Reuse & Recycle

Dedicated to keeping "stuff" 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.

How to Donate

Update 06/18/20 – We are back to accepting our full list of accepted items.

• Items must be packed in boxes – no bags.
• 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.

Please review our donation policies and procedure here.

What We Accept:

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

Terracycle Collections

SCARCE participates in unique recycling programs through Terracycle. We are in the Arm & Hammer/Oxiclean pouches, Brita, NOW Foods, and Burt’s Bees brigades. Click each image below for details on what is accepted.

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 (except for National Geographic)
• No laptop bags or used backpacks
• No handmade teaching tools (cutouts, flashcards, posters, games, etc)
• No copies/xeroxed papers or worksheets
• No hanging file folders
• No base 10 blocks
• No adding machines
• No furniture, clothing, stuffed animals
• No housewares

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• Out-of-date or damaged books are recycled through a specialty recycler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?