When in doubt, check it out: New recycling search tool shows what to do with unwanted stuff

Calgary - Doing the right thing with your unwanted items just got a little bit easier. The City has unveiled a new online search tool to help you find out how to donate, recycle or safely dispose of your old stuff.

The What Goes Where tool is an easy-to-use source for recycling and disposal information. The searchable database contains Calgary-specific information about getting rid of hundreds of items. 

“Every year we get thousands of questions asking ‘Can I recycle this?’ or ‘How do I get rid of ...’,” says Philippa Wagner, Program Development Team Leader with Waste & Recycling Services. “Now, when you’re looking at an old battery or computer keyboard and wondering what to do with it, getting your answer is faster and easier than ever.”

The tool lets you search for specific items, pick from a list of most popular items, or search alphabetically. Results include information on donation, recycling or disposal options as well as maps to City facilities where relevant.

“Calgarians have really embraced recycling and are asking the right questions,” says Wagner. “This tool is a way to help them find what they are looking for.”

The What Goes Where tool is accessible from your desktop, tablet or smart phone. It can be found at www.calgary.ca/whatgoeswhere.

Onward/The City educates Calgarians on the materials that can be recycled through our programs. 80/20 Waste Reduction Plan:  By 2020, per capita waste sent to City of Calgary landfills is reduced from 2007 levels by 80 per cent.

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