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.

Current Boost Reuse collection drive:

Used Clothing Drive
September 20th through December 27th

Are you cleaning out your closets between seasons? Help us keep textile waste out of the landfill by bringing your unwanted wardrobe to the Boost Reuse Used Clothing Drive! We will ensure that these items find new life with those who can reuse them. We accept all clothing items that are in good, gently used condition. Damaged or stained clothing will also be accepted for recycling. No shoes, accessories, blankets, sheets, or towels accepted. Clothing must be dry and free of mold.

Bring your used clothing to the Drop-Off Station or Recovery Yard during regular operating hours and receive free entry to recycle your traditional recyclables on the same day (limit one free entry per person) for one-stop convenience. 
 

Drop off your coats at these locations:

  Drop-Off Station: 2950 East Ellsworth Rd

  Recovery Yard: 7891 Jackson Road

Usable clothing will be donated to our local partner organizations and distributed to those in need in our community. Unusable clothing will be recycled at our facilities, helping to keep all materials local with zero waste.

Boost Reuse hosts several reuse collection drives throughout the year 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]

Used Sporting Equipment Drive Final Numbers:

We collected a total of 1,789 pieces of sports equipment in good to great condition from the Drop-Off Station and Recovery Yard. This gear is valued at $18,154 and is being distributed back to the community through our partner organization, Level the Playing Field. Thank you for helping to keep them out of the landfill and ensuring they are put to good re-use!