The second-annual Great Green Bay junk drawer, garage and basement cleanout event, Saturday, April 11, 8 am- 2 pm in DePere, gives residents and local businesses the opportunity to declutter their junk drawer and storage (for free) by repurposing or recycling selected items.
A joint effort of several local community organizations, the event features an “anything with a cord” electronics and appliance recycling collection, eyeglasses, hearing aids and printer cartridge collection by the Allouez Lions Club, and used bicycle collection by the Green Bay Spokes of Hope project. New this year is paper shredding/secure document disposal courtesy of BMO Bank.
“What makes this event unique is not only the community partnership, but that the fees for freon appliances (air conditioners, freezers, dehumidifiers) and for TVs/computer monitors is waived” noted Kevin Erb, one of the event’s organizers. “Everything from small electronics from your junk drawer to that broken garage fridge can be brought in”
Spokes of Hope, a Green Bay group that repairs and refurbishes working/repairable bicycles for those in the community without reliable transportation will be onsite accepting unused bikes. In 2025, the group provided over 150 bikes to those in need.
Used eyeglasses, hearing aids and printer cartridges will be accepted by the Allouez Lions Club. The eyeglasses and hearing aids are assessed, repaired, and provided to those in need in Wisconsin, around the US, and around the world. The club also recycles printer cartridges to help fund the effort.
“We’re excited to welcome BMO bank as a partner in this year’s event for secure paper shredding and document destruction” Erb said. “It’s an opportunity to get rid of up to three bags of old credit card statements, tax records and other sensitive paperwork”
Like last year, there is no charge to bring items. Freewill donations of non-perishable food items or donations will be collected to support local food pantries.
The main event runs from 8 am – 2 pm on Saturday, April 11 at the former site of the Chicago Street Pub, 1950 Dickinson Road, DePere (with noon-2 pm prioritized for businesses and farms). Paper shredding will happen next door at the BMO Bank at 1964 Dickinson Road. For more information on the event, including a list of accepted items, visit www.declutterGreenBay.com.
Event organizers have set a goal of collecting 10 tons of electronics, 50 bikes and 200 pair of eyeglasses/hearing aids during the event.
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