Scrap Management and Donation Guidelines

Reduce, reuse, and recycle! The Des Plaines Public Library’s maker space is dedicated to sustainability and supporting creativity through our green initiative. By saving unused pieces of material and reusing them in other crafts, library patrons contribute to a greener environment, encourage sustainable practices, cost savings, and education for a greener, more innovative future. Please see our guidelines for scrap management, material donation, and reducing craft waste below.

REDUCE:

  • Reduce how much material waste you have by planning ahead and knowing what supplies you need before you start your project.
  • Reduce loss, duplicates, and broken art, materials, and injury by putting supplies back where you found them. Clean up after your project!
  • Reduce the use of materials by taking only what you need. Mistakes and drafts are an important part of the making process but remember to be mindful.
  • Reduce the number of mistakes by measuring twice, double checking machines, materials, and your project before starting.

REUSE:

  • Reuse scraps from the dedicated labeled scrap storage bins when possible! We have wood, fabric, acrylic, plastic, and more to enhance your projects.
  • Reuse a failed 3D print! 3D prints that don’t turn out right can be placed in the Failed Print Bin and used as part of a new project.
  • Reuse and upcycle your old clothes or thrifted finds by using the sewing machines to give them new life!
  • Reuse other materials in the space to fix broken items before throwing them away or starting over.

RECYCLE:

  • Recycle scraps by placing them in the correctly labeled bins. The library accepts pieces from projects such as wood, fabric, acrylic, plastic, plastic bags, paper, cardboard, and other approved materials.
  • Please see the first-floor desk for inquiries regarding non-craft related recycling questions. The library has different recycling initiatives throughout the year.

DONATE:

  • Donate any unused or new craft materials to the Canvas! Please seek approval from staff members prior to bringing in items; donation acceptance is not a guarantee, and we may not have use for it at this time.
  • All items intended for donation must be clean, stain and residue free, and unused.
  • Please do not donate craft scraps from home.

 

Need inspiration? Try the Scrap Bin Challenge!

Try to create a piece of art from pieces found only in the discarded scrap bins.