At Earth Warrior, we hold a simple but powerful belief: waste is not the end of a story, it’s the beginning of another one. Every item we throw away once carried energy, time, and resources. If we stop to ask, “What else could this be?” we often find that what looked like garbage is actually an opportunity waiting to happen.
Edmonton’s Reuse Centre is a perfect, living example of that philosophy. Nestled in the heart of the Bonnie Doon neighborhood, this unassuming building has become one of the city’s most impactful sustainability hubs. More than just a donation drop-off, the Reuse Centre is where imagination and resourcefulness meet. Where everyday items most people discard find new life, new homes, and new purpose.
For eco-conscious Edmontonians, teachers, artists, DIY crafters, families, and curious creatives, the Reuse Centre is a hidden gem that demonstrates what a truly circular economy can look like at the local level. It shows us that sustainability isn’t only about big policies or large-scale recycling facilities, it’s also about small community systems that invite everyone to participate.
What Makes the Reuse Centre So Special?
Most donation centers accept big-ticket items like furniture, clothing, and electronics. But what about those little odds and ends that pile up in drawers and closets, like buttons, gift wrap scraps, jars, office supplies, or leftover craft materials?
These items are often too small or too random for traditional donation systems, which means they end up in the landfill even though they still have plenty of use left in them. That’s where the Reuse Centre steps in.
The Reuse Centre accepts hundreds of types of gently used items. everything from jars, ribbon, and magazines to fabric scraps, school supplies, and board game pieces. In fact, they specialize in collecting materials that fuel creativity and learning, things that teachers, artists, and makers are constantly on the lookout for.
Once donated, these items are carefully sorted by volunteers and staff, then made available to the public. And here’s the best part: anyone can walk in and take what they need completely free of charge.
That’s right! At the Reuse Centre, you don’t “shop,” you simply participate. If you’re a teacher needing supplies for an art project, a parent preparing for a craft-filled birthday party, or an artist searching for unique textures, the Reuse Centre becomes a goldmine.
It’s not just about saving money. It’s about reshaping how we see value.
Why Reuse Matters for the Planet
Every time we reuse something, we interrupt the “make–take–dispose” cycle that dominates modern consumption. Manufacturing new products requires:
Raw resource extraction: cutting down trees, mining metals, or harvesting cotton.
Energy: to process, transport, and assemble materials.
Packaging & shipping: which add even more carbon emissions.
Waste at the end: as items eventually end up in the landfill or incinerator.
By extending the life of everyday materials, even something as small as a jar lid or a handful of crayons, we reduce demand on this entire system. Less new production means:
Lower carbon emissions.
Less energy used.
Fewer raw resources extracted from ecosystems.
Reduced waste going to landfills.
The Reuse Centre’s model is grassroots but incredibly effective. According to the City of Edmonton, the centre diverts over 250 tonnes of waste every year from the landfill. That’s the weight of about 125 cars! And because these materials go directly into the hands of people who use them, the impact ripples out into classrooms, community projects, and households across the city.
At Earth Warrior, we’re especially inspired by this model because it aligns with what we do with textiles. Just as we transform discarded fabric into yoga props, handkerchiefs, and reusable products, the Reuse Centre shows that almost anything, when viewed with imagination, can have another life.
Beyond Donations: Workshops and Community Learning
What truly makes the Reuse Centre shine is that it’s not just a place for “stuff.” It’s also a hub for learning, creativity, and skill-building.
Throughout the year, the centre hosts a variety of workshops and events that invite Edmontonians to explore sustainable living in hands-on ways. Some examples include:
Vision Board Workshops
Instead of buying brand-new magazines and craft supplies, participants gather old magazines, fabric scraps, and donated craft items from the Reuse Centre’s treasure trove. They learn how to transform these “old” items into inspiring collages that help set personal or professional goals. It’s a beautiful example of how reuse can be both practical and deeply meaningful.
Upcycling Workshops
Have you ever wondered how to turn old t-shirts into reusable shopping bags, or how to repurpose jars into home organizers? These workshops guide participants through creative projects that give everyday items new life. They’re perfect for families, students, or anyone curious about sustainability.
Kids’ Creativity Days
Children get to dive into bins of supplies from buttons, ribbon, construction paper, bottle caps and create whatever their imagination dreams up. It’s unstructured, affordable play that teaches kids early on that new doesn’t always mean better.
Seasonal Crafts
Around the holidays, the centre offers sessions on making decorations or gifts out of reused materials. From DIY ornaments to upcycled holiday cards, these workshops help families celebrate sustainably without breaking the bank.
Through these workshops, the Reuse Centre fosters a culture of practical sustainability. It’s one thing to say “reuse is good”, it’s another to show people how fun, creative, and fulfilling reuse can be.
The Ripple Effect: Community and Connection
The Reuse Centre isn’t just about saving resources, it’s also about building relationships. Step inside on a busy Saturday and you’ll see:
Teachers swapping ideas for classroom projects.
Parents with kids in tow hunting for craft supplies.
Artists exploring materials they’d never find at a traditional store.
Volunteers sorting donations and chatting with visitors.
It’s a reminder that sustainability thrives when it’s rooted in community. We’re not isolated individuals trying to save the planet alone. We’re neighbors working together, sharing resources, and helping each other live lighter.
For many, the Reuse Centre also provides economic relief. Supplies for classrooms, art projects, or hobbies can be expensive. By offering materials for free, the centre ensures that creativity and learning aren’t limited by budget. That accessibility makes sustainability more inclusive, a crucial step in creating systems that work for everyone.
How You Can Get Involved
If you’re inspired to take part, here are some ways you can support and benefit from the Reuse Centre:
1. Donate with Intention
Before tossing that half-used roll of ribbon, a stack of old birthday cards, or a bag of buttons, check the Reuse Centre’s accepted items list on their website. You might be surprised at what they take and your donation might be exactly what someone else is looking for.
2. Pick Up What You Need (For Free!)
Whether you’re a teacher prepping for the school year, an artist working on your next piece, or a parent planning a craft night, stop by and browse the selection. You never know what creative spark you’ll find.
3. Attend a Workshop
Learn practical reuse and upcycling skills that you can carry into your everyday life. Bring a friend, a child, or a colleague. It’s a great way to connect with others while learning something new.
4. Volunteer
Volunteers are the backbone of the Reuse Centre. You can help sort donations, assist with events, or support workshops. It’s a rewarding way to contribute to the community and meet people who share your values.
Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you’re heading to the Reuse Centre for the first time, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Bring a bag or box: You’ll likely find more treasures than you expect.
Check the hours before you go: The centre has limited open days (currently Wednesday–Saturday).
Come with an open mind: You may not find exactly what you pictured, but that’s the beauty, reuse often sparks new ideas.
Respect limits: The centre asks visitors to take only what they need so that materials remain available to others.
Get inspired: Browse the displays for examples of upcycled projects, it might kickstart your own creativity.
When & Where
📍 Address: 6835 83 Street NW, Edmonton
🕒 Hours:
Wednesday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Thursday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Friday & Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM
(Closed Sunday–Tuesday and statutory holidays)
Earth Warrior’s Take
At Earth Warrior, we’re endlessly inspired by the Reuse Centre because it embodies the same mission we carry into our textile work: turning what’s often seen as waste into opportunity.
Just as we transform discarded fabric into handkerchiefs, tote bags, or yoga props, the Reuse Centre transforms overlooked materials into classroom supplies, art projects, and joyful moments of creativity. Both approaches prove that solutions to our waste crisis already exist and they don’t have to be complicated.
The Reuse Centre is a reminder that we each hold the power to change the story of waste. Whether it’s fabric scraps becoming toques, old magazines fueling a vision board, or office supplies finding their way back into classrooms, every small act of reuse adds up to something bigger.
Be Part of the Solution
Next time you’re cleaning out a drawer, prepping for a classroom project, or looking for inspiration, remember the Reuse Centre. It’s more than just a building, it’s a living example of community-driven sustainability in action.
By supporting spaces like this, we’re not only reducing waste, we’re building a culture that values creativity, resourcefulness, and care for our planet.
Let’s keep resources circulating. Let’s keep creativity alive. Let’s live harmoniusly with our planet, one reused ribbon, button, and fabric scrap at a time.
Want more tips on waste reduction and creative reuse? Join the Earth Warrior community for updates, inspiration, and practical tools to help you live lighter on the planet.
Explore More Ways to Live Sustainably
If the Reuse Centre has inspired you to think differently about waste, you’ll love diving into more of our Earth Warrior blogs. Each one is packed with practical tips, inspiring stories, and circular solutions to help you live lighter on the planet.
Turning Over a New Leaf: How Releaf Paper is Revolutionizing Waste
Discover how tree-free paper made from agricultural byproducts is changing the way we think about everyday materials.
Beyond Recycling: The Limitations and Challenges of Relying Solely on Recycling for Waste Reduction
Learn why recycling isn’t the full answer and how reuse, repair, and circular systems create real impact.
Eco-Friendly Grocery Shopping: Simple Tips to Reduce Waste and Shop Sustainably
From bulk bins to reusable produce bags, find practical swaps that make grocery shopping more sustainable.
Composting in Cooler Weather: Fall Tips to Keep Your Bin Thriving
Seasonal guidance to keep your compost working smoothly—even when temperatures drop.
Each of these blogs gives you another tool in your Earth Warrior toolkit, because small, thoughtful actions build up to big change.