Stardust, a non-profit organization committed to diverting reusable materials from landfills and redistributing them to the community, has been a pillar of sustainability and resourcefulness in the Valley since its inception in 1997. Founded by Jerry and Debbie Bisgrove, Stardust has grown to operate two locations in Mesa and Glendale, providing essential services to individuals and non-profits alike.
A Legacy of Reuse
For nearly three decades, Stardust has championed the value of reuse by offering services like deconstruction, donation pickups, and affordable access to refurbished materials.
“Every day, we divert materials like cabinet sets, appliances, windows, and doors from the landfill,” said Karen Jayne, CEO. “These are items that can be reused by others, whether they’re remodeling a home or supporting a community project.”
Since 1997, Stardust has diverted over 80 million pounds of usable materials from the landfill to put back into the community. Stardust’s deconstruction service provides an alternative to traditional demolition, where their team carefully removes reusable materials from homes and businesses.
While there is a nominal fee for this service, it is far more cost-effective than standard demolition or renting a dumpster. The organization also offers a donation pickup service for a $25 fee, ensuring that usable materials find new homes instead of being discarded.
Building for the Future: The Regional Reuse Center
Stardust is looking to embark on an ambitious new initiative: the Regional Reuse Center. This potential project will come in the form of a 100,000-square-foot facility that will serve as a hub for retail, workforce development, even art spaces and a material resource system designed specifically for non-profits.
“We piloted the concept with grant funding,” said Jayne. “The goal was to turn $100,000 in grant funding into $2 million worth of usable materials for donations. Remarkably, we exceeded expectations, generating $11 million in donated goods.”
The pilot program demonstrated the potential of the Regional Reuse Center to provide significant value to the community. Materials ranging from kitchen cabinets to appliances were salvaged and redistributed, showcasing the power of reuse to save resources and support local organizations.
There is not an official date to launch the product but it is something that the organization is looking forward to kicking off when the time is right.
The center is projected to launch in 2025, with ongoing collaboration between nonprofits and
Advocating for Reuse and Sustainability
Although Stardust does not conduct formal education programs, its team actively participates in networking events, community gatherings, and home shows to spread awareness about the importance of reuse.
“We’re constantly speaking about the value of keeping materials out of landfills and how reuse can make a difference for both the environment and the community,” said Jayne.
One of Stardust’s standout initiatives is the Triple R Certification program for general contractors. By pledging to divert materials from landfills through Stardust’s services, contractors can earn certification, demonstrating their commitment to green initiatives.
“We currently have 45 certified contractors,” Jayne noted. “It’s a simple process, and we encourage contractors to join this effort to make sustainability a core part of their work.”
A Community Effort
Stardust’s mission is fueled by the understanding that materials deemed unusable by one person can often be invaluable to another.
“It’s about recognizing that someone else can benefit from what you no longer need,” Jayne emphasized. “Through our services, we make it possible for these materials to reach the people and organizations that need them most.”
As Jayne looks to the future, the Regional Reuse Center stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to sustainability and community impact. With continued support and collaboration, Stardust is poised to make an even greater difference in reducing waste and empowering communities across the Valley.
