This weekend, September 10 and 11, marks the annual fall ritual of putting your stuff on the curb for people to take for free then driving around the city looking for stuff to replace the stuff you gave away. It is also known as the Fall Curbside Giveaway weekend.

Here is a list of do’s and don’ts as you prepare to reduce, reuse and recycle those household items.

Tips if you are giving away items

• Place unwanted household items at the curb on your front street.
• Label each item with a FREE sticker or sign.
• Store items out of sight that you don’t want to give away.
• Remove leftover items from the curb by dusk on Sunday.

Examples of giveaway items include:

• books, CDs and DVDs 
• furniture, electronics and small appliances
• sports equipment and toys
• yard and gardening tools and equipment (e.g., lawn mowers, snow blowers, rakes, shovels)
• kitchen gadgets, dishes, cutlery, pots and pans 
• unwanted gifts 
• construction material (e.g., nails, paint, wood)
• clothing

Please do not put out:

• items that could be unsafe
• items infested with bed bugs (e.g., mattresses, furniture, bedding)
• toilets (with a flush volume of 13 litres or more)

Tips if you are cruising the curbs looking for treasures

• Take only the items at the curb marked “FREE”. 
• Check all items closely to ensure they are safe and in good condition before you put them in your vehicle or bring them into your home.
• Don’t walk or drive on private lawns or gardens. 
• Don’t discard any items on private property. 
• Obey the traffic laws at all times (e.g., don’t block traffic, park illegally or block driveways with your vehicle).
• Watch out for children.

Winnipeg has been participating in giveaway weekends twice a year for several years. Not only do you get to pick through your neighbours stuff you get to help divert useful items away from the landfill.

-News4 Staff-