Otsego ReUse Center
23 Duane St and 119 W Broadway, Oneonta, NY
Year Started:
2017
Building Size:
50,000 sq ft
Mission Statement:
Supporting a culture of reuse and vocational training!
Origins and Vision
The Otsego ReUse Center is a community-focused nonprofit that operates under the umbrella of Arc Otsego, whose mission is to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This extends to Otsego ReUse’s operations by creating employment, volunteer opportunities, and meaningful community partnerships. Since opening its doors in 2017, Otsego ReUse has grown from a 5,000-square-foot facility into a 50,000-square-foot operation. It was originally started with construction materials left behind in a vacated contractor’s building, which influenced their initial reuse focus on building materials.
Startup Story
Foundation and Early Growth
Community Support
The startup phase was driven by the vision of Otsego County’s solid waste director, who looked to successful and already established models like Finger Lakes ReUse for inspiration.
By emulating an existing model, Otsego ReUse was able to break even after three years. Although the focus at first was on building materials, they determined this wasn’t feasible to continue due to difficulty transporting and storing large items. The community then stepped up and donated a large array of goods to support Otsego ReUse.
Operations Today
Beyond reuse, the Center also plays a leading role in recycling initiatives. Thanks to grants and partnerships with county recycling programs, Otsego ReUse collects and processes hard-to-recycle materials such as polystyrene, fluorescent bulbs, books, paint, and plastic film. These efforts highlight the Center’s broader mission to divert waste from landfills and encourage a culture of sustainability throughout the region.
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Community Programs and Partnerships
Community engagement is central to the success of Otsego ReUse. They collaborate with local contractors, homeowners, social service organizations, and educational institutions like SUNY Oneonta. One initiative is the voucher program offered through the county’s Department of Social Services, which enables individuals in need to obtain furniture and kitchenware at no cost. The center also hosts Earth Day events, offers “Free Days” in partnership with SUNY students, and works closely with local charities to provide free goods. These initiatives are grounded in a belief that shifting public attitudes toward reuse is essential for long-term environmental and social impact. ​
Staffing and Governance
Otsego ReUse employs eight staff members and has ten regular volunteers. These individuals are instrumental in maintaining the Center’s clean, organized appearance, which is a characteristic that sets them apart. Their work ensures that donated goods, including building materials, furniture, housewares, and kitchen appliances, are well presented. The Center does not accept clothing and is not currently equipped to pick up materials or conduct deconstruction regularly. However, they do occasionally assist with house cleanouts and are continually seeking ways to improve transportation logistics.
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​Financially, Otsego ReUse relies on a combination of donations, grants, and sales revenue to sustain its operations. With a contributed revenue goal of $500,000 annually, the Center has reached $450,000 so far in 2025 through strong community backing and strategic fundraising. Due to factors such as lack of knowledge and internal bias, the prices marked on goods vary greatly, causing a high variability in sales. A key goal is to enhance pricing consistency through the development of a new Point of Sale (POS) system (a combination of hardware and software that businesses use to process transactions and manage sales). The Center has standardized all goods with QR code stickers, so all prices on items can be tracked; they automatically have price reductions the longer they go unsold.
Recycling adds value
Expand into recycling niche items like polystyrene, plastic film, or fluorescent bulbs. It sets your center apart and maximizes environmental impact.
Presentation matters
Keep your space clean, organized, and welcoming. Presentation builds trust and increases sales.
Find the right balance with pricing
Pricing reuse items can be hard. Otsego ReUse is developing a Point of Sale system to help with consistency.
Build strong relationships
Collaborate with local governments, contractors, charities, and educational institutions. These partnerships bring in materials, volunteers, funding opportunities, and deepen community impact.