UpCycle Creative Reuse Center

As the only organization of its kind within the Capital Beltway, UpCycle Creative Reuse Center (UpCycle) provides a truly unique resource for Alexandria residents. We keep usable materials out of the waste stream by redistributing them to the community through the retail shop at our Materials Center, and our creative reuse programming and outreach efforts.

For Spring2ACTion 2026, our goal is to raise $10,000 to help us continue meeting our community's growing need for creative reuse. Your support will allow us to expand our offerings and increase access to creative exploration and expression throughout the Alexandria community.

With your support, UpCycle will:

• Operate our Materials Center retail shop five days a week, including weekends, to keep creative materials accessible and affordable for all. 
• Divert well over 25 tons of reusable materials from the waste stream annually, which results in:
  • Extending the life of items already in circulation, reducing the need to extract new resources like water, fossil fuels, and timber. 
  • Cut the pollution and resource use tied to waste handling systems, including landfills, incinerators, and recycling facilities.
• Provide meaningful, impactful creative reuse experiences to thousands of children and adults through hands-on arts education, public workshops, youth enrichment services, and community-based creative engagements, such as:
  • Free weekly “Maker Break” and “Tinker Time” sessions that provide children, adults, and families with accessible, low-pressure opportunities for creative exploration.
  • Free arts programming to low-income Alexandria residents
  • Support for over 250 local teachers to integrate diverse, creative materials in classrooms.

See what our community says about UpCycle Creative Reuse Center:

"I love that you are so accepting of a broad range of materials, which only aids in the expression of creativity."

"This is the best art camp. The instructors are kind and caring and quickly build trust with the campers. They planned fun and engaging activities and let the kids shine in their creativity. I also love that the supplies aren’t brand new. It helps give things new life and teaches children about how to value our world. Thank you! We will be signing up again next summer."

"UpCycle delivered a wonderful team-building exercise for our school for staff through an interactive, creative experience. The experience was fun, impactful, and produced beautiful art to decorate our school!"

"I liked trying something totally new for the first time in this class. Fun and easy program that provides all of the instructions and materials you need to create your own block printing.  So many possibilities for designs. Love your variety of classes, keep it up!"