Scavengers unite! Get ready for the fall 2025 edition of Reuse-a-Palooza at The Plant.
This semiannual event provides opportunities to repair clothing and household items, safely dispose tricky-to-recycle items, and donate bicycles, clothing, and more, all the while bringing attention to strategies to reduce waste and improve environmental conditions. We’ll be joined by an amazing group of waste-reduction and repurposing enthusiasts focusing on economically, environmentally, and socially responsible approaches to purchasing and consumption.
HERE IS THE FULL LIST OF ITEMS that we’ll be accepting at Reuse-a-Palooza, and be sure to review the list as we get closer to the event, as items occasionally change.
And here’s an overview of the program:
REPAIR
Community Glue Workshop - Working on just about any busted, torn, or short-circuited item you can fit through the front door. Fabric-repair wizardry will be provided by Bliss Joy Bull as part of this crack team of volunteers. Please ensure that any articles of clothing brought in for repair have been washed (please note that they won’t do alterations, just mending)!
REDUCE + REPURPOSE
Reduce Waste Chicago - Accepting worn-out sneakers, disposable face masks, old toothbrushes and dozens more additional items for responsible recycling and repurposing; stay tuned for the full list.
PCs for People - Collecting computers and old technology (only as listed here) for refurbishing and donation.
Cradles to Crayons - Accepting clothing in all shapes and sizes (only as listed here).
Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange (CCRx) - Collecting office items, art and school supplies, and similar materials (see their “most wanted” list on their home page).
PAWS Chicago - Accepting towels and sheets to keep the pups and kits cozy as they await their new homes, plus pet supplies and food (see their wish list).
Working Bikes - Accepting bicycles and old bike tire tubes.
Rebuilding Exchange - Accepting household items, tools, and hardware (only as listed below):
◦ Home accents/decor: door and window hardware, cabinet knobs and pulls, hooks & house numbers
◦ Lighting: table & floor lamps, sconces, ceiling fixtures
◦ Tools: working power tools with cords free of damage
◦ Miscellaneous hardware (accepted at staff discretion): hand tools, woodworking and metalworking equipment, gardening tools and decor
Conscious Costume - Bring your or your pet’s costume from last year, and try out one that’s new to you! Just make sure that all costumes are CLEAN! Weird & wacky accessories, nail polish, and unused makeup are all welcomed for the exchange.
DISCOVER + DISCUSS
350 Chicago - Discussing new strategies to reduce your environmental footprint and advocate for greater change.
Degrowth Institute - Challenging the idea of endless growth.
Chicagoland Donut Economics Coalition with their "How Do You Donut?" activity inviting Chicagoans to map our city's progress on various social and ecological dimensions.
City of Chicago Dept. of Streets & Sanitation - Sharing info on City recycling, including the end markets for Blue Cart recyclables.
Urban Canopy - Providing education on diverting food waste from the landfill to compost.
Feed and Conserve Illinois - Sharing resources on the movement to support food recovery and diversion.
FOOD + DRINK
Come hungry! The Jungle Taproom offers beers by Whiner Beer and SomosMonos Cerveceria as well as a variety of NA beverages, and Raza's Pizza offers NY-style pizzas, burgers, and more out of the kitchen. MeetStop by Ste. Martaen will be popping up as well with their signature vegan comfort food.
TOUR OF THE PLANT
A tour of The Plant will be offered at 2pm sharp. Advance tickets are strongly encouraged and can be purchased here. Tours are free for 60609 residents—since this online shop doesn’t offer that option, please email us to reserve your spot!
GET INVOLVED
Want to be part of the action? Fill out this form to sign up for a volunteer shift with Reduce Waste Chicago!