Mark your calendar for the spring 2026 edition of Reuse-a-Palooza at The Plant on Sun. Mar. 15 from 11am-3pm.
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.
The full list of items that we’ll be accepting at Reuse-a-Palooza is forthcoming. We encourage everyone to 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 select items such as 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.
EcoShip - Collecting gently used packing and shipping materials (only as listed here).
Cradles to Crayons - Accepting clothing in all shapes and sizes (only as listed here).
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.
The Struggling Black Girl Magic Club - Accepting skateboards, roller skates, and non-motorized scooters.
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.
City of Chicago Dept. of Streets & Sanitation - Sharing info on City recycling, including the end markets for Blue Cart recyclables.
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. Raza's Pizza offers NY-style pizzas, burgers, and more out of the kitchen.
TOUR OF THE PLANT
A tour of The Plant will be offered at 2pm sharp. Advance tickets are strongly encouraged; stay tuned for the link to purchase. 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!