Reuse & Recycle

Dedicated to keeping resources out of the landfill

SCARCE accepts a variety of items for reuse and recycling as part of our effort to help people and our planet prosper. New and gently used books and supplies can be donated by local community members, schools, and organizations looking to reduce waste and give back to students everywhere.

We reserve the right to decline a donation based on condition, our current inventory levels, and type of item. Dumpsters are not available on-site. This information is subject to change. Thanks for your cooperation.

How to Donate – Please note that May – September is our busy time.  There may be times where we are full and cannot  accept unscheduled appointments.  Please call our office to confirm availability.  Thank you!

• Items must be packed in cardboard boxes – no bags or plastic bins.
• Donations of 5 or more boxes are by appointment only. Call 630-545-9710 to schedule.
• Donation hours are Tuesday-Friday 9am-2pm.
• Drop-offs are taken on the back side of the building under the overhang. Ring the doorbell when you arrive.
• Donors must unload themselves.
• Boxes should weigh no more than 30lbs.

Please review our donation policies and procedure here.

What We Accept:

We also take these items!

SCARCE participates in unique recycling programs through Terracycle.  Click each image below to see the items we can accept. Except for writing utensils and phone cases, collections below are for the specific brands listed ONLY.

Not accepted:

• No batteries, household chemicals, bulbs, cooking oil, electronics, or smoke detectors. We are happy to direct you to where those items can be taken.
• No magazines
• No laptop bags or used backpacks
• No handmade teaching tools (cutouts, flashcards, posters, games, etc)
• No copies/xeroxed papers or worksheets
• No binders
• No hanging file folders
• No base 10 blocks
• No adding machines
• No furniture, clothing, stuffed animals
• No housewares
• No home-recorded CDs, DVDs or VHS tapes
• No VHS or cassette tapes
• No plastic bins or milk crates

Keeping Resources Out of the Landfill

We accept absolutely any book in any condition. As an environmental organization, our mission is to prevent a single book from going to the landfill. We’ve diverted millions of books and supplies from the landfill since opening our doors.

What happens to the books and supplies?

• Usable textbooks, reading books, and supplies go to our Reuse Center for teachers and non-profits
• Books that are not appropriate for preK-12 classrooms are set aside for resale
• Out-of-date or damaged books are recycled through a specialty recycler

All proceeds from book sales support our projects and help to keep our doors open!

Reuse Center info                                        Who Can Get Books & Supplies?