Library of Things
Fix It Resources
We are committed more than ever to offering ways to empower people in their quest for self-sufficiency and to bring the community together.
We’ve compiled a list of resources to help you out, and if you really get stuck, email shannon@squamishcan.net and we’ll connect you with a volunteer expert who can answer your questions. Click on the issue below to find a help guide.
Squeaky chair Cracked Mobile Phone screens
Diagnosing Weak batteries Improve Slow devices (Laptop)
Musical Instruments Kitchen Appliances
Gardening equipment Basic Bike Repair
Scratches, Ding, and Dents in Wood
A Library of Things is a collection of non-traditional library items available for the community to borrow for free. These items might be rarely used, hard to store, or expensive, such as electronic equipment, cooking appliances and hobby items.
Squamish Library have curated this collection to be useful to many audiences, reduce community-wide waste and consumption, and contribute to social inclusion, accessibility, and affordability for members of the community.
A borrower must be 14 years or older and have a valid Squamish Public Library card in good standing. Find Out More Here
Recycling Resources for Squamish
Keeping waste out of the Squamish landfill
There’s no “away” when we throw garbage into a can or waste bin. Trash goes into our landfill, where it decomposes – sending methane, carbon dioxide and toxins into our air, soil and water.
Waste diversion is a general term that means keeping waste out of the municipal landfill. Diversion follows the priority of the 5R’s, which outlines that 'Refuse' is more effective than ‘Reduce’, which is more effective than ‘Reuse’, which is more effective than ‘Recycle’. Recycling costs energy and money, and doesn’t address the issue of over-consumption.
Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Re-gift FIRST and then Recycle:
REFUSE waste. Say no to things people offer you that you don't need and refuse to buy products that can be harmful to the environment.
REDUCE waste by not generating in the first place. Buy in bulk, rent, repair, shop at second hand stores etc.
REUSE materials. Use glass jars for storing bulk food or construction materials like nails. Take used construction materials to Squamish ReBuild. Check out when the next community wide clothing swap and ReUse It Fair are happening.
REPAIR Fix or upgrade your items instead of throwing them away. Fix it - don't toss it. Check out when the next Squamish Repair Café is happening to get help with repairs.
RE-GIFT if the items is still usable, maybe someone else could use it? E.g. organize or take part in a clothing swap. Check out when the next community wide clothing swap and ReUse It Fair are happening.
RECYCLE to make a new product out of used materials, compost out of yard waste, boxboard out of cardboard etc. Check out our upcoming Zero Waste / Upcycling Workshops!
RECOVER to use a material to make a product of some value. We chip our construction waste and burn it at Port Mellon to generate power, instead of burning natural gas.
Buy second hand instead of new when possible.
Squamish has some great second hand shops around town. Facebook buy and sell groups, craigslist etc. are also a great place to find second hand items.
(With information from District of Squamish, more info: www.squamish.ca/our-services/garbage-and-waste-diversion/waste-diversion)
WHAT goes WHERE guide for Squamish:
Click to enlarge/ download PDF version:
Recycling Signage - Download for Free
Having consistent waste management signage – at work, school, or in a shared recycling room – helps people to quickly sort their recycling, reduces contamination and improves recycling rates.
On the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District page you can find details and signage to use. Materials are free to download and use, and no copyright applies. The files are editable with Abode Creative Suite or similar software programs.
You can find the signage here:
www.slrd.bc.ca/services/recycling-composting-waste-landfill/recycling-signage-colour-scheme
Find signage for:
-
Kitchen catcher food scraps bins (commercial compost facility and backyard composting)
GOT CANS Recycling in Squamish
GOT CANS is a free service in Squamish that removes and recycles ALL glass and plastic beverage bottles, aluminum cans, wine boxes and juice boxes of all sizes. GOT CANS provides you with a simple way to be sustainable and ensures a proper end to a product's life cycle. Proceeds from all monthly funds generated by GOT CANS go to a not-for-profit organization in the Sea-to-Sky. Book a free pickup today!
Phone: 604-848-2267
Email: gotcans@outlook.com
Website: www.gotcans.biz
Squamish ReBuild
Located at 40350A Government Rd, Squamish
They accept donations & sell:
-
Doors, Windows, Sinks, Tubs, Light fixtures, Lumber, Flooring, Pavers, Toilets, Tools, Hardware, Kitchen & Bath cabinets, Reusable lumber
See their website for updated opening times
Contact 604.567.5551, www.squamishrebuild.ca
More Recycling Resources:
Seven ZeroWaste 'how-to' videos right into your home.
Enabling us to collectively adapt seeds to our Squamish climate, so we will have homegrown varieties that grow well where we live.
Community gardens help us connect to nature, create food security, meet new people, and get involved with growing our own food.