Reuse Programs in Boulder County
It's always a good idea to recycle, but it's an even better idea to practice reuse first, just like you learned your 3R's--reduce, REUSE, recycle. Reuse means extending the life of an item by using it more than once, and can save time, money, energy and resources. Reuse also helps our local economy by creating jobs and providing quality products to people and organizations with limited means.
How do I choose reuse?
There are countless ways you can choose reuse in your daily life, everything from carrying your own refillable water bottle to donating your unwanted couch. Choose reuse is not only what you do when you have something you no longer want, like a couch or computer. Choose reuse is also what you do when you need something. Shop secondhand stores or browse online exchange sites before you head to the department store to buy something new. When you do buy something, make sure it's a quality, durable product that can be reused by you and others, rather than a cheap disposable you'll have to replace in an hour, a month or a year.
Want to make a difference? Join our I Choose to Reuse campaign!
We've gathered some great tools below to help you find reuse outlets in our community, with both virtual and bricks and mortar outlets, and to incorporate more reuse into your life.
Reuse Programs in Boulder County
These facilities offer secondhand goods and a way for you to donate your own.
2860 Bluff St., Boulder • 720-379-5328
Sells new and gently-used craft, school, and art supplies at a discount. Accepts craft/school/art product donations. Also offers unique industry-surplus items.
Boulder County Hazardous Materials Management (HMM) Facility
1901 63rd St. Boulder • 720-564-2251
The HMM facility has a free reuse shop where you can find auto and hobby products, garden and yard products, home maintenance and cleaning products, paint and more.
Eco-Cycle/City of Boulder CHaRM (Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials)
6400 Arapahoe Ave. • 303-444-6634
The CHaRM accepts books, yoga mats, cell phones, clothing and shoes for reuse. We also have a new scrap metal reuse program. Learn more about it on our website.
6400 Arapahoe Ave. • 303-419-8534
Borrow a specific tool for a day or a project. You can also donate unwanted tools. Some fees apply.
6400 Arapahoe Ave. • 303-419-5418
The ReSource Yard accepts reusable building materials and other household items for resale. Peruse current items on their website.
Tour de Thrift Maps - Your Guides to Secondhand Shopping
Boulder County has a wealth of great secondhand stores for clothing, furniture, books and more. Shop these outlets first, instead of buying new, to reduce your impact on our environment, promote Zero Waste, support our local economy and save money too. We've pulled together these maps of secondhand stores in the area to help you chart your course to less waste!
Online Tools
Craigslist
Craigslist is the biggest, fastest moving exchange site. Find anything from expensive cars to free shelves in Boulder County.
Boulder Freecycle
Freecycle is a network of local people who post and trade free unwanted items via a Yahoo groups listserve. Join the group today.
BuildingSurplus.com
An online trading site for finding and selling used building materials by zip code. The site also features home improvement tips, forums for exchanging ideas and news about recycled and reused building supplies. Get going on your next project or cleaning out from the last project with help from buildingsurplus.com.
ReSource Tool Library
A Tool Library is a place where residents can borrow tools from a comprehensive, centralized tool inventory. By sharing resources, a Tool Library leverages communal purchasing power to ‘do more with less’, and puts tools in the hands of those with limited means. Visit Boulder's Tool Library at ReSource at 6400 Arapahoe and rent or donate tools today.
Repair Resources
Boulder County U-Fix-It Clinic!
Repair toys, lamps, electronics and more at one of Boulder County's U-Fix-It clinics! Learn more >>
ifixit
ifixit helps you repair household and electronic items by offering free online repair guides. You can share your expertise and help the effort expand. Check it out!
