First Giveaway Day of 2026 is April 25

This Saturday, April 25, is the first Giveaway Day of 2026 – the day you put out reusable items you no longer want for your neighbours who can give them a second life.   

“Giveaway Day is an effective way to reduce waste in Kingston while finding new-to-you treasures. When you pick up free secondhand items, you not only save them from landfill – you reduce packaging waste and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with manufacturing new goods. Giving away items also helps community members save money,” says Adam Mueller, Operations Manager, Public Works & Solid Waste.   

GIVEAWAY DAY GUIDELINES 

Only set out appropriate items that you know someone else might want. 

• Appropriate: Books, CDs, DVDs, clothing, furniture and small appliances, electronics, construction materials (including drywall, lumber, hardware), kitchen gadgets, dishes, cutlery, pots and pans and, yes, unwanted gifts.
• Inappropriate: The Consumer Product Safety Bureau of Health Canada advises that these items should not be given away (or picked up): baby walkers, cribs, car seats, strollers, playpens, bath seats, mattresses, blinds and toys. 

How to put items out: 

• Place items at the curb in front of your home.
• Place stickers or signs on the items with the word ‘FREE.'
• Ensure any items that you do not want taken are kept away from items placed at the curb.
• At the end of the day, bring any uncollected items back into your home. The City will not collect unwanted items left at the curb. Consider donating them to a local charity. 

How to pick items up: 

• Respect other people's property: don't walk on lawns or gardens.
• Take only the items that are marked ‘FREE' and placed at the curb.
• Don't leave previously picked up items on the curb at other people's property. 

Find these guidelines at CityofKingston.ca/Collection