Boost Reuse

What is Boost Reuse?

Boost Reuse is a community reuse drive initiative developed by Recycle Ann Arbor that aims to reduce and divert materials headed toward the landfill by moving materials up the zero waste hierarchy.

Our goal is to develop and promote reuse programs at the Drop-Off Station and Recovery Yard, aligning with our community-based zero waste action mission. At Recycle Ann Arbor, we recognize that recycling alone is not enough to achieve zero waste, so we have created the Boost Reuse program to focus on reuse and repair at a local level.

Boost Reuse launches with:

Used Bicycle Drive
August 19th through October 18th

Have an old or broken bike just gathering dust? Bring your used or unwanted bicycles of any type and condition to our Drop-Off Station or Recovery Yard during our regular operating hours. As a bonus, bring a bike and you'll receive free entry to recycle your traditional recyclables on the same day (limit one free entry per person) for one-stop convenience. 

Usable and repairable bikes will be donated to local partner organizations, Common Cycle and Milan Bike Guy. These organizations will repair and distribute the bikes to those in need within our community. Bikes that are beyond repair will be salvaged for usable parts and then recycled at our facilities, helping to keep all materials local.

Boost Reuse will host several reuse collection drives throughout the year, such as books, gardening equipment/supplies, school/office supplies, etc., to promote and provide collection support to local community organizations that will distribute the materials to members of our community that can put them to good re-use!

Boost Reuse Goals

Through Boost Reuse, we will leverage our current investments to move up the zero waste hierarchy. Our aim is to strengthen partnerships with other community organizations addressing similar issues, raise awareness about reuse, and demonstrate how it helps conserve natural resources by extending the life of products. Recycle Ann Arbor’s focus is on shifting towards reuse and other zero-waste methods to positively impact the environmental quality of our community by reducing the need to extract new raw materials to make new products and keep materials local. 

Why Reuse Programs? 

Reuse programs can foster a sense of community and help build a culture of sustainability and responsibility that inspires others to adopt similar practices. Reusing items can save money for residents and businesses by reducing the need to purchase new products. Reuse initiatives such as Boost Reuse, repair shops, and second-hand retail stores, among others, also create local jobs and support a circular economy as part of Washtenaw County’s zero waste goals.

Have an idea for a Boost Reuse collection drive, or is your local organization looking for a collection partner? Reach out to us at [email protected]