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Reuse-a-Palooza at The Plant

Join us for this semiannual event that provides opportunities to repair clothing and household items, safely dispose of tricky-to-recycle materials, and donate bicycles, old sneakers, and more—all while bringing attention to strategies that redefine 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.

👉 CLICK HERE 👈 to jump to the list of items we’ll be accepting at Reuse-a-Palooza!

♻️ REDUCE + REPURPOSE

These organizations will be on-site helping us reduce and repurpose our waste:

  • Reduce Waste Chicago → Accepting worn-out sneakers, disposable face masks, and old toothbrushes. They’ll also be collecting additional items (listed here) for responsible recycling and repurposing.

  • PCs for People → Collecting computers and old technology (only as listed here) for refurbishing and donation.

  • EcoShip → Collecting packing materials (only as listed here).

  • 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).

  • PAWS Chicago → Accepting towels and sheets to keep canines and felines warm, 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 Lighting

    • 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

🔧 REPAIR

These organizations will be on-site helping repair items:

  • Community Glue Workshop → Working on just about any busted, torn, or short-circuited item you can fit through the front door.

  • Blue City Cycles → Hosting a pop-up repair station:

    • Flat fix — $10 + price of inner tube (tubes usually are $9)

    • Adjustments — $15 a piece (brakes, derailleurs, bearings etc.)

    • Wheel truing — $20

    • Air & oil — Free! Plus, no charge for repair assessments.

💡 DISCOVER + DISCUSS

Organizations helping Reuse-a-Palooza goers discover new approaches and discuss sustainable practices:

🍽️ FOOD + DRINK

Come hungry! MeetStop by Ste. Martaen will be serving their signature vegan comfort food inside Whiner Beer Co.’s taproom, and Smash Jibarito will be popping-up, too! Whiner will also have green beer, naturally colored with Back of the Yards Algae Sciences’ phycocyanin—a safe, non-toxic food colorant derived from blue-green algae.

🌱 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? Sign up for a volunteer shift here!

The poster art for our spring 2025 edition was originally designed by Elena De Santi for ArtistsForClimate.org.

Earlier Event: March 15
Morning Yoga at The Plant
Later Event: March 17
Turtle Stop