Donate plastic bags and reusable shopping bags

Several local not-for-profit organizations are accepting donations of plastic bags and reusable shopping bags. The bags will be available for community members in need, who may use them for shopping needs or for garbage bin liners.

Some businesses may have extra stock of plastic shopping bags that may not be used before the ban takes effect on January 1, 2023. We encourage local businesses to donate extra plastic shopping bags so they can be used by the community at least once before they need to be disposed.

Please contact the not-for-profit organization before you drop off the bags to confirm donation instructions and to make sure the organization is accepting bags.

Before you donate reusable bags, please follow these steps:

1. Remove all items from inside the bags, including receipts and personal belongings.
2. Wash your bags (in a washing machine or by hand).
3. Tumble dry bags on low heat or hang to dry. Ensure bags are completely dry before donating to prevent mold.
4. Inspect bags for any damage. Do not donate bags with broken handles, ripped seams, or large holes.

Places to donate

You can donate plastic bags and/or reusable shopping bags at any of these organizations in Guelph.

Not-for-profit organization	Address	Contact Information	Type of bag
Guelph Food Bank	100 Crimea Street	519-767-1380	Plastic bags Reusable bags
Royal City Mission	50 Quebec Street	519-837-3777	Plastic bags Reusable bags
University of Guelph Bag Bank	50 Stone Road East	[email protected]	Reusable bags
Hope House	10 Cork Street East	519-265-4299	Reusable bags
Chalmers Community Services Centre	41 Macdonell Street	519-822-8778	Plastic bags Reusable bags
Michael House	187 Bristol Street	519-766-7675	Plastic bags (small quantities only) Reusable bags
New Life Church – Clothing Closet	400 Victoria Road North	519-823-5851	Reusable bags
Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis	38 Elizabeth Street	519-836-1110	Plastic bags Reusable bags (new reusable bags only)
Guelph Central Student Association (CSA) Food Bank	50 Stone Road East	519-824-4120 extension 52561	Plastic bags only (must email for an appointment)
Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition – North End Harvest Market	140 Waverly Drive	519-835-1016	Reusable bags

Guelph Waste app

Use the Guelph Waste app to sign up for email or phone reminders about your waste collection schedule.

Download the free mobile app for Apple or Google devices.