Important Garage Sale Information

 

           The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful. – E.E. Cummings

All the signs are here, spring has sprung. Migrating birds are gathering along the Ottawa River, tulips and neighbours are popping out after a long winter and children come home from school covered in mud. (Please, please let it be mud.)

Spring inspires change, beginnings, cleaning and for some folks, a desire to organize and simplify. ’Tis also the season for garage sales.

I am a fan of repurposing and reusing. Reducing landfill waste, saving energy and money makes garage sales, boot sales, freecycling, recycling and donating to charitable organizations so appealing.  Does anyone get tingles at the thought of de-cluttering and/or finding a good garage sale bargain?  Perhaps it’s just me…

I came across a warning from Health Canada that I wanted to share. There are laws protecting consumers that Canadians should be aware of, before they swap, sell or lend out items. 

Did you know that we are legally responsible for making sure the products we sell at garage sales,  or lend/donate are safe and meet current safety standards?  Health Canada’s website states

It is the responsibility of the seller to ensure that the products they sell, lend or give away, whether new, used or homemade, meet current Canadian safety requirements. However, it has been found that, products offered at garage sales often do not meet current requirements. Therefore, the buyer must decide if the cost-savings are worth the potential risk associated with purchasing second-hand consumer products.

Also…

By law, you cannot import, sell, distribute, or even lend or give away products that do not meet the requirements of the Hazardous Products Act, which is administered by Health Canada. If you sell, lend or give away an item that is hazardous, you could be liable in a civil court of law.

Health Canada also lists specific items to use caution when selling, purchasing, lending or swapping.  Safety hazards include:

• Cribs, playpens and strollers – always check recalls, safety standards and parts are secure and not missing.
• Toys, especially those with magnets and or paint (lead is a concern) and phthalates in soft plastic items.
• Hockey helmets – must have CSA approved stickers and usually have a lifespan of 3 – 5 years.
• Infant seats, bath seats pose big safety risks.
• Drawstrings in children’s clothing (always remove before selling)
• Curtains or blinds without labels or instructions for installation and safety
• Garden torches
• Lawn darts with elongated tips are illegal to sell in Canada

To minimize your legal risk when you sell or give away second-hand items contact manufacturers or use Health Canada’s website for consumer product recalls.  Alternatively, you can contact Consumer Product Safety, Health Canada 1-866-662-0666.

Safely done, garage sales can be fun community social events. We find it is a good way to fundraise for charity.  Buying second hand has a sustainable advantage and finding gently used treasures is great for your wallet too.

Have fun!