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The first of two Nanaimo Recycles Trunk Sale happens on Saturday, June 20, at the south parking lot of Nanaimo North Centre by the old Sears entrance from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)
buying and selling

Popular Nanaimo trunk sale revives unwanted items

Jun 19, 2026 | 1:08 PM

NANAIMO — There are deals to be had for sharp-eyed bargain hunters at a popular Nanaimo event promoting sustainability and affordability.

The first of two Nanaimo Recycles Trunk Sales takes place Saturday, June 20, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Nanaimo North Town Centre parking lot near the old Sears Entrance off Rutherford Rd.

John Elliot, director of public works for the City of Nanaimo, said the large parking space available allowed for an additional 200 stalls for registrants to park their vehicles and sell a variety of used items for cash.

“It promotes re-use and sustainability for the City of Nanaimo. It keeps a number of items out of our landfill,” Elliot said about the sold-out event.

Registrants are asked to have their used items clean/sanitized prior to sale.
Registrants are asked to have their used items clean/sanitized prior to sale. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Elliot strongly suggested registrants not show up before 8:40 a.m. to secure their stall in the first-come, first-served assignments.

New or packaged items are not permitted in the Trunk Sales mandate, Elliot emphasized.

A range of household items stuffed in garages, storage rooms or closets, outdoor/yard equipment and toys represent popular goods constantly changing hands at local car trunk sales, Elliot said.

What started as a once-annual event grew to twice a year, with the second happening in the late summer in south Nanaimo.

“There is a demand for it, it helps the community, it helps the environment, and people can save a lot of money; rather than buying brand new, they can put something to good use again,” Elliot said.

Reuse Rendezvous, another zero-waste initiative of the City, involves people placing their unwanted household items on the curb marked as ‘free’ for others to claim.

Reuse Rendezvous runs during the weekend of July 19/20.

More information from the City of Nanaimo, including registering for the Aug. 22 Trunk Sale at the lower parking lot of Nanaimo’s Vancouver Island University campus, can be found here.

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