Every year in Canada, millions of usable items end up in landfills. This October, during Circular Economy Month, The Salvation Army Thrift Store invite Canadians to be part of the solution by donating pre-loved items and helping to build a more sustainable future.
Last year alone, we kept more than 80 million pounds of clothing, textiles, household items, books, paper, electronics, and metal out of Canadian landfills. These efforts displaced over 800,000 tonnes of carbon emissions and saved 135,000 kilolitres of water. That’s the equivalent of planting 37.5 million trees or removing 177,500 cars from the road.
Behind these numbers are local initiatives that make donating easier and more accessible. For instance, through our partnership with Peel Region’s six Community Recycling Centres, Thrift Store Donor Welcome Centres are on site to collect local donations, giving residents even more convenient options to donate their pre-loved goods.
“This is really a pioneering partnership —one that demonstrates how meaningful collaboration can positively impact an entire community,” says Tonny Colyn, Business Development and Sustainability Director at The Salvation Army Thrift Store. “The impact has been so positive and working with Peel Region has been a wonderful experience, so we look forward to doing it for many more years to come.”
“We love to think that it’s more than just a circular economy,” Tonny adds. “It’s a circular culture that we permeate throughout our stores and communities, where everybody is helping each other out. And by donating items instead of sending them to landfill, people help us accelerate that even more.”
And the impact goes beyond the environment. By shopping and donating to our stores, Canadians not only reduce waste but also help fund local Salvation Army programs and services that support families and individuals in need.
Together, we can create meaningful change—protecting the planet while helping neighbours in need. Find your nearest Donor Welcome Centre and give your pre-loved items a second life!
