I spoke to Jaime McTighe (account mgr.) about recycling some stainless encoders we purchased. I was…read morestruck by how sharp and professional she is. We didn't do business this time, but I'll call her first on the next go-round.

So glad to have this resource rather than adding to landfills. Workers were very helpful as they…read moredirected my vehicle to unloading location. After filling the red bin, materials were weighed. Left with money and more space in garage. Yea!

Great place to go visit and recycle the junk I have around the house for some extra cash. I save up…read moremy aluminum cans and take them in or if I need to get rid of my pots and pans this is the place to go. Few bucks here and there I can't complain. Better than throwing it in the trash. There are some big players that I see coming in with a ton of materials. They take care of me as good as they do them so I appreciate that. Staff is very nice and they help me sort my materials since I don't really understand what is what and what is worth what.

Inefficient and disrespectful…read more These folks are on the planet to block roadways and cause havoc. They bring a large crew to fart around with their own equipment haphazardly. For me, this involved scaring off restaurant patrons with ear-deafening drops of metal onto metal. Serious, these folks must be fully deaf by now. If you need a discreet haul and don't want neighboring property hassles or your own liability, keep looking.

Going okay so far…read more Like probably a lot of people, I started cooking at home A LOT during the pandemic. And in short order realized how much compostable waste I was throwing into the garbage. So I'd been thinking about where I could take my compostables, then heard about WasteNot and after trying in vain to see if any of my acquaintances used it so I could give them credit for a new sign-up, I just signed up when I saw them at the opening of the Andersonville Farmer's Market. I signed up for the twice monthly service and have had 2-3 pickups so far. They bring you a new, sanitized bucket each time they pickup so you don't have to use a liner (my first week I thought I did, but I realized that was unnecessary prior to pickup). They ask you to leave it out by 6:30 and since I'm not about to get up that early to put out compost, I leave it out the night prior. I keep a countertop little composter so that it's easier to toss things into there rather than pull off the lid for the bucket each time. Thus far I haven't had any problems, though I wish that there was a better way to figure out when the pickup would happen at your place. I got a service credit when I signed up, but it wasn't as valuable as it could have been because they charged my card within a week or two, so instead of the credit giving me two free pickups I only got one. Boo.

We ultimately ended up canceling our service. It's a great idea but a poorly run organization.read more

The donation boxes are very convenient and helpful when cleaning out the closet and downsizing,…read moregetting rid of unwanted clothes. Used to put then in bags in the alley for whoever wants and needs to take but oftentimes I find them all messed up, thrown on the ground which defeats my purpose. So off to the donation box it all goes. Wish there were more of the boxes around town. I'd rather drop it off at the box then drive to the Goodwill. Everyone complaining of it being sold etc it's the same thing the Goodwill.and Salvation Army does. But at least I don't have to drive far or wait in line when I'm in a time crunch in a busy week, and don't want to haul bags of stuff in my car for weeks until I am able to go to a Goodwill and don't have the time to list on ebay or marketplace but need closet space at the same time. I think what Gaia is doing is very good. At the end, someone does use the clothes, and they're not thrown around in the alley on the ground where nobody will want them. I could care less for a tax deduction because I'd always forget the slip when tax time comes and plus it don't make much difference anyway. Tried donating to shelters before only to learn that those who work there scavenger the donation and keep what they like/what's newer for themselves instead of giving everything to those at the shelter. If you want to give directly to the homeless then give it to them on the spot. But it's also hard to figure out if the pants size will fit them etc. So when I'm in a time crunch and need to clean out fast, don't want to haul bags of clothes waiting to go to Goodwill and making myself seem like I live in my car with random bags of clothes waiting to be donated, I just drop it off at the Gaia donation box. It's also helpful with the website that gives location of the boxes so if I'm traveling O can easily look up the nearest box. Honestly, think that everyone complaining about the concept of these donation boxes works for Goodwill or Salvation because then they don't get direct donations to sell at the store. Gaia boxes are convenient too being available 24/7 specially when working an odd schedule I can never make it to a Goodwill to drop off. At the end of the day, someone still makes use of the clothes, they don't end up in a landfill and maybe if I don't want to donate such clothes then I'll just not buy anything until my current wardrobe wears out. I don't make a penny from donating to Goodwill either, only the buyer gets to have new clothes, some brand new at a cheap price. But I don't have time for that so I just drop off at Gaia box. I also.like the little projects they have going on, fun stuff, and everything they do on local level at the warehouse to everything being done abroad in the developing countries, environmentally. Keep it up!

I donated clothes multiple times, then I read the charity watch review of this company and I was…read morenot very pleased with the outcome. Clothes is sold,not given to people. They have a big "over head" to run their business so there is really no money left to help others in need. I probably will not use again. Please check for yourselves and decide if you still want to continue using their bins. Gaia please change your practice, you could be a wonderful place to use.

I wish I had known about them sooner, as they are undoubtedly the best choice for recycling old…read moreequipment. Their crew members were very knowledgeable and punctual. They took data security seriously and provided a reliable data shredding service, giving me peace of mind. Moreover, their commitment to environmentally responsible recycling practices is commendable. The convenience of their pick-up service was a significant time-saver. If you're looking for a trustworthy and eco-friendly solution for e-recycling, AVA Recycling is the way to go!

My wife had a bunch of old phones and laptops. Chicago Electronics Recycling took them all and…read moreassured me of data privacy. They use a quick and easy drop-off process. I am so happy to hire them. It's worth it to work with them.

So happy to have made a trip out to the Tool Library. The entrance was a little tricky- in the…read morealley but there are signs leading the way. Once inside I took a quick look at all the tools available for rent (lawn mowers, sanders, paint supplies, even a kitchen aid mixer) and I quickly made a trek to the back of the library to the seed collection. The tool library is providing free seeds for gardening and the selection is enormous. I grabbed several tomato varieties, peppers, herbs, and a handful of wildflowers. Everything is free but there is a suggested limit of 10 packets per person. I'm excited to start gardening and very grateful for this program!

This is hands down one of the coolest places in Chicago! It's a bit of a hike to get all the way…read moreout to Humboldt Park, but CTL has everything from wood planers to tents, and since it operates just like any other library, that means it's also free. I just happened to be there as the owner was subbing for a cashier, and as we were talking, it was so apparent that they love what they do - their energy and enthusiasm for serving Chicago exuded from them and made me excited to be there too. Since most people don't have the space or money to afford their own tools and equipment everytime they need something done, this is an essential resource in any city, and one that I frequent. You can go in person to pick out what you want, but I would suggest going online first the reserve what you need. Once all your items are available, you get an email notification, and you can just go out and pick your items up. You also get a week to return everything, but if you have circumstances that would prevent this, you can let them know and they are more than happy to accommodate an extension. Definitely check this place out next time you have a project you need equipment for!

I am glad that the City has facility to recycle electronic and rechargeable batteries with…read moredifferent times and days open, so go online to check. I had an old TV and printer I needed to recycle. Arrived on North Branch Street and there are big signs to at lease tell you where to drive up to but there are no exact way to know how to park. It seems depending on who you see first, they get a bit offensive on the exact way you park to drop the electronic off. I had a few motherboards to recycle and was told they do not take those even if they were off of a TV. Looks like if the parts look like a TV they take it and if they are just boards off a TV. They reject it.

The workers there were great. I don't understand the other reviews because these guys were eager to…read morehelp, friendly, and even lifted a heavy printer without me asking. I dropped off electronics and chemicals and both experiences were wonderful and quick. Also, they were open when their website said they'd be open. Just make sure to check their days and hours before going. The website will also let you know what is and is not recyclable.

We have been using Block Bins for about 2 years now and love it! I would highly recommend them if…read moreyou are looking for a compost solution that helps the environment and the community. Their customer service is extremely responsive though I only had to use it once when we moved. Our family loves pizza and we finally have a place to put all the boxes vs. a landfill. Our bin is always clean and we have never had an issue with any rodents or other pests. My neighbors are onboard as well so we can give our kids some education on helping our environment!

We had Block Bins install a bin for compost and we love it. They were very communicative and…read morepunctual. Would highly recommend them if you're looking to give back to the environment a bit!