Events

Part of TipTop's mission is to reduce consumer waste, and we go one step further by providing regular drop off recycling for select materials.

STYROFOAM

Styrofoam/polystyrene/EPS, is commonly not accepted in curbside or residential recycling programs due to cost of collection and processing. Not sure if your styrofoam is recyclable? If it snaps when bent, it can be recycled.

TipTop accepts clean and dry polystyrene for recycling on the last Sunday of the month (Styrofoam Sunday) during open hours from 12-5pm. After collection, it is brought to Insulation Technology in Bridgewater, MA to be recycled into a variety of insulation products.

PILL BOTTLES

Items smaller than 2x2 inches are typically not good candidates for standard recycling programs because they tend to fall through cracks in the machinery at the sorting facility and end up being placed in landfill anyways. Standard pill bottles are also considered prescription drug waste, and common guidance in Massachusetts is to dispose them in landfill trash. 

TipTop accepts clean and dry pill bottles for recycling during regular open hours - be sure to remove any labels before drop-off. Pill bottles are sent to CocoPlum in Oakland, CA for small batch recycling into consumer goods like sunglasses, and decorations.

The Co-Op makes occasional appearances at local markets, fairs, and festivals throughout the year. Recent market appearances have included the Sturbridge Farmer's Market, the Market on Brussels (Worcester, MA), Fall Festival at The Overlook (Charlton, MA) and the Apple Country Fair (Brookfield, MA). 

The Co-Op offers a variety of supplements and vitamins in-store. If you are looking for some guidance on what these different health aids do, we offer free consults  held in the store every Wednesday from 1-2pm. Consults are free of charge, no registration required. 

Consults are held by Dr. Gwen Broz, a family medicine practitioner & osteopath (and our upstairs neighbor!) who has been in practice for 35 years. 

The Co-Op holds quarterly meetings for members for reports and updates from the board of directors and to vote on referendums. 

Meetings are not required as a condition of membership, but attendance is encouraged (this is a perk of membership, to participate in store governance!) Meetings are open to non-members, as it is a great way to see behind the scenes of how a co-op membership works! Occasionally vendors or speakers are invited for taste-testing, product sampling, or informational sessions. 

Quarterly meetings are typically scheduled on Saturday mornings in Brookfield. The Annual Meeting is held once a year in the fall and typically includes the option to attend a communal meal. 

TipTop's Board of Directors holds meetings for elected board members every other week. Questions? Contact the board of directors via email.