Inspired by the success of Toronto’s ReMarket, RE:Connect is Peterborough’s inaugural celebration of the circular economy — a free, family-friendly event hosted by the City of Peterborough and organized by Clean Up Peterborough in partnership with more than 20 local organizations, services, and changemakers rethinking how we reuse, repair, and reduce waste.

RE:Connect showcases community solutions that keep valuable items out of landfill and put them back into local hands. Throughout the day, you’ll find opportunities to explore, learn, and take part in circular living:

• Community Collections – Drop off items for dozens of free recycling and reuse programs, all in one convenient place.
• Sharing & Access – Discover community-driven solutions like tool libraries, borrowing/rental programs, and exchange opportunities that make it easier to share resources.
• FreeMarket – A community exchange where everyone can participate — donate quality items in good, usable condition or take home something new-to-you. We’ll be collecting specific categories (guidelines shared in advance), and all donations should be clean, working, and ready for reuse. This is about circulating useful goods, not creating waste.
• Local Changemakers – Connect with businesses, artists, and organizations turning waste into resources and inspiring new ways of living sustainably.
• Hands-On Learning – Join in skill-sharing activities, demonstrations, and conversations on practical steps toward waste reduction, repair culture, and circular living.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere – Welcoming for all ages, encouraging families to learn together about building a more sustainable Peterborough.

Be part of something impactful — where community and circularity meet.

RE:Connect isn’t a vendor fair — it’s a community-building celebration of sustainability in action. Whether you swap, share, educate, or inspire, your participation helps shape a stronger circular future.

👉 Complete collection guidelines for the FreeMarket and recycling programs will be shared in advance through social media and community channels.