youB次元官网网址檙e purging the old and outgrown, or using the longer days to spruce up the garden, be responsible about where those things end up,B次元官网网址� says Russ Smith, senior manager, environmental resource management. B次元官网网址淢ost of your furniture, clothing, electronics and d茅cor items can be sold online, given away, donated to charity or recycled. Anything that canB次元官网网址檛 be re-used or recycled should be disposed of properly at Hartland Landfill or another waste facility to keep our regionB次元官网网址檚 plants, wildlife and watersheds safe.B次元官网网址�

Of course, the message is especially timely as we celebrate Earth Day this week, shining a light on the simple steps we can take to support the planet.

1. Moving? Anything that canB次元官网网址檛 be sold, donated, given away or recycled should be disposed of properly. If you plan to donate no-longer-wanted items, ensure theyB次元官网网址檙e in good condition so a local charity isnB次元官网网址檛 on the hook for getting rid of your garbage. Consider calling ahead to see if your items are currently needed. DonB次元官网网址檛 make your junk somebody elseB次元官网网址檚 problem B次元官网网址� make a plan before moving day to properly dispose of it.
2. No car? No problem. Plan ahead to dispose of what you no longer want without even leaving your couch. List your stuff on an online buy/sell site, email friends and family, post to social media, contact charities that pick up items for free, ask a friend or neighbour to borrow a truck, book a vehicle through a local car share co-op or hire a junk hauler. Living car-free shouldnB次元官网网址檛 stop you from properly disposing of your garbage.
3. Prepping your yard for summer? Every year municipalities receive reports of yard waste illegally dumped on boulevards and in parks. In addition to being a significant spreader of invasive species and a possible fire hazard, collection and proper disposal requires time and money. When gathering yard waste, consider where it belongs B次元官网网址� including your green bin, depending on your municipality, at a local garden waste drop-off or composted in your yard. Tip: Mulching grass clippings into your lawn can create a natural fertilizer and protect your soil. Learn more about mulching and backyard composting at .

Abandoned waste isnB次元官网网址檛 just an eyesore B次元官网网址� itB次元官网网址檚 also costly to clean up, encourages further illegal dumping and leads to increased health and environmental risks.

If you spot abandoned waste in your community or witness illegal dumping B次元官网网址� donB次元官网网址檛 confront the individuals, but do report it. While reporting procedures may vary by municipality, helpful information may include the types of materials dumped, photographs, date and time, vehicle description, license plate number and a description of the occupants. Contact your municipality or visit their website for details.

Thank you for helping keep our communities clean and our regionB次元官网网址檚 plants, wildlife and watersheds safe!

For more information, visit

Wondering if something can be recycled? Look it up at