Re-Use Center reopens

SANTA FE, N.M., Nov. 5, 2026—A popular free store, managed by volunteers, reopened with new protocols in Santa Fe County. The Re-Use Center is housed in an open-air shed at the Santa Fe County Eldorado Convenience Center.

County convenience centers, also called transfer stations or collection centers, are part of Santa Fe County's waste management program. They accept residential trash, household recycling, and green waste at various locations for a fee, and County staff transport that waste to the Caja del Rio landfill as a convenience to County residents.

The purpose of the Re-Use Center is to divert some of that waste from the landfill, saving Santa Fe County transportation costs and extending the life of the landfill. People can donate select items to become available for free to shoppers.

Photo: Tere Hanford shows one of the plates available at a recent visit to the Re-Use Center.

“The Re-Use Center at the Eldorado Transfer Station is a unique way to give things away you no longer use and perhaps pick up something useful to you that someone else donated. I am so glad the volunteers at Eldorado/285 Recycles made it a priority to reopen the Re-Use Center,” said Commissioner, District 5, Hank Hughes.

Passionate volunteers from the nonprofit Eldorado/285 Recycles manage the center. They serve as community conduits who keep trash out of the landfill and know what their regulars look for.

“It gives me so much satisfaction when people come in and share how they are giving new life to something they find here. Just last week, a visiting artist found a fish steamer to repurpose as a dye bath for her all-natural plant dyed textiles. We help educate visitors about other places where they can donate items if we can’t take them here, and our nonprofit, Eldorado/285 Recycles, is very active in the community, encouraging zero waste practices and helping each other find ways to reuse and share items that might go to waste,” said volunteer Elizabeth Maclaren.

Photo: Volunteers Linda Gloria and Elizabeth Maclaren stand in front of the Re-Use sign, a sculptural assemblage made from donated items.

The volunteers work hard to keep things running smoothly and want visitors to know there are new rules to help keep things tidy.

All incoming items must be inspected and approved by volunteer staff to be accepted. More care is going into the selection of items, so the center does not become overwhelmed with things people don’t want or with items that attract rodents, which were problems in the past. It’s important to note this is not a free dump, and space and volunteer resources are limited.

All donations must be in usable condition and not broken.

They no longer accept books, magazines, fuzzy fabrics or cushioning, or anything that would make good nesting material for rodents. They are more selective about accepting wood items, because wood is more likely to attract critters.

Volunteers look for things that won’t stay on the shelves for long, because items that sit on the shelf for two weeks must be donated to a charity or sent to the landfill.  

Each morning before the center opens, a volunteer inspects the area and sweeps thoroughly before shoppers can enter. Volunteers and County staff hope these measures will keep the center clean and functional.

Photo: Kid's stuff has its own metal shelves at the Re-Use Center, where toys and games wait for new purpose.

The Re-Use Center attracts regular pickers, treasure hunters, people who like free stuff, zero waste enthusiasts, and artists looking for art supplies for their next sculpture or project. People gather in a steady stream to shop and visit with friends during the open hours. It is a source of pride for residents who put into practice their values of reducing trash.

“It’s a real community service. We have people coming from as far away as Pecos,” said volunteer Linda Gloria.

You might find children’s toys, games, decorations, picture frames, glassware, dishware, utensils, select appliances, gardening supplies, and tools on any given visit.

The center is located next to the recycling drop-off inside the Eldorado Convenience Center. Parking for the Re-Use Center is across the street from the recycling bins. The parking spaces in front of the recycling bins are designated for recycling drop-off only.

The Re-Use Center is open two mornings a week, Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Santa Fe County Eldorado Convenience Center, at 28736 US-285.

Check the Re-Use Center webpage for updates about open hours. Volunteers expect to increase hours in the new year.

The Re-Use Center does not accept:

• Car seats
• Chemicals (pesticides, weed killer, etc.)
• Clothing, blankets, or textiles
• Computers and electronics (TVs, printers, fax machines, etc.)
• Hazardous items
• Liquids (paint, household cleaners, solvents, etc.)
• Mattresses
• Sofas
• Toilets

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