What began as a simple idea, that neighbors could share unused items instead of throwing them away, has since grown into one of Westford’s most anticipated community traditions: Junk in the Trunk.
On Saturday, August 1, Junk in the Trunk celebrated its five year anniversary at Stony Brook Middle School, marking a half decade of bringing residents together to reduce waste, save money, and build a sense of community.
Held three times each year, Junk in the Trunk is built on a simple principle: everything is free. There are no prices, no bartering, and no admission fee. Participants simply bring clean, usable items they no longer need and take home items they can use.
“Five years ago, we hoped a handful of neighbors might show up with a few things to share,” said organizer Laura Granato. “Today, we’ve built something much bigger than an event. We’ve built a tradition. Every year we see strangers become neighbors, usable items stay out of the landfill, and people leave feeling a little more connected to Westford. That’s something worth celebrating.”
Today, Junk in the Trunk is partnered with the Westford Recycling Commission and Sustainable Westford, with a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and waste reduction.
During the past year alone, 7,330 pounds of clothing and textiles were collected through New England Clothes Recycling (NECR) at Junk in the Trunk events for continued diversion and reuse. Organizers estimate that at least that much additional material found new homes directly between neighbors during the events themselves, giving furniture, books, clothing, toys, sporting goods, kitchenware, tools, home décor, and countless other items a second life.
“Every item is available to every participant regardless of income or circumstance because everything is completely free. Whether someone is furnishing a first apartment, living on a fixed income, navigating unexpected financial challenges, or simply choosing a more sustainable lifestyle, everyone participates on equal footing,” said the organizers in a statement to The Westford Villager.
The success of Junk in the Trunk has also reached well beyond Westford. Organizers now serve as informal consultants to residents interested in launching similar community reuse events. Over the past several years, they have shared planning materials, logistics, and lessons learned with organizers in Dracut, Lexington, and Chelmsford.
This past spring, Chelmsford successfully held its inaugural Junk in the Trunk event, helping their own residents to encourage reuse and sustainability.
“Everyone is so nice and friendly,” said former Westford resident, Kaso Ufi. “Even though I no longer live in Westford, I still drive 35 minutes just to join. It makes me happy to see people come together, reuse, and support one another.”
As Junk in the Trunk enters its sixth year, organizers hope to grow the event by expanding volunteer involvement, strengthening partnerships with the Westford Recycling Commission, Sustainable Westford, and other community organizations, and helping neighboring towns in launching similar reuse events. All while ensuring participation is free and accessible to everyone.
“This event always reminds me of how kind and generous people can be. It really knits our community together, provides for people in need, helps protect our environment, and lowers our taxes. What’s not to love?” said Westford resident Sue Thomas.
Editor’s Note: This submitted article was originally published in the Aug. 12, 2026 print edition of The Westford Villager.
