What you need for a reuse workshop

A reuse workshop needs more than donated materials. Plan tools, protective equipment, workstation supplies, refreshments, and a clear way to sort materials before participants arrive. For this workshop, useful basics include cordless drills, glue guns, hand tools, paint supplies, wood offcuts, jars, cardboard, tiles, and fabric remnants. Check every item at least one week ahead, then group materials and tools by workstation so people are not waiting or sharing one pair of scissors.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Work tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 45
Buffet tableqty 2
Coat racksqty 2
Storage cratesqty 12

Equipment

Cordless drill driversqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6
Glue gunsqty 4
Glue gun matsqty 4

Tools

Hammersqty 6
Screwdriver setsqty 6
Pliersqty 6
Hand sawsqty 4
Scissorsqty 12
Measuring tapesqty 6

Workshop materials

Sandpaperqty 40
Brushesqty 20
Paint traysqty 10
Acrylic paint setsqty 10
Fabric remnants
Wood offcuts
Glass jarsqty 40
Cardboard sheetsqty 30
Leftover tilesqty 30

Safety

Safety gogglesqty 20
Work glovesqty 25
Dust masksqty 30
First aid kit

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable cutleryqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 40

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8

Decorations

Chalkboardsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 8

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Dustpan and brushqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Semi-skimmed milk - 4 liter
- Still water - 24 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Multigrain rolls - 50 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Plain hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Vegetable soup - 8 liters
- Soup sticks - 6 packs
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Prepare one complete tool set for every two to four participants, including scissors, screwdrivers, pliers, measuring tapes, and at least one hammer. Sharing too widely creates queues as soon as the practical work starts.
Collect more reusable materials than the sample projects require: allow roughly 20% extra wood offcuts, cardboard, fabric, jars, and tiles for damaged pieces and participants who want to try again.
Provide one pair of safety goggles and one pair of work gloves per active participant. Keep dust masks available for sanding, and place the first aid kit where supervisors can reach it within a minute.
Check electrical equipment and cables two or three days before the workshop. Test cordless drills, glue guns, extension cords, and power strips, and bring at least one spare cable or charger for each type used.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Use reusable cups and set up the drinks and snack station away from paint, glue, and sawdust.

Frequently asked questions

What tools do I need for a reuse workshop?: For a practical group workshop, provide scissors, measuring tapes, hammers, screwdriver sets, pliers, hand saws, cordless drill drivers, and glue guns. One complete basic tool set for every two to four participants keeps waiting time manageable.
How much material should I collect for a reuse workshop?: Collect about 20% more material than your planned projects need. Include extra wood offcuts, cardboard sheets, fabric remnants, glass jars, leftover tiles, sandpaper, and paint supplies for mistakes and second attempts.
How many safety items do workshop participants need?: Plan one pair of safety goggles and work gloves per person who will be working at the same time. Keep dust masks available for all participants and place one first aid kit at the main work area.
When should I buy and check workshop supplies?: Buy non-perishable materials and safety supplies at least one week before the workshop. Check tools, electrical equipment, materials, cups, and refreshments two to three days beforehand, leaving time to replace missing or faulty items.

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