REmarket vs. Community Environment Day: What's the difference?

​By Jess  Blackwell

If you live in the Downtown Toronto area, chances are that you’ve heard of two different events aimed at reducing waste by collecting donations and engaging in other environmentally focused activities: Community Environment Days and REmarket. 

But what are Community Environment Days, and how are they different from REmarket? 
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​While both events are aimed at reducing waste, there are several key differences between them: 

1. They are run by different groups.
2. They are held in different locations and venues. 
3. They collect slightly different items.
4. They offer different services. 

Below, we walk through each of these differences in more detail.

1. They are run by different groups. 

While REmarket is run by the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association Waste Reduction Group (WRG), a community-led group of local volunteers, Community Environment Days is run by the City of Toronto, through its ReduceWasteTO program. 

2. They are held in different locations and venues. 

While REmarket is held at the St. Lawrence Market (specifically, in the temporary tent just south of the main market building), Community Environment Days are held throughout Toronto and, because of this, occur in various locations and venues. 

You can find more information about when and where your local Community Environment Day is happening here. 

3. They collect slightly different items.

While both events collect a wide variety of common items in various conditions, REMarket collects some items that are not collected during Community Environment Days and vice versa. 

For example, while REmarket does not collect household hazardous waste, Environment Days do. 

Similarly, while REmarket collects used office supplies, such as pens and ink/toner cartridges for recycling, the city does not currently offer this service through Environment Days. 

The chart below breaks down some of the key differences between what these events accept. 

Chart by Trudy Coles

4. They offer different services. 

While you can donate your new and used unwanted items at both events, each event offers some special services.

For example, community members can pick up free compost from this year’s Environment Days, and the city will also be selling small household organics bins. REmarket does not currently offer either of these services. 

In contrast, REmarket offers a repair cafe (run by Repair Café Toronto), free bike repairs (run by CultureLink Bike Hub), and a totally free market (called FreeMarket). The city does not currently offer these services through its Community Environment Days. 

Summary

In conclusion, while similar, these events each offer unique services and benefits that can help you reduce your waste and make a positive impact on the environment. 

But if you happen to miss your local Environment Day, have no fear — REmarket is coming up soon! The next REmarket is scheduled for June 14 and 15, 2023, and we hope to see you there!