Last year, communities across Colorado diverted more than 5 million pounds of building materials from landfills through Resource Central’s Materials Reuse program — here’s how you can get involved.
As the days get shorter, Boulder-based nonprofit Resource Central is encouraging Coloradans to make materials last longer. In honor of National Reuse Day on October 20, we are calling on individuals to keep usable items out of landfills and make them available to others in the community.
What is Reuse?
“Reuse,” at the heart of the familiar 1970s slogan, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” focuses on keeping items out of landfills and giving them a second life, helping reduce manufacturing pollution. While National Reuse Day is a great reminder, our Materials Reuse program is empowering community members to reuse all year long. Our facility at 6400 Arapahoe Road in Boulder accepts home improvement items and building materials in good working condition, such as doors, cabinet sets, appliances, lumber, sinks, and more. By offering these materials to the community at roughly one-third the cost of retail, the Materials Reuse program helps Coloradans make affordable home repairs while reducing the pollution created by manufacturing new products.
Here are eight great ways Coloradans can make a difference on National Reuse Day and throughout the year.
- Declutter for a Cause: Have extra building or landscaping materials, tools, or working appliances you no longer need? Clear out space in your home, garage, or shed by bringing them to us. Unsure if your item qualifies? Submit a photo, and the team will determine if it’s a good fit for reuse.
- Drive-Through Donations: Resource Central’s team will unload vehicles, and the drive-through donation lane is open Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., making it simple to donate building materials, working appliances, unupholstered furniture, and more.
- Diversion at Your Doorstep: Have an item that still has plenty of life but won’t fit in your trunk? Request a free donation pickup, and our friendly team will collect eligible items within 30 minutes of Boulder, with exceptions for larger, high-quality donations.
- Deconstruction Options: Planning a major remodel? Request a deconstruction assessment and we’ll help coordinate the removal of reusable materials. We accept construction and architectural salvage materials that help builders and homeowners complete projects sustainably.
- Discover Unique & Everyday Items: Our home improvement center, located on Recycle Row, is organized to help you find exactly what you need or discover something unexpected. Every visit offers new materials and creative possibilities.
- Donate Your Time: Volunteer to help keep reuse going strong! Individuals or groups can organize a section of the facility, test tools, or assist in repairing appliances to ensure they’re ready for a second life.
- Deduct from Your Taxes: Whether it’s a donation lane drop-off or a free pickup at your home, your contribution is tax-deductible. One more reason to feel good about giving back.
- Reuse Year-Round: National Reuse Day is just the start. Making conservation a way of life and choose to reuse when starting your next DIY project, craft, or home upgrade.
Conservation Impact in Colorado
For nearly 50 years, our conservation programs have diverted more than 69 million pounds of materials from landfills, with the support of community members, nonprofits, municipal partners, and local deconstruction and landscaping businesses. Celebrate National Reuse Day on October 20 and every day by donating, shopping, or volunteering at Resource Central’s Materials Reuse facility at 6400 Arapahoe Road in Boulder.
About Resource Central
Founded in 1976, Resource Central is an award-winning nonprofit dedicated to putting conservation into action. Through innovative programs, we’ve helped more than 1,000,000 people save water, reduce waste, and conserve energy.
Media Contact: Rachel Staats, Marketing Director, Resource Central
