ZeroLandfill Akron

ZeroLandfill Akron Harvest and Pollination
by Brit Charek

ZeroLandfill is a volunteer-run upcycling program held seasonally that supports the supply needs of local artists and arts educators while reducing pressure on local landfill capacity. ZeroLanfill (referred to as ZLF for short) will be returning to Akron February 2nd and will continue every Saturday throughout the month. They will be using a new location at 21 West North Street in Akron.

The program is divided into two parts: Pollination and Harvest. 

Pollination is where architects, interior designers, construction managers and other professionals drop off expired specification samples to be harvested. 

"We donate material often to ZLF. Throughout the year we save materials that can be donated," says Karen Starr of Hazel Tree Interiors. "I also volunteer some time when it is in Akron and Cleveland and no one can resist harvesting things too when you are there working. There are just so many beautiful things that can be turned into something. Last year my big thing was finding large carpet samples for our daughter's new doll house Jon built her for Christmas."

The Harvest is where artists, educators, crafters, homeschoolers, arts organizations and community programs pick up the materials samples that are donated.

Examples of materials include carpet, wallcovering, fabric, laminate, tile, brick, stone, metal and glass samples, stock photo books, paper books, paper samples and binders.

"It was a lot of work, but I enjoyed it," says Audra Costello of her experiences volunteering with ZLF in Cleveland over the summer, "I found some great materials to craft with throughout the winter, and ZLF provided hundreds of others with materials and inspiration as well." You can read more about Audra's amazing finds and what she did with them on her blog, Little Tiger and the Milk Belly Princess.

Pollination dates are February 2nd and 9th from 9am-Noon. If you are interested in volunteering by pre-sorting materials, please contact iida.clevak@gmail.com.

Harvest dates are February 9th, 16th and 23rd from 9am-Noon. Anyone is welcome to come and pick up free discarded materials at 21 West North Street in Akron. Don't forget to bring boxes and bags to take your materials home!