Niagara Falls holding annual Curbside Giveaway Day this Saturday

As they say, one person’s unwanted but reusable items are someone else’s treasure.

This Saturday, Niagara Falls will be holding its annual Curbside Giveaway Day where residents place used items that are in good condition on their property (next to the sidewalk or curb) for others to take.

The city says, “This initiative gives useful items a new life while keeping them out of the landfill. It also encourages recycling, builds a stronger community and contributes to a more sustainable city.”

Residents should mark their items with as “FREE” with a free Community Curbside Giveaway Sign (PDF) (or create your own) and set them out Saturday morning between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

The city will give residents an opportunity to let others know about the items they’re giving away on the city’s Facebook event page where they can share photos, descriptions and location.

The city does caution that since this is a public event, photos and any other information shared can be seen by anyone.

Curbside giveaway etiquette and safety tips:

• Place signs on items with the word “FREE”.  You can download one or make your own.
• Keep items you do not want to give away close to your house, or inside, to avoid confusion.
• Giveaway Program items should still be in good condition for re-use.
• Keep sidewalks and fire hydrants clear.
• Obey traffic laws at all times (e.g., don’t block traffic, park illegally or block others’ driveways).
• Material must be removed from the curb by 7 p.m. Saturday to avoid by-law violations (and potential fines).

What can be placed at the curb?

• appliances (please remove all doors from large appliances)
• artwork
• bicycles
• books
• CDs/DVDs
• clothes
• computers and electronics
• dishes and cutlery
• furniture (with no glass panels)
• kitchen gadgets and utensils
• musical instruments
• plants and potted trees
• pots and pans
• sporting goods
• toys
• tools
• usable paint and building materials
• yard and garden tools and equipment
• other durable goods

 What shouldn’t be placed at the curb?

• items that are not re-usable
• dangerous or illegal items
• mattresses (schedule a large item collection.)

All items must be removed from the curb by 5 p.m. and shall not remain at the curb overnight. The city then suggests to:

• Donate items to local charitable, non-profit organizations, or community groups.
• Post items for sale on-line on various selling sites or groups.

Any material not removed by 7 p.m. on Saturday could result in a by-law violation. Please remove any remaining Giveaway items near the sidewalk or at the curb by 5 p.m.  The City will not collect any items left at the curb.