Downsizing or decluttering? You don’t have to wait until you move, Style Organization recommends that you sort through your things regularly just like recycling. The list of things that are no longer allowed to be thrown away is growing and here is my current list for Windsor and Essex County. When I help people organize we go through rooms one by one and if any items are no longer wanted we place them in the following categories.
- Give Away
- Sell or Consign
- Get a Second Opinion if you think it may be valuable
- Donate
- Taking to the dump if local garbage pick-up does not take the items
- Recycle
- Destroy
- For giving away, this may mean items promised to children or friends and this is the time to do it.
- Selling may be using an online auction, or at an estate or garage sale.
- We recommend using an appraiser for valuables which may be placed on consignment or sent to auction.
- Donating to charity shops or shelters
- Recycle properly using one of the many local initiatives listed below
- Destroying an item that may hurt others such as a child’s car seat.
For items that cannot be sold and are no longer used, many local authorities have e-waste programmes where electronics of all kinds, including televisions and cell phones etc, that can no longer be thrown out in the garbage as electronics become toxic when left in a landfill.
The Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority Windsor / Essex County residents can drop off the following electronic devices free of charge: for more information http://www.ewswa.org
The Public Drop Off Depot is located in the City of Windsor at:
3560 North Service Road East, Windsor, ON N9A 6J3 on the corner of E.C. Row and Central. Call: 311 (City of Windsor)
In Essex County at:Transfer Station #2 located at 2021 Albuna Townline (County Rd. 31) in the Town of Kingsville. Call: 519-326-2816. Waste Reduction Hotline: 1-800-563-3377
- The EWSWA has a drop-off area for electronics at all Public Drop Off facilities (Windsor, Essex, and Kingsville). Windsor/Essex County residents can drop off the following electronic devices free of charge:
- Amplifiers
- Audio and video players and recorders (DVD and VCR players)
- Cameras
- Cell phones
- Computers and peripherals
- Copiers
- Fax machines
- Monitors
- Pagers and PDAs
- Printers
- Radios
- Receivers
- Scanners
- Speakers
- Telephones and answering machines
- Tuners
- Turntables
- Televisions
- Video projectorsDrop Off Your Old Rechargeable Batteries: Essex County and City of Windsor residents can drop off their rechargeable batteries for free at either one of the Household Chemical Waste Depots located in Windsor / Essex County. A Rechargeable Battery Recycling Station has been set up for your convenience
Safety Tips from EWSWA
Be sure to clear your computers, cell phones and electronics of all confidential or personal information. Exercise care when handling and transporting bulky or heavy monitors and televisions. In particular, cathode ray tubes, found in older televisions and monitors can shatter under pressure. Sturdy work gloves are a good idea when carrying or moving heavier electronics. Don’t take your computer or its components apart or expose it to heat or flames. This can be dangerous to you and the environment.
Or you can make some money to put towards a new laptop by listing yours on eBay or Kijiji (just remember to erase your personal files, photos, and music first). Reduce your tax bill and boost your karma by donating your computer — there are plenty of nonprofits, schools, and charities that will put that PC to good use. Locally you can go to http://www.cfkcanada.org/and they’ll find a worthy recipient for you. Or just bring your old computer with you when you go to buy a new one. Many manufacturers and retailers — including Dell, HP, Apple, Sony, Toshiba and Best Buy — will recycle your old computer for free.
Refrigerators, Freezers, Window Air Conditioners, Portable Dehumidifiers
EnWin Utilities, with support from the Ontario Power Authority, has a program that offers to pick up older refrigerators and freezers as well as window air conditioners and portable dehumidifiers from residents of Ontario, and fully decommission them in an environmentally friendly manner. Please call 1-877-797-9473 to schedule an appointment.
Pharmaceuticals
Residents should bring back all medications and pharmaceuticals to their local pharmacy as well as sharps/syringes for proper disposal – free of charge.
Packaging peanuts
Packaging peanuts can be returned to a UPS store – instead of being thrown in the garbage.
Print Cartridges
Staples makes recycling these a no-brainer — just bring in your old cartridge, and they’ll give you $amount off your next one. PS: Many manufacturers, like HP, offer mail-in recycling programs too. Or take to Cartridge Worx to refill.
Clothes & accessories
If they are in style and in good condition you can take them to your local consignment store where you will make some money. Selling online any new (or barely used) name-brand clothing and accessories is always popular on eBay, Kijiji, and Facebook. Have some fashionable friends? Have a clothing swap where everyone brings a set number of items and then takes turns to pick something. Any leftovers can be donated. For a more social way to recycle your closet, throw a swap party. Think of it as a grown-up version of trading baseball cards. Plus, swap parties are a great way to clean out your closet and update your wardrobe (for free!). Leftovers can be donated to your local Charity Shop or woman’s shelter.
Heres how to hold one. https://styleorganization.com/2014/10/29/style-organize-a-clothing-exchange/
Furniture
Listing unwanted furniture on Kijiji or Facebook is a great way to make money for home improvements without much effort. Even if you can’t get someone to buy that orange corduroy couch, list it for “free” online and save yourself the cost of having it hauled away. The Salvation Army or your local charity/thrift shop will come to collect your old furniture — free of charge — and in return, you may get a tax break not all do (just remember to ask for a receipt!).
Sports Equipment
J&R Sports Connection will buy your used sports equipment (depending on the condition). Go to https://jrsportsconnection.weebly.com/ Or again donate your old gear.
Books
Old coffee-table books and special editions can be sold to specialty bookstores or on Amazon.com. Old books & paperbacks can be donated to the Goodwill Bookstore or a charity such as a raise a reader in Windsor.
Video Games, CDs, DVDs & Vinyl
Go to http://gamecycle.ca/ or Dr Disc on facebook in Windsor to trade and sell new and used CD’s, Vinyl, DVDs, Band Shirts, and Posters.
Eyeglasses
Donate your old glasses to Lions Club Gift Of Sight Eye Glass Program who will recycle your old glasses to help needy children and adults worldwide see clearly.
Tools, Materials & Appliances
Got some old tools lying around? A decent appliance you no longer want, some leftover lumber? Donate it all to Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex Inc Email office@habitatwindsor.org When they sell your donations they use the profits to fund new projects.
FYI The following is a partial list of products that are banned in Canada. It is illegal to sell or give them away. If you have any of these products in your possession, destroy and discard them so that they cannot be used.
- Baby walkers
- Infant self-feeding devices
- Jequirity beans or anything that is made with jequirity beans
- Lawn darts with elongated tips
- Polycarbonate baby bottles containing BPA
The following is a partial list of products that must meet regulatory requirements under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act or the Food and Drugs Act and its Cosmetic Regulations:
Baby Gates
Baby gates that have diamond-shaped openings or “V” openings at the top larger than 38 mm (1 ½ in) are illegal to sell in Canada. A child’s head can get caught in these openings and the child could strangle. Baby gates must come with information that identifies the manufacturer, model name or number, and the date of manufacture and information regarding instructions for use and installation.
Car Seats
Car seats must have a National Safety Mark and meet current regulatory requirements. Remember that it is illegal to sell car seats that do not meet the current regulatory requirements. You should always check with the manufacturer before selling a car seat. Car seats must come with warnings, guidelines for use, installation instructions, and date of manufacture. Do not sell a car seat that is past the lifespan recommended by the manufacturer or that has been in a vehicle during a collision. Before selling a used car seat, check with Transport Canada ( 1-800-333-0371 or http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety) for more information and to find out if the car seat has been recalled. Also, be sure that it is in good condition with no missing parts and with functioning anchoring systems.
Children’s Jewellery
Lead is a soft, heavy metal that is often used to make inexpensive jewelry. Lead is very toxic. A child can suffer from lead poisoning if they suck, chew, or swallow jewelry containing lead. Jewellery containing lead, which has a protective or decorative coating, is not safe since children can easily chew off the coating. It is illegal in Canada to sell children’s jewelry that contains lead above the allowable limit, so if you are not sure whether a children’s jewelry item contains lead, do not offer it for sale.
Children’s Sleepwear
Do not sell loose-fitting children’s sleepwear made of cotton, cotton blends or rayon as they burn more easily. Loose-fitting children’s sleepwear includes nightgowns, bathrobes, and loose pajamas. They should be made of polyester, nylon or polyester/nylon blends.
Tight-fitting children’s sleepwear includes pajamas and sleepers (with tight cuffs at the end of sleeves and pants legs, close fit to the body). They are less likely to make contact with a fire source and are likely to burn more slowly. They can be made from cotton, cotton blends or rayon.
Corded Window Coverings
Children can strangle on cords and bead chains of blinds and curtains. Looped cords and long pull cords can wrap around a child’s neck and act like a noose. Reselling these products is not recommended because safety devices, warning labels, and instructions to keep pull cords out of the reach of children may be missing.
Cosmetics
Used, old, or damaged cosmetics should never be sold. These products may contain harmful bacteria that could cause skin rashes or lead to infections. Additionally, second-hand cosmetics may be missing required labeling information, such as ingredients, warnings, and directions for safe use. A cosmetic is defined as any substance or mixture of substances manufactured, sold or represented for use in cleansing, improving or altering the complexion, skin, hair or teeth, including deodorants and perfumes.
- Note you may see vintage cosmetics sold but it is usually for the packaging and not for use.
Cribs, Cradles, & Bassinets
It is illegal to sell cribs that do not meet the current regulatory requirements. Cribs manufactured before September 1986 likely do not meet these requirements and should therefore not be sold. Health Canada does not recommend using cribs older than 10 years as they are more likely to have broken, worn, loose or missing parts, and be missing warnings or instructions. Cribs, cradles, and bassinets must come with information that identifies the manufacturer or importer, model name or number, date of manufacture, and assembly instructions. They must be in good condition, with no missing parts. It is also important that the mattress used fits snugly with a gap of no more than 3 cm (1 3/16 in) between the mattress and the crib, cradle or bassinet. The spacing between the bars should be no more than 6 cm (2 3/8 in). Cribs, cradles or bassinets with visible signs of damage, missing parts, or missing information should be destroyed. The side height of cradles and bassinets should be at least 23 cm (9 in). Cribs must have a side height of at least 66 cm (26 in) when the mattress support is in the lowest position. Crib corner posts must be no more than 3 mm (1/8 in) high. The mattress support must be firmly fixed to the end panels. Cribs that have a floating mattress support system with S or Z-shaped hooks are not safe and must not be sold.
Garden Torches
Garden torches (i.e. Tiki torches) are composed of two parts: a shaft that is placed in the ground or mounted on the side of a deck which is usually made of wood (bamboo) or metal; and a metal fuel reservoir with a wick. The wick and the reservoir, containing kerosene, citronella or another liquid fuel, usually sit on top of the wood/metal shaft. Ingestion of these fuels can cause serious adverse health effects in children including death. Many of these products sold prior to 2008 did not meet Health Canada’s regulatory requirements which set out specific labeling and packaging. It is illegal to sell garden torches missing the required labeling or packaging.
Ice Hockey Helmets and Face Protectors
Ice hockey helmets and face protectors sold in Canada must carry a sticker indicating they meet safety standards set by the Canadian Standard Association (CSA) and clearly showing the standard number. If the standard number is not present, discard the product. Ice hockey helmets must also have a chin strap and a label with the date of manufacture. These items must not be sold if previously subjected to major impact, if older than five years, if showing signs of damage, or if parts are missing. Be careful as damage done to helmets is not always visible. If you are unsure of a helmet condition, it is better not to sell it.
Playpens
Do not sell playpens that have protruding bolts or torn vinyl or mesh. Playpen mesh must be small mesh, such as mosquito-type netting. Playpens must not have more than two wheels or casters or the ability to attach additional wheels. When selling a folding playpen, ensure that all locking mechanisms work and set-up instructions are included. Playpens must be accompanied by information that identifies the manufacturer or importer, model name or number, and the date of manufacture.
Strollers and carriages
Strollers and carriages made before 1985 should not be sold as they may not meet current regulatory requirements. Strollers must come with a lap belt and crotch strap that is solidly attached to the seat or frame. Ensure that the brakes, as well as the locking mechanisms on folding models, are in working order. Make sure that the wheels are securely attached. Strollers must be accompanied by information that identifies the manufacturer or importer, model name or number, and the date of manufacture.
Toys
Toys that are in poor repair, broken, have sharp edges or points, or plush toys with loose eyes or noses are not safe and should not be sold. Recently, there has been an increased number of recalls on toys with paint containing lead; check that toys have not been recalled before selling them.
Toys With Magnets
Check toys for loose magnets before selling them. Products with loose small powerful magnets should be kept safely out of the reach of children. Unlike traditional magnets, small powerful magnets, such as rare-earth magnets, have a very strong magnetic pull creating a unique safety concern. They are used in a wide range of items, from building toys to science kits or board games. Small powerful magnets that are loose or contained in a very small item are dangerous because they are easily swallowed. If more than one magnet is swallowed over a short period of time, they can attract one another through the intestines and create a blockage or slowly tear through the intestinal walls. The results can be fatal. Older children are known to play with these small powerful magnets in their mouths: using them for fake tongue or cheek piercings, attaching them to braces, etc. Teach children to keep powerful magnets away from their mouths.
Examples of other items that could pose a safety hazard:
Drawstrings on Children’s Clothing
Drawstrings on children’s clothing should be removed prior to sale. Drawstrings, especially on snowsuits, jackets and hooded sweatshirts, can become caught on playground equipment, fences or other objects.
Helmets (Other Than Hockey Helmets)
Helmets, such as bicycle, in-line skating helmets, and equestrian riding helmets, are designed to protect the head against a single impact. It is not recommended to resell these products.
High Chairs
Before selling a used high chair, make sure it is in good condition and that there is a restraint system that consists of a crotch strap and a waist belt that is easy to fasten. All latching and locking mechanisms should be in good working order.
Infant Bath Seats and Bath Rings
These products are not safety devices. Many babies have died when they were left alone in a bath seat or bath ring, even for a short time. Reselling these products is not recommended because the suction cups or other means to attach the product to a tub can be ineffective. Reselling infant bath seats or bath rings can be especially dangerous because any warnings and/or instructions that could have alerted a caregiver of the serious drowning hazard related to these products may be out of date or missing entirely.
Common second-hand products that must meet safety requirements under the Radiation Emitting Devices Act:
Microwave Ovens
Ensure that the microwave oven is in good working order and is accompanied with instructions for use. It is recommended not to sell a microwave oven with noticeable damage to the door or door hinges, as there may be excessive microwave leakage.
Personal Stereo Systems (for example MP3 Players, Portable Media Players)
Instructions for safe use should accompany the device and there should be a functioning volume control enabling sound levels to be listened to safely without risk of hearing damage.
Donations in Windsor & Essex County
Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity and St Vincent de Paul give tax receipts, which will now be for the tax year 2019. They will send you a tax receipt after placing a value on the items you have donated. You need to provide the following. Name, address, email and telephone # of person who will receive the tax receipt. All goods being donated must be in the garage OR at the ground level ready for pick up. Salvation Army picks up in Amherstberg on Fridays speak with Clay. Will not pick up any of the following: entertainment units, beds/sofa beds or large appliances but when picking up large items will pick up small appliances and household items as well as clothing in box or bag. 1720 Walker Road Windsor N8W 3P4 On. Call519 258 6938 ask for pick-ups Windsor Essex & Amherstburg.
Habitat for Humanity, will pick-up most large items with the exception of beds, huge armoires/entertainment centers or paint.
3064 Devon Drive, Windsor, ON 519 969-3762
St Vincent de Paul 354 Chilver Rd Windsor, ON 519 253-7481
Missions Thrift Store, formerly Bibles for Missions 375 Giles Blvd E, Windsor, ON N9A 4C4 519 250 9628 Missions will pick up furniture and appliances donated.
Goodwill There is a drive-through donation center on Front Street in Lasalle. There are two retail stores at 1643 McDougall St Windsor, ON 519 256 1919 and at 11145 Tecumseh Rd E, Windsor, ON N8R 1B1 519 956 2610
Value Village
6711 Tecumseh Rd E Windsor, ON 519 944 1372 & 4322 Walker Rd Bldg 1, Windsor, ON 519 250 0199
*Please note this is just a guideline to help you and is updated as the information comes in. Programmes change often. Please check online and/or by telephone to see that any programme is still running. You can also ask if your favourite Charity shop will take your goods. There are more Charity and thrift shops in the area that are not listed here and if you are not on this list and would like to be included please fill in the contact form below with your information and I will add you to the list. Thank you.
