Reuse

Reuse - Using an object or material again, either for its original purpose or for a similar purpose, without significantly altering the physical form of the object or material.

Do you reuse takeout containers, shopping bags, or save gift bags for future gift giving? You are practicing reuse! Reuse is important for CVSan to achieve zero waste by 2029 because it reduces how much material we send to landfill. Reuse also conserves the energy and resources that went into producing an object which has huge implications on climate change!

Bicycle Repair:
The organization Bay Area BikeMobile hosts bicycle repair clinics at schools, libraries, recreation centers, and community events across the San Francisco Bay Area. Visit their website to see where they will be visiting next.

If you missed them during Zero Waste Week 2024, check out the Bicycle Repair webinar that CVSan hosted with the BikeMobile.

CVSan Reuse Maps:
Find helpful maps of various businesses who sell or buy used goods and/or provide reuse services in Castro Valley on CVSan's Reuse Maps page.

Reuse and Bulk Refill:
Buying products in bulk is a great way to reduce packaging waste and buying the exact quantities you need. Reuse your own container to fill up on everything from food to cleaning products at these zero waste stores.

Reuse Swap Events:
Reuse Swap Events are a fun way to get together with others in the community and promote the reuse of no longer needed items.

Life Changes:
The Life Changes Waste Reduction Flyer assists Castro Valley residents with handling large quantities of extra “stuff” produced when various significant life changes occur.

Often when people are confronted with a significant life change and unanticipated bulky items, the default can be to throw things in the garbage, illegally dump them on a curb, or call a junk hauler. New additions to the family can also equate to increased spending on furniture and household goods, which can create a stressful situation for cash-strapped families.

The Life Changes Waste Reduction Flyer offers quick local options for folks to sell, donate, or buy gently used items, and more. CVSan also offers Recycles Day, a drop-off collection event twice a year.

Additional Resources:

The following is provided by CVSan for informational purposes and is not sponsored or recommended by CVSan. Please contact the organization or center listed for complete details, including drop-off or pick-up guidelines.

Local Drop-Off of Reusable Goods:

Salvation Army
(510) 581-6444
430 A Street
Hayward, CA 94541

Savers
(925) 551-0945
7117 Regional Street
Dublin, CA 94568

Goodwill
(925) 833-8610
7232 Regional Street
Dublin, CA 94568

El Cerrito Recycling Center
“The El Cerrito Recycling and Environmental Resource Center is a unique community resource that provides El Cerrito and area residents and businesses a place to recycle a wide range of conventional and hard-to-recycle items, to exchange reusable items and to obtain information about other environmental concerns and efforts.”
(510) 215-4350
7501 Schmidt Lane
El Cerrito, CA 94530

Curbside Recycling Materials, Hard-to-Recycle Items such as Aseptic Packaging, Exercise Equipment, E-Waste, Foam (clean white block), Home Healthcare Equipment, Lumber & Plywood (untreated or used), Packaging Materials, Sewing Machines, Textiles, and Used Cooking Oil. The Exchange Zone (materials must be in good condition and reusable): Art & Office Supplies, Corks, Garden Pots, Hangers, Media, Reading Glasses, Sporting Goods, Tools & Hardware, Non-Perishable Food.

Urban Ore
“To end the age of waste”
(510) 841-7283
EcoPark Store
900 Murray Street
Berkeley, CA 94710

Appliances, Art, Bedding, Blinds & Shades, Building Materials (Cash/Trade Credit Paid), Clothing, Furniture (Desks, Chairs, Tables, Dressers, Shelving, Entertainment Centers, File Cabinets), Heaters, Housewares, Electronic Media, Rugs & Carpets, Sports Equipment

East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse
“Every teacher’s first stop and every artist’s second home”
(510) 547-6470 – call ahead for large quantities
4695 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, CA 94609

Habitat for Humanity
“The ReStore accepts Re-Sellable and Re-Usable building material donations to use in our developments, or to sell back to the public.”
Oakland ReStore
(408) 933-3609
9235 San Leandro
Oakland, CA 94603

Appliances, Modular Cabinets, Doors & Windows, Paint, Light Fixtures, Tools & Power Tools, Bathtubs & Shower Enclosures, Toilets & Sinks, Lumber & Construction Materials

Sell Your Items - Local Options to Consider:
Chabot College Flea Market
25555 Hesperian Blvd (Parking Lot B)
Hayward, CA 94545
Held the 3^rd Saturday of each month, rain or shine.

Hayward Area Recreation & Park District (HARD) Flea Market
(510) 881-6738
Kenneth C. Aitken Senior & Community Center
17800 Redwood Road
Castro Valley, CA 94546

Just Between Friends
“At a Just Between Friends event, you can:
SHOP rows and rows of baby and children’s shoes, toys, clothing, maternity, and baby equipment at 50 to 90% off retail
SELL your items as a consignor and earn from 60 to 70% on your item sales
CONSIGN
1. Register to sell with the events in which you'd like to participate.
2. Gather, Price + Prep items using our online system and guidelines
3. Drop off your items at the event and enjoy some bargain shopping
4. Payment is made to Consignors within 15 days after each event

HELP OUT at the sale and make new friends—plus you get a lot of OTHER perks too!

And it’s not just about saving money and making money. It’s about building community—a group of involved, caring friends, families, and neighbors that come together to support one another for these twice-a-year, safe, clean, organized sales events. Visit the Just Between Friends Locations page for local sales and events.

Give Away Your Items
Castro Valley Freecycle Group
“Castro Valley Freecycle.org is for all who want to find a new home for reusable items”

Castro Valley Buy Nothing Group
“Post anything you'd like to give away, lend, or share in this Buy Nothing community group. Ask for anything you'd like to receive for free or borrow."