How to dispose of sacred and temple items respectfully in Toronto and the GTA

What counts as sacred or temple items

Anything that was part of worship at home or at a temple: idols and murtis, deity photos and frames, calendars and cards with sacred images, prayer books and granths, kalash and pooja vessels, chunri, sacred threads, diyas, incense ash, leftover havan material, flowers and garlands.

Why they need a respectful end

These items carry years of prayer, so throwing them in the dustbin feels wrong. Leaving them in a river, a lake or a park is no better: painted and plaster idols do not break down, and offerings left outside harm the nature we worship. Many temples in the GTA can no longer accept used items either.

How we handle each kind of item

1. Clay idols are immersed in a clean water tank after a short prayer, and the clay is returned to the earth.
2. Plaster and painted idols are wrapped in clean cloth and taken for safe disposal, never put in water.
3. Metal idols, kalash and pooja vessels are cleaned and sent to a metal recycler.
4. Deity photos and frames are taken apart. Glass and wood are recycled, and the sacred image is handled separately.
5. Prayer books are wrapped in cloth and, after a short prayer, sent for paper recycling.
6. Chunri, cloth and sacred threads are sent to textile recycling. Flowers, garlands and leftover offerings are composted.

How to book

1. Choose your bag or box sizes on the booking page and add a photo of your items.
2. Enter your address and pick one of the pickup days for your city.
3. Pay securely by card. You receive a confirmation email with your reference number.
4. Our driver contacts you before the pickup. If you are out, leave the package in a secure place.

Where we collect

We offer doorstep pickup in Toronto, Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Milton, Oshawa, Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge. Each area has its own pickup days, which you choose from when you book.

Common questions