Make, repair and reuse items during Circular Economy Month

Nearly 500 million kilograms of clothing and other textiles are thrown away in Canada each year. Many electronics are also discarded, even though almost two-thirds of them still work. Instead of buying new items this Circular Economy Month, choose to repair, share, donate or recycle them to extend their usefulness.

A circular economy is about getting the most use out of the things we own by using them for longer. These small actions can reduce waste, help the environment and save money.

Learn how to give your items a second life this October by participating in Circular Economy Month events throughout Mississauga.

Events

Recycle clothing, electronics and more

The City is partnering with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s Partners in Project Green program to host a collection drive from October 12 to 25. Residents can drop off unwanted clothing, textiles and electronics at collection bins located at one of 13 City facilities.

Get creative at a makerspace workshop

The library offers makerspace programs where you can learn new skills such as:

• 3D printing
• Using a Cricut machine
• Sewing
• Laser cutting

These skills can help you repair items, create gifts or make projects using recycled materials.

Makerspace programs are available at:

• Hazel McCallion Central Library
• Burnhamthorpe Library
• Courtneypark Library
• Meadowvale Library
• Malton Library

Borrow instead of buying

Your library card gives you access to more than books and media. You can also borrow these items for free through the Library of Things:

• Laptops
• Fishing rods and tackle boxes
• Guitars
• Lifejackets
• Pickleball sets and more!

Borrowing items from the Library of Things instead of buying them helps reduce waste and saves money.

Join a park clean-up

Join City staff for a park clean-up on Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn about illegal dumping, sorting waste and how to keep parks, trails and natural areas clean.

Clean-ups will take place at:

• Meadowvale Sports Park
• Forest Park
• Streetsville Memorial Park

Get it fixed at the Repair Hub

Bring broken items to the Repair Hub at Hazel McCallion Central Library on Saturday, October 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

New this year, the Repair Hub, in partnership with Help a Girl Out will offer a hands-on workshop to learn how to sew reuseable menstrual pads. This helps reduce single-use plastics use and promote access to sustainable menstrual products.

The City is also looking for Repair Hub volunteers who can fix:

• Bicycles
• Household items
• Small appliances
• Electronics
• Toys
• Clothing and textiles

Support the Mississauga community by using your skills to keep items out of the landfill.

Who

All Mississauga residents who want to learn more about reusing, repairing, making and reducing waste.

When

Events take place throughout October 2026.

Where

Events are held at different locations across Mississauga.

Reducing waste in the city

As part of the Climate Change Action Plan, the City is working to keep Mississauga clean and reduce waste. Recent results include:

• During Earth Month this year, the City participated in the spring recycling collection drive. More than 9,894 kilograms of clothing and textiles and more than 6,326 kilograms of e-waste were recycled.
• During Movie Nights at Celebration Square, 30 volunteers helped sort waste and kept 30 kilograms of food waste and 1,400 single-use plastic items out of landfills.
• During 11 FIFA World Cup 2026™ screenings, 49 volunteers collected 64 kilograms of garbage and 93 kilograms of recycling.
• At five Repair Hubs between April and August, 12 volunteers assessed 62 items and repaired 169 items.
• The Credit Valley Marina Seabin, a floating garbage bin, removes about 50 to 300 pieces of litter from the water every day. This includes cigarette butts, bottle caps and micro litter.

Learn more about the City’s Climate Change Action Plan.

Tags

• Climate Change
• Libraries
• Parks and Forestry
• Things to Do