Residents encouraged to contribute to sustainability by selling and giving away items
Coquitlam residents can get a head start on their spring cleaning and support a circular economy at the City-Wide Garage Sale and Giveaway Event on Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Participants can contribute to environmental sustainability and community waste-reduction efforts by selling or giving away household items in good condition. Shoppers will have the opportunity to find treasures and bargains while preventing items from reaching the landfill.
Residents can register to participate online for one or both dates, selling or giving away items. Registration opens on Monday, April 28 at 9 a.m. and remains open until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21. Categories include books and toys, clothing, electronics, household decoration and furniture, lawn and garden tools, and sports equipment.
The event is open to single-family and duplex homes, along with multi-family homes with confirmed approval. More details and registration can be found at coquitlam.ca/GarageSale.
The City-Wide Garage Sale and Giveaway contributes to Coquitlam’s Waste Management goals in its Environmental Sustainability Plan: minimizing waste generation, maximizing reuse, recycling and material recovery, and ensuring opportunities for recycling or repurposing items to discourage dumping and littering.
Since 2014, the event has consistently registered over 1,638 participants yearly, promoting waste reduction while facilitating the community in rehoming usable household items.
If items remain after the event, the City recommends several options for donation and disposal, including checking the Guide to Donating Locally, using large-item pickup services, and utilizing the Waste Wizard search tool for recycling options.
Residents can also drop off recyclables at the United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre or the Town Centre Park Recycling Depot. Full lists of accepted items and further information are available at coquitlam.ca/Recycling.
Coquitlam’s Environmental Sustainability Plan, finalized in January 2022, guides decisions ensuring long-term community resilience. It includes five themes: Climate Action, Built Environment, Waste Management, Water Management, and Natural Areas and Wildlife.