The City of Barrie, in partnership with the Barrie Public Library, invites residents to rethink their waste and extend the life of everyday objects through two upcoming community initiatives: Curbside Giveaway Day on Saturday and a Repair Café on September 26.
These opportunities offer residents easy, practical ways to share their unwanted items with others, or repair broken items, ultimately keeping them out of the landfill.
Curbside Giveaway Day
If items are in good condition and someone else could use them, residents are encouraged to place them at the curb, labelled “FREE”, on Curbside Giveaway Day. It’s like a garage sale but without the money exchange. Everything placed at the end of your driveway or lawn on this day is free for others to take. Anything that does not find a new home must be taken back in by 9 p.m.
Repair Café
If the item is broken, residents can consider registering for the upcoming Repair Café, hosted at the Barrie Public Library’s Painswick branch. At the Repair Café, volunteers will help you fix your broken item. Acceptable items include small household appliances, small wood items, children’s toys, clothing and household textiles. Electronics (cell phones, laptops, etc.) are not eligible. Repairs are not guaranteed. At the July 2026 Repair Café, 25 of the 33 items brought in were successfully repaired. This program is offered in partnership with Living Green Barrie, Firebird Community Cycle, and BRIX Makerspace.
Rethinking how we manage our waste saves money and resources, prolongs the life of Barrie's landfill, and helps build a more sustainable community.
