Textiles
In 2017, Markham became the first municipality in North America to ban textile waste at the curb.
Support your community! Drop off ALL your unwanted textiles at any City of Markham textile donation bin! With over 160 public access locations and 63 multi-residential properties, Markham bins are easy to find!
- Which Textiles Can I Donate?
Markham's unique textile recycling program accepts all textiles. Items can be worn, torn, or stained. Even single socks and shoes are welcome!
We accept:
Clothing
(adults & children)
Household
Textiles
Footwear
(singles or pairs)
Accessories
- Active wear
- Bathing suits
- Bathrobes
- Coats
- Dresses
- Jeans
- Pants
- Parkas
- Shirts
- Skirts
- Socks (single or pairs)
- Sweaters
- T-Shirts
- Undergarments
- Uniforms
- Aprons
- Bedding
- Bibs
- Blankets
- Comforters
- Curtains, Drapes
- Cushions
- Fabric scraps
- Mats
- Old rags
- Oven mitts
- Pillows
- Sleeping bags
- Stuffed toys
- Towels
- Wash cloths
- Athletic shoes
- Boots
- Cleats
- Dress shoes
- High heels
- Loafers
- Running shoes
- Slip-ons
- Slippers
- Sneakers
- Backpacks
- Belts
- Gloves
- Hats, Toques
- Jewelry
- Mittens
- Pet clothing and beds
- Purses
- Scarves, Ties
Which Textiles Can I Not Recycle?
All donated textiles must be dry. Your textiles can't have any medical or dangerous liquids on them such as grease or oil, blood, or vomit. We won't take textiles if we have health or safety concerns. We can't accept infant car seats.
- Partners & Resources
Markham only partners with licensed, registered charities. These include:
- The Salvation Army
- Diabetes Canada
- Cornerstone to Recovery
- Ontario Federation of Cerebral Palsy
- B'nai Brith Canada
These charities collect from and maintain all Markham textile donation bins. They sort donated textiles and figure out whether they can be re-worn, reused, or recycled. The Salvation Army Thrift Store and Value Village sell the gently used items. Textiles that can't be re-worn are turned into industrial rags, furniture padding, insulations, car seats, recycle fabrics, and more.
Learn more in these links: