Ann Arbor Expands Circular Economy Map for Residents

The updated tool helps Ann Arbor households find local repair, donation, and rental services to reduce waste.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Local Services

Bold vector editorial illustration of a wooden toolbox repurposed as a planter, representing circular economy and community repair resources. — Ann Arbor has released an updated digital circular economy map to help residents locate local repair, donation, and rental services for household goods. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you prioritize repairing or reusing your household items instead of buying new products?

Ann Arbor has officially updated its Circular Economy Map, an online tool designed to help residents reduce landfill waste. The new version of the map catalogs more than 120 local businesses and organizations that offer repair, donation, or rental services.

Why it matters

By connecting households with local repair shops and rental options, this resource aims to curb waste and encourage the reuse of household goods. It serves as a practical guide for neighbors looking to extend the life of their belongings rather than discarding them.

The updated map features over 120 organizations and businesses across Ann Arbor. This represents a expansion of a community-wide project that began as a University of Michigan student initiative.

The players

City of Ann Arbor

The local municipal government responsible for managing city-wide infrastructure and public sustainability initiatives.

University of Michigan

A major public research university whose student population originally launched the circular economy mapping project.

The details

The interactive map functions as a directory for residents to locate second-hand retailers, donation centers, and professional repair services. Users can search the platform to find options for renting tools, repairing household appliances, or donating items to prevent them from entering the waste stream.

October 30, 2026: The City of Ann Arbor updated the Circular Economy Map.

The Home Front

This development aligns with broader municipal trends toward localized circular economies that focus on repair rather than disposal. It reflects a shift in how cities manage household waste by incentivizing the use of neighborhood-level services for extending the lifespan of products.

Bookmark the updated map to quickly find local repair technicians or thrift shops before you decide to replace a broken household item. Check the platform the next time you are decluttering or looking to source second-hand tools for a home improvement project.

The takeaway

Using local repair and reuse services is an effective way to maintain your home budget while minimizing your household waste footprint. Before buying new, search the map for rental options or professional repair services to fix what you already own.