Each year, ReUse accepts a record number of drop of donations, keeping many valuable, reusable items out of the landfill and put back to use locally. In 2023, we have seen the return of our beloved volunteer repair group, the Ithaca Fixers Collective, & new partnerships with the Ithaca Rotary Club and Community Quilting Center. Finger Lakes ReUse has navigated a challenging period of growth and expansion thanks to tremendous support from donors and shoppers like you – we’ve even managed to grow in the process to meet rising needs in our communities. Together, we are actively turning waste into community impacts such as free materials to those in need, living wage jobs and job training opportunities.
IMPACTS & BENEFITS
ENVIRONMENT
estimated tons of waste diverted from the landfill since opening in 2008 (over 10 million pounds!)
EMPLOYMENT
Living-wage jobs created in the community
ECONOMY
households in need provided with access to materials at our ReUse Centers
EDUCATION
participants have completed our ReSET job training program
Simple actions, major impact
From manufacturing to disposal, every part of a product’s life-cycle leads to greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to climate change. Our ReUse Centers kept an estimated 1,219 tons of materials out of landfills last year—and we’re actively working hard to expand our capabilities.
Working for a good cause
A living-wage employer with 80 employees and more than 50 regular volunteers, we believe reuse can support meaningful and engaging jobs here in Tompkins County, and nationwide. ReUse creates pathways to careers for local people who have previously experienced barriers to employment.
Low cost, high impact purchases
The ReUse Materials Access Program (ReMAP) gives back locally, connecting households and organizations in need with free materials. Since the program began in 2017, we have provided materials to over 2,164 households! ReUse enhances the economy by providing store credit to community members in financial crises.
Leading the way toward waste-free
The ReUse Skills and Employment Training (ReSET) program offers paid job training in Retail & Customer service. This program allows participants to receive hands-on training while working in a flexible, supportive work environment baked right into our ReUse Centers.
Reuse in action is complex and takes many hands, hearts and minds to successfully enact. We receive, identify, sort, value, clean, test, refurbish, and make items available again for sale, or for free to households in need. ReUse relies on the support of generous community members to keep this uniquely local service available for all.
Ways You Can Support ReUse
Make a gift today of any size and make a direct impact!
Volunteer with us – we work with volunteers 7 days a week. Sign up here.
Shop at our ReUse Centers – 100% of your purchases support our mission.
Share out this campaign to your networks and tag @ithacareuse
Who We Are
Finger Lakes ReUse is a not-for-profit with a mission to enhance community, economy and environment by offering accessible reuse services in Tompkins County and inspiring reuse to foster in other communities throughout New York State and beyond. Sales of used materials support 70-80% of our operating expenses. We rely on fundraising to support the very best of what we do, including offering 7-day, convenient reuse services, paid job skills training, and living-wage jobs.
Each year, ReUse accepts a record number of drop of donations, keeping many valuable, reusable items out of the landfill and put back to use locally. In 2023, we have seen the return of our beloved volunteer repair group, the Ithaca Fixers Collective, & new partnerships with the Ithaca Rotary Club and Community Quilting Center. Finger Lakes ReUse has navigated a challenging period of growth and expansion thanks to tremendous support from donors and shoppers like you – we’ve even managed to grow in the process to meet rising needs in our communities. Together, we are actively turning waste into community impacts such as free materials to those in need, living wage jobs and job training opportunities.