Every year, the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority (Authority) recognizes one local business, organization or school that has taken the initiative to reduce the solid waste stream through reduction, recycling and proper disposal. This year, the Authority has chosen to award Utica Creative Reuse with the 2024 Recycling Champion Award.
Utica Creative Reuse is a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping usable materials out of the waste stream and advancing access to the arts across Central New York. With the help of more than 50 volunteers, Utica Creative Reuse held 75 events at 20 locations in 2024, serving about 1,500 visitors. Public support from donors, grants and thrift shop sales enable the organization to offer free classes where attendees can learn to reduce waste, repair items and create art.
Since September 2023, Utica Creative Reuse has diverted 5,885 pounds of unwanted materials from the waste stream thanks to generous community donations. Utica Creative Reuse is currently working to secure a permanent location in Utica where it can expand its operations, including an art supply thrift shop, makerspace, and free workshops for residents of Central New York.
Inspired by creative reuse centers on the west coast, Utica Creative Reuse Founder and Board President Sarah Marris-Swann recognized a gap for creative reuse in our area and set out to establish Central New York’s first creative reuse center.
“Utica Creative Reuse is honored to accept the 2024 Recycling Champion Award,” said Marris-Swann. “This achievement would not be possible without the incredible support of our donors, volunteers and visitors, who have embraced our mission of environmental stewardship through participation in our programs and events. Our community inspires us every day with their innovation and commitment to creating meaningful change.”
The Authority is looking forward to seeing Utica Creative Reuse continue to expand and is appreciative of its effort in reducing the amount of waste going into the Regional Landfill. “Reuse is becoming a popular topic within the solid waste industry, and it is very encouraging to see it coming to our area, especially in the form of creative reuse,” said Authority Recycling Coordinator Eileen Brinck. “We are very fortunate to now have Utica Creative Reuse as a part of our area’s reuse movement.”
Utica Creative Reuse will be hosting a Repair Café event on Friday, December 20th from 6pm to 8pm at Art and Vine, located at 157 Genesee Street in Utica. Community members can bring broken household appliances to this event to learn how to diagnose and repair common electrical problems. Attendees can register for this event at www.uticacreativereuse.org/events.
For more information on Utica Creative Reuse, please visit www.uticacreativereuse.org. Utica Creative Reuse can also be found on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.