Durham Region is highlighting repair, reuse and waste reduction through a proclamation naming October Circular Economy Month, with a regional resource hub encouraging residents to swap, resell and donate unwanted products.
Regional Chair and CEO John Henry issued the proclamation on behalf of the municipality’s Works Committee, according to a Region of Durham announcement.
The observance expands on Waste Reduction Week, traditionally held during the third week of October. The Circular Innovation Council extended that campaign into a month-long effort to help Canadians understand the circular economy and its benefits.
The approach focuses on getting more use and value out of products and materials before recycling or disposal. That can involve repairing an item, refurbishing it, remanufacturing it or finding another use for it.
Keeping materials in use
Durham has joined the Circular Innovation Council’s Share, Reuse, Repair Hub. The initiative provides reuse resources and encourages residents to pass along products they no longer need through swaps, resale or donations, helping extend the useful life of everyday items.
The region says its waste reduction work continues throughout the year, guided by five principles: rethink, reduce, reuse, recycle and recover. Those principles shape its waste management programs and services.
Its 2022–2040 Long-term Waste Management Plan also puts an emphasis on rethinking consumption and reducing the amount of waste generated. Other priorities include recovering as much value from resources as possible and identifying opportunities to produce energy from waste.
Andrew Evans, Durham’s director of Waste Management, Compliance and Emergency Management Services, said in the announcement that the month recognizes residents’ role in reducing waste and using resources more effectively. He also highlighted the region’s commitment to waste reduction, diversion and resource recovery programs.
Information about the national campaign is available at CircularEconomyMonth.ca. Residents can find details about Durham’s waste reduction efforts at durham.ca/Waste.
