Big Reuse, an environmental nonprofit that has supported New York City neighborhoods for more than a decade, has opened a new center in Bushwick at 378 Troutman Street, near the Jefferson Street L train stop.
The expansion brings the organization’s landfill diversion work to a neighborhood already known for its strong thrifting and secondhand culture. The store is open daily from 11:00am to 7:00pm for both shopping and donations.
The Bushwick space spans roughly 4,700-square-feet and focuses on smaller household and personal items. Shoppers can find clothing, accessories, books, toys, games and home goods such as glassware and plates. The site also accepts donations of those same categories, giving residents a convenient way to keep usable items out of the waste stream while supporting a local reuse economy.
Big Reuse’s original location in Gowanus, at 1 12th Street, will continue operating with broader inventory. That store carries larger items including furniture, building materials and appliances, maintaining its role as a destination for salvaged construction supplies and home renovation finds. Together, the two Brooklyn locations allow the nonprofit to serve different needs while expanding its footprint.
"We are busy filling our shelves with clothes, books, and homegoods as more people are coming in to drop off donations and check out our selection," said Store Manager John Martin. "From Gowanus regulars to folks just passing by, the reception has been so lovely—we are thankful to be here and can't wait to keep welcoming everyone!"
The new Bushwick store was constructed almost entirely with salvaged and secondhand materials, reflecting the organization’s mission in its physical design. Home goods shelving was built from reclaimed scaffolding lumber processed at Big Reuse’s lumber yard in Gowanus. The bookstore section features repurposed bookcases sourced from the former library of the New York City Bar Association.
Clothing racks were purchased secondhand from Millennium Racks in Brownsville. Plywood walls were salvaged from tabletops used at the Union Square Holiday Market, and additional appliances, wall materials and doors were sourced from the Gowanus location’s inventory. The buildout demonstrates how reuse can be integrated into retail design while reducing construction waste.
Big Reuse already has established ties in Bushwick through several environmental initiatives, including street tree care, composting programs and curbside composting outreach. By opening a storefront in the neighborhood, the organization is creating new opportunities to connect directly with residents around waste reduction, environmental education and creative reuse practices. The space is intended not only as a thrift store but also as a community hub that supports sustainable habits at the local level.
