The City of Antioch is partnering with Allied Waste to encourage residents and businesses to Choose to Re-use in the month of October. Events planned throughout the month include a citywide yard sale for donations to local nonprofits, a Re-use Roundup, several re-use art activities, and a costume exchange.

According to Environmental Resource Coordinator Julie Haas-Wajdowicz, “Reusing goods or buying used items not only cuts down on the amount of material that is land-filled, but reduces greenhouse gas emissions and saves money.”

The citywide yard sale, scheduled for Oct. 9-10, is a good way to reduce, re-use and recycle materials while putting extra cash in your pocket. Antioch residents can register to participate by logging on to www.antiochyardsales.com. Those without Internet access can register by calling 925-671-5853. Treasure hunters can find out who’s holding a yard sale and map their course at www.antiochyardsales.com. Computers are available at the Antioch Public Library. You can also access the Internet and print a map for a small fee at T’s Internet Café, 1653 A St.

The Re-use Roundup will be collecting gently used items on Oct. 16 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Somersville Town Centre (along Fairview Drive). Volunteers will unload your donations and direct them to the organization that needs them the most. Acceptable items include books, craft supplies, bedding, small household electronics, clothing and small furniture. A complete list of acceptable items is available at www.antiochyardsales.com. The first 50 donors will receive a re-usable shopping tote bag filled with goodies.

Allied Waste will sponsor programs at the Antioch Public Library to encourage re-use and promote the Library’s new Green Zone. The Green Zone is a collection of books, magazines and audiovisual materials that explore a variety of environmental concepts and solutions. The Antioch Library is located at 501 W. 18th St.

On Oct. 19 from 5 to 7 p.m., the Plant It in a Wacky Container party will feature containers and plants donated by the Nifty As Is thrift store on the corner of Third and J streets in Antioch.

Tween Scene Trash Art, scheduled for Oct. 20 at 3 p.m., will invite tweens in third grade and up to play with trash and create works of art. Also on the 20th, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Plastic Craft will teach participants how to knit or crochet (and more) with plastic bags.

On Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. the city will hold its fourth annual Costume Exchange at Prewett Water Park, 4701 Lone Tree Way. This popular event encourages participants to trade in an old costume instead of spend money on a new one.