Reuse Rules! Why buy new when you can get it used for free?

Reusing and repurposing are fantastic ways to score a great deal, obtain quality items on a budget, and keep good stuff out of the landfill. Check out Western Lake Superior Sanitary District’s two free reuse programs that prevent waste by offering folks the opportunity to take – for FREE – useful items others have discarded.

The Product Reuse Center is Lincoln Park’s thrifty and sustainable do-it-yourself supply resource. Unwanted paints, household cleaners, and more find a second life at the Product Reuse Center, located in the WLSSD Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility at 27th Ave W and the Waterfront. Residents age 18 or older are welcome to shop once each day the HHW Facility is open and can take a maximum of 5 items for personal use.

Over the hill, the Reuse Area at WLSSD’s Materials Recovery Center (MRC) is the place to get a great deal (free is awesome) on durable goods like furniture, sporting equipment, building supplies, and more. WLSSD limits access to the Reuse Area to customers who are also visiting the MRC for its primary purpose— disposal and recycling. Check in with the attendant at the gate about your items for disposal and let them know you’d also like to shop. They’ll provide instructions for getting to the right bins or piles for your disposal task, and a waiver to sign for the Reuse Area. After dropping off your “waste,” park in the designated Reuse parking area, and then start shopping. Additional waivers and the waiver collection box are located at the furniture building. Each person can take up to 2 items.

The MRC is a busy place with lots of customer traffic and heavy equipment in constant use. Once past the cashier building, reuse shoppers need to park out of the driving lane, leave pets IN the vehicle, and keep kids immediately close at hand. Staff is on hand to answer questions and direct shoppers to what they are searching for, whether it be a bathroom sink or a retro ceiling fan. Items really do change daily.

The practice of reuse conserves resources and the valuable energy needed to produce and transport new goods. It’s easy to play a part in the reuse revolution by buying durable, quality items when new is needed, then shopping used or “shopping” WLSSD’s reuse programs to get the job done. The 3 Rs of the reuse lifestyle- repair, repurpose, and recirculate- may just be your new mantra.