5 things Peel’s recycling centres will take off your hands for free

If you’re getting some spring cleaning done, it can be difficult to remember what should be left on the curb and what should be taken to one of the Community Recycling Centres (CRCs) in Peel Region, encompassing Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. 

Fortunately, there are quite a few waste items you can drop off at these centres, some of which will be taken off your hands free of charge.

Despite their name, these Community Recycling Centres don’t just recycle, they also dispose of a wide variety of waste items that aren’t picked up at the curb.

There are six CRC locations throughout Peel Region, all ready to help you clear out the clutter in your home by accepting the following items at no cost:

1. Reusable Items

If you’re cleaning out your closet and other areas of your home, items you no longer need and are in good condition can be dropped off as donations for others to use, such as clothing, accessories, housewares, books, and toys. There are certain items that are not accepted so check the list of acceptable items before packing your items for drop-off.

2. Car batteries

Batteries of all kinds are considered household hazardous waste. While most batteries are accepted at the curb during Peel Region’s twice-a-year curbside battery collection periods, car batteries in particular are best to be taken to a Community Recycling Centre for safe disposal.

3. Paints and solvents

Just finished painting a room but still have some paint left over? Paints and solvents – of all kinds – are also considered household hazardous waste. These items can be safely disposed of at a CRC free of charge.

4. Electronics and appliances

Electronics are some of the most frequently used items in our modern lives, but when it comes to tossing them, make sure you’re doing it right. You can take electronic devices such as phones, laptops, TVs, monitors, and large appliances such as air conditioners, fridges, and dish washers to a CRC near you for free recycling.

5. Dedicated loads of recycling

As long as it’s all recyclable, you can bring a whole load of recycling items to a CRC and have it taken for free.

A fee will only apply if the load contains garbage, yard waste, clean fill (soil, sod, topsoil, clay and sand) or material related to construction, renovation and demolition (asbestos is not accepted).

However, the Caledon CRC on Quarry Drive does accept yard waste loads of up to 150 kg (331 lbs) for free.

To check which items can be taken to a Community Recycling Centre in Peel, visit the Region’s website.

Taking your unwanted junk to a Community Recycling Centre is just one way to help you get your spring cleaning done – and with six CRC locations throughout the Region, you’ll never have to go too far to find one:

• Battleford Community Recycling Centre, 2255 Battleford Rd., Mississauga
• Fewster Community Recycling Centre, 1126 Fewster Dr., Mississauga
• Brampton Community Recycling Centre, 395 Chrysler Dr., Brampton
• Heart Lake Community Recycling Centre, 420 Railside Dr., Brampton
• Bolton Community Recycling Centre, 109 Industrial Rd., Bolton
• Caledon Community Recycling Centre, 1795 Quarry Dr., Caledon

For loads that aren’t taken for free, a minimum $6 fee will apply for the first 50 kg, and loads over 50 kg will be charged 12.5 cents per kg.

Residents are reminded that they need to present proof of being a Peel resident in order to use the Community Recycling Centres. Valid proof includes your driver’s licence, a water, gas, or electricity bill, an internet or phone bill, your municipal tax bill, or a lease agreement (valid up to a year).

For small businesses, an original signed letter on company letterhead is required. Contractors need to present a signed contract or work order with a Peel address referencing the company vehicle.

When dropping off your items at a CRC, be sure to sort your materials properly and separate loads (all recyclable items should be kept together, and all household hazardous waste should be kept together).

More general tips and information on waste are available at Peel Region’s website – such as their waste sorter which specifies how to dispose of any kind of waste, and their free collection calendar to help you remember which bins will be picked up on your next collection day.

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