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 Sporting Equipment Drive
April 15th through June 14th
Is your garage, attic, or basement harboring a secret stash of unfulfilled NFL glory? Did your kid decide they're not destined to be the next Messi or Ronaldo? Let the Recycle Ann Arbor Boost Reuse program give new life to your sporting goods and put them to good reuse!
Bring your gently used or new sports equipment 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. Equipment must be in safe and functional condition, no broken or missing parts.
Drop off your coats at these locations:
Drop-Off Station: 2950 East Ellsworth Rd
Recovery Yard: 7891 Jackson Road
Usable sporting equipment will be donated to our local partner organizations Leveling The Playing Field, and others, and provided to children and others in our community who may not have access to such items. Unusable equipment will be recycled at our facilities (where applicable), helping to keep all materials local with zero waste.
No exercise equipment, weights, or bowling balls are accepted. Click this link for a complete list of acceptable items and those we cannot accept.
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]
Used Coat Drive Final Numbers:
A total of 176 coats were collected from the Drop-Off Station and Recovery Yard. All 176 coats were reused and distributed to those in need within our community through our local partner organizations, ensuring that all were kept out of the landfill and put to good re-use!