Reuse Hub Project

The City of Durham has prioritized developing transformative and sustainable solutions to waste management that address racial andSpeaking with community members as part of engagement efforts related to potential reuse park. economic disparities and promote environmental justice. Specifically, Durham envisions building a new hub for waste reduction, reuse, and recycling that will be accessible to all across our community.

This reuse hub can help feed back into our local economy by lowering the amount of waste sent to a landfill, allowing local businesses to capitalize on reusable material, and creating local jobs and training opportunities for our residents.

Circular Economy

A circular economy is a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated - meaning we reuse materials in new products for as long as possible. Our goal is for a potential reuse hub to fuel a local circular economy. A Durham circular economy is an equitable, innovative, cooperative model that continually turns waste into resources by regionally recirculating materials for reuse, recycling, and remanufacture. Our circular economy is based on a system of sustainable product design for durability and recyclability, reuse and repair that fosters intentional consumption and equitable access to wealth and resources.

Get Involved

We are currently seeking community input to enhance our recycling and reuse programs, identify infrastructure needed to meet our waste reduction goals, and develop enhanced education and outreach. Complete a survey to share your feedback and enter to win one of 30 $15 Starbucks gift cards! The survey is now available through the below buttons.

Interested in connecting or participating in this project? Contact project lead Katie Hunt at [email protected].

FUSE PARTNERSHIP

Katie Hunt headshotThe Reuse Hub Project is a product of a partnership with the City of Durham and the FUSE Executive Fellowship Program. FUSE Executive Fellow Kathleen (Katie) Hunt is leading this Reuse Hub effort for the City. Katie is a dedicated environmental justice advocate committed to advancing equitable solutions to sustainability issues with over a decade of experience. Katie is an experienced researcher, educator, and facilitator. She has led projects focused on food access and environmental equity, worked with community groups engaging with environmental decision-makers, and conducted community outreach on environmental justice and the Farm Bill. She holds a doctorate focusing in Environmental Communication and Political Economy from the University of Utah as well as a professional certificate in Strategic Planning from the State University of New York. Find her on LinkedIN.