reuse bow valley:
a bow valley-wide reuse system and hub

NOTE: We’ve moved! Come find us at Unit E7, 110 Bow Meadows Crescent during our drop-in hours (Thurs 3-6pm, Sat 8-10am, and Sun 10am-12pm)

ReUse Bow Valley is a pilot project that helps divert reusable construction, renovation, and demolition (CRD) materials from landfill and make them available to the Bow Valley community—free of charge.

Whether you're renovating, cleaning out a garage, or starting a new project, anyone can donate or pick up materials through the ReUse Bow Valley network.

Have materials to donate?

You can share available materials in the Reuse Bow Valley Facebook Group by posting photos, dimensions, key details, and a description of the item's condition. Interested community members can then contact you directly to arrange pick-up.

• When sold, please remove the item listing from the Facebook Group.

• You can also bring materials to the ReUse Hub (Unit E7, 110 Bow Meadows Crescent, Canmore) during operating hours:

  • Thursdays: 3:00–6:00 p.m.

  • Saturdays: 8:00–10:00 a.m.

  • Sundays: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

• We DO NOT accept drop-offs outside of operating hours. Please do not leave items outside of operating hours. 

• We accept only materials that fall within the ReUse Hub's accepted material categories and available storage capacity. We reserve the right to decline materials.

  Not sure if your materials are accepted? Email reuse@biosphereinstitute.org with photos and a description, or bring them during operating hours. Our staff or volunteers can let you know whether the materials fit within the program's accepted categories.

Looking for free materials or items?

• Browse available materials in the Reuse Bow Valley Facebook Group and arrange pick-up directly with the person offering them.

• You can also visit the ReUse Hub during operating hours to browse and take available materials free of charge.

Reuse Hub Hours of Operation

Unit E7, 110 Bow Meadows Crescent, Canmore

• Thursdays: 3:00–6:00 p.m.

• Saturdays: 8:00–10:00 a.m.

• Sundays: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Hours are subject to change and may expand as additional volunteers join the program.

What items do we accept? 

The ReUse Hub primarily accepts high-quality, reusable construction, renovation, and demolition (CRD) materials for home renovation and building projects.

We may also accept select household items on a case-by-case basis where they fit the program's scope and available storage capacity.

Priority items include doors, windows, millwork (kitchen cabinets, vanities etc.), flooring (tiles, vinyl, hardwood), roofing supplies, lumber (minimum 4ft), fixtures, and other durable construction or renovation materials that still have plenty of life left in them.

Need delivery?

If you have items to donate that we would like to accept and can’t give it away on your own, we will pick them up for FREE.

If you would like an item delivered to you, Flying Pigs offers scheduled pickup and delivery services at the following hourly rates:

• Single-person jobs – $138/hr
  Includes one driver for items that can be safely handled by a single person.

• Two-person jobs – $173.25/hr
  Includes a second team member for larger, heavier, or more difficult items requiring additional assistance.

All pickups and deliveries are by appointment and subject to availability, with services typically scheduled on Wednesdays.

If you would like to arrange a pickup or delivery, please reach out to check availability and schedule an appointment. Whenever possible, we kindly ask for approximately one week’s notice to help us coordinate scheduling smoothly.

Use at Your Own Risk

The Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley facilitates the redistribution of donated materials but does NOT inspect, test, certify, repair, or guarantee the safety, quality, condition, or suitability of any materials. Materials are accepted into the ReUse Hub based only on whether they fall within the program's accepted material categories and available storage capacity.

All materials are provided free of charge, as is, and are accepted and used at the recipient's own risk. Anyone donating, transporting, receiving, or using materials is responsible for determining whether they are appropriate and safe for their intended use and for transporting and handling them safely.

Please be respectful, honest, and community-minded. The goal of ReUse Bow Valley is to extend the life of usable materials, reduce waste, and help keep valuable resources out of the landfill.

What if we cannot accept your items?

There are many existing reuse initiatives across the Bow Valley. If we are unable to accept your item, consider the following options:

• Crossway Community Thrift: Donation drop-off is Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30am-4:00pm.

• Facebook Marketplace: Consider selling or giving away your item on Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, Craigslist. or any other online platform. Pass it on is a free network on Facebook for giving away or passing on your local items.

If you are unable to find a way to reuse the item, you can dispose of it through the municipalities’ free pickup service to be sent to the landfill:

• Large Item Pickup (Town of Canmore): The Town of Canmore offers a large item clean up program for residential addresses. The service is offered Monday to Friday in summer months and Monday to Wednesday in winter months with the exception of statutory holidays. Click here to learn more about this service.

• Large Item Pickup (Town of Banff): The Town of Banff offers a large item pickup for residents of Banff. Click here to learn more and schedule a free pickup.

Have books, sports gear, clothing, household items, or non-perishable food to donate? Many local organizations across the Bow Valley accept reusable items and community donations. Explore the more detailed list below to find the best fit for your items.

More broadly, learn more about various circular economy initiatives and projects across the Bow Valley by exploring our interactive map.

Why does the Bow Valley need this?

The Bow Valley is facing three big challenges: affordability, waste, and lack of space. All of these challenges are connected. Every year, over 7,000 tonnes of waste go to the Francis Cooke Landfill. Much of it is still usable.

Landfill space is running out. The Francis Cooke Landfill is expected to reach capacity within 30 years. There is no room to expand and no nearby alternatives. With Canmore expected to grow significantly, we must reduce what we bury.

Right now, there is no coordinated system to keep these materials circulating locally. Our project aims to change that.

Community Highlights! Reuse in Action

We're inspired by the many creative ways our community is giving materials a second life!

From simple swaps to imaginative upcycling projects, every act of reuse helps keep valuable materials in circulation and out of the landfill.

REUSE CHALLENGE - win $100

We’d love to hear from you! If you've transformed a salvaged or second-hand item, we'd love to see it! Submit your photo and story for a chance to be featured and inspire others to rethink waste.

volunteer with us!

We’re building this system with the community. We are looking for volunteers that can commit minimum of 2 hours per week. Email reuse@biosphereinstitute.org to learn more.

If you’re a resident, contractor, business, or community organization, and you’re interested in helping shape this project, we’d love to hear from you.

Click the button below to email us and learn more about getting involved!

Together, let’s design a reuse system that works for the Bow Valley.