Scroungers' Center for Re-Usable Art Parts (SCRAP)

by Kenan Shapero, SCRAP Director

The Scroungers' Center for Re-Usable Art Parts, or SCRAP, is always in need of donations of surplus materials that would otherwise be thrown away by construction firms and other businesses.

"Waste that would just take up space in the landfill can be transformed into sculptures, paintings, greeting cards and other masterpieces," says SCRAP Director Kenan Shapero. SCRAP's mission, she explains, is to stimulate creativity and environmental awareness, especially in children.

Located just a few blocks from the San Francisco Bay, the Bayview District-based nonprofit organization collects surplus materials and distributes them to schools and arts groups. SCRAP operates a bustling little depot overflowing with materials that it distributes for a nominal donation-a favorite haunt of art teachers, school volunteers and craftspeople of all kinds.

SCRAP donors include architects, carpenters, die cutting shops, upholsterers, interior designers, frame shops, printers, advertising agencies, science labs, publishers, bike shops, clothing manufacturers, art supply stores, graphic designers and many more. Along with materials, SCRAP welcomes all types of business support, from grants to in-kind services.

SCRAP's hottest items include materials like these: flooring (tile, carpet), wood and trim, plastic and Mylar, banners and flags, rubber scraps, plexiglass, textiles (fabric, yarn etc.), paper, art supplies, leather, feathers, frame parts, wire, candles, buttons, and beads.

The varied materials are eagerly used by schools, daycare centers, museums, homeless shelters, senior citizen groups, scouting troops, colleges, playgrounds and recreation sites, organizers of parades and fairs, neighborhood centers, summer camps, theater groups, and many other nonprofits. The materials have been donated throughout the San Francisco Bay area school districts. Approximately 200 tons have been kept out of landfills during the past two years because of the diligent work of the SCRAP program.

SCRAP also sponsors workshops led by artists for teachers, parents, and community program directors, as well as field trips that teach children about reducing waste and creating art with used materials.

"By breathing new life into old objects, SCRAP helps reduce the waste going to crowded landfills," Ms. Shapero says. "San Francisco schools and nonprofits benefit by receiving badly needed art supplies."

SCRAP was founded by local artists and community activists, including the current president of its board of directors, revered San Francisco sculptor Ms. Ruth Asawa. Originally opened at Fort Mason in 1974, SCRAP has thrived since 1992 in spaces donated by the San Francisco Unified School District. The group is funded in part by the San Francisco Solid Waste Management Program and the San Francisco Foundation, the San Francisco Recycling Program, and the Zellerbach Family Fund. Additional support comes from the San Francisco Unified School District, the San Francisco Conservation Corps, and Goodwill Industries.

The SCRAP outlet, located at 801 Toland Street in the industrial area between the Bayshore and 280 freeways of San Francisco, operates Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. By car going either direction on Bayshore Boulevard parallel to the freeway, turn east on Oakdale Avenue; go three blocks to a four-way stop and turn left onto Selby. Go one block and turn left on Newcomb Avenue; the SCRAP entrance is on Newcomb in the middle of the block. SCRAP is close to several Muni bus lines; call (415) 647-1746 for transit or other information.

For more information about the SCRAP, call Kenan Shapero at (415) 647-1746 or Ruth Cardillo at (415) 550-6431. Mailing address (note different number from location address): 834 Toland St., San Francisco, CA 94124. www.aubergines.com/scrap/scrap.htm

All donations are tax-deductible. SCRAP will pick up donations of three boxes or more by appointment. For pickup or information on how to donate, call SCRAP at (415) 647-1746.

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Last updated: August 01, 2008