Reuse Rendezvous returns to Lethbridge this Saturday to help you clear the clutter from your garages and closets.
First launched by the City of Lethbridge in 2011, Reuse Rendezvous is now hosted by Environment Lethbridge and gives residents the opportunity to give away unwanted gently-used items to their friends and neighbours.
“Reuse Rendezvous is an easy way to clean out your closets and find new homes for items you no longer need,” notes Environment Lethbridge Executive Director Kathleen Sheppard. “It’s also a great opportunity to find new-to-you treasures. For anyone who has some odds and ends that have accumulated in their garage or basement, this is a great way to get rid of some unwanted items.”
Hundreds of households participate in Reuse Rendezvous every year. Held twice annually in May and September, this event finds new homes for thousands of gently-used items, diverting them from the landfill.
Environment Lethbridge estimates residents divert 1,800 boxes of smaller items and nearly 2,000 mid-large sized items such as electronics and furniture.
“Freecycling these items not only benefits homeowners, it’s also good for the environment,” adds Sheppard. “People give away everything from furniture to secondhand books. If it’s in good condition and you can get it to the curb, chances are someone will give it a new home.”
Participating in Reuse Rendezvous is easy, after you register online, you can place items marked “Free” in front of your homes before 9 a.m. May 10. Throughout the day, your neighbours are invited to cruise the streets and help themselves to any of the items.
After 5 p.m., any remaining items can be reclaimed by their original owners.
Residents are reminded to only take items clearly marked as “Free” and to ensure items not part of the event are secured to prevent unfortunate mix-ups.
Residents who wish to participate in Reuse Rendezvous are also encouraged to register their location on an online map hosted by Environment Lethbridge.
More information about Reuse Rendezvous, including information to register, can be found online at environmentlethbridge.ca/reuse.
