Cortland ReUse is being developed as a community run nonprofit organization. This nonprofit structure is consistent with other successful models across the nation. The retail reuse center will be self-sufficient. We will create jobs by selling materials. We believe the nonprofit structure facilitates diverse collaboration and invites community trust with familiar controls like transparent finances and a local board.

We aspire to do more than sell useful things, create jobs, and extend the life of the landfill. Reuse is a great opportunity for creativity and education programs. Reuse encourages responsibility, respect for community and environment, and invites civic pride and participation.

Beginnings

In April 2019, community members from Cortland met with Diane Cohen, the director of Finger Lakes ReUse (FLR), to discuss how to create a reuse center in Cortland.

FLR has developed a step by step guide,  http://template.ithacareuse.org/, to help other other communities develop their own reuse centers and has over a decade of practical experience in the field.

Diane’s encouragement resulted in the creation of Planning Committee to focus on the development of a reuse center in Cortland.

Planning Committee

An initial group of folks including Joe Cortese, Gabe Decker-Lee, Kat McCarthy, Maryfaith Miller, and John Zelson met to assess the practicality of the idea. The planning team grew into a Steering Committee and a proper nonprofit Board, as listed on our team page!

Planning a ReUse Center

Starting in August 2019, Planning Committee members began meeting with potential stake holders, representatives from local businesses, and community members that might have ideas or opinions about developing reuse in Cortland. These meetings were encouraging and overall feedback supports the idea that reuse presents a great deal of potential for our area.

Our first public meeting was held on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at the Center for the Arts of Homer community room. This gathering drew interested individuals from around the community and provided an opportunity to share more about the intent of the project, while gathering feedback from the community. Diane Cohen, Executive Director of Finger Lakes ReUse presented information reuse centers in Tompkins County. As of 2021, FLR has created 72 living wage jobs with benefits with a budget of 2.2 million dollars. Diane explained how their success can be replicated in Cortland.

Throughout the fall, we conducted a survey to further collect feedback and assess interest. 

Between the winter and spring of 2020, the team developed the organization’s business plan, explored potential sites for operations, and begin seeking funds to support operational start-up. We also incorporated as a nonprofit in New York State (October 19, 2020). In Spring 2021 we filed IRS Form 1023 for Federal Recognition of Exemption under Section 501c3.

In the meantime, we’ve done a variety of projects to start “doing reuse!” Check out the Gallery and Press sections to learn more about those activities.

.