Good questions
Refilling, simplified.
New to refill shopping? You're in good company. Browse by topic or search below — and if your question isn't here, come say hi at the shop.
Sustainable Living
What is a refill store?
A refill store (also called a refillery) is a shop where you bring your own containers and fill up on everyday products — soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, and pantry staples — by weight, instead of buying new single-use plastic packaging each time. Wonderfill Refillery is the first zero-waste refill store in Cookeville, Tennessee.
Sustainable Living
How do refill stores work?
You bring a clean, empty container, we weigh it (the 'tare'), you fill it with exactly what you need from our bulk dispensers, and we subtract the container weight at checkout so you only pay for the product. It's simple: hi. weigh. refill. pay.
Sustainable Living
Can refill stores save money?
Often, yes. Because you only pay for the product — not for new packaging or wasted excess — many everyday staples cost less per ounce than packaged versions at the grocery store, and you can buy small amounts to try something before committing.
Sustainable Living
How can I start living sustainably?
Start small: swap one disposable item for a reusable one, refill a product you already use, and choose natural fibers over synthetics when you replace clothing. Our free Knowledge Hub guides walk beginners through low-waste swaps one step at a time.
Sustainable Living
What products reduce household waste?
Refillable cleaning and personal-care products, Swedish dishcloths and other reusable paper-towel alternatives, beeswax wraps, safety razors, cloth produce bags, and natural fiber clothing all cut down on single-use plastic and household waste.
Products & Ingredients
Why choose natural fiber clothing?
Natural fibers — organic cotton, linen, hemp, and wool — are breathable, durable, and biodegradable. Unlike polyester and other synthetics, they don't shed plastic microfibers into your water and the environment with every wash.
Products & Ingredients
What are microplastics in clothing?
Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic are made from plastic. Every time they're washed, they shed tiny plastic fibers called microplastics that flow into waterways and the food chain. Choosing natural fiber clothing avoids this shedding entirely.
Containers
How do I refill cleaning products?
Bring your empty cleaning bottle, we weigh it, fill it from our bulk dispensers (all-purpose cleaner, dish soap, laundry detergent, and more), then weigh again and charge only for what you filled. Reuse the same bottle indefinitely.
Containers
Do I need to bring my own containers?
No — you can bring your own jars and bottles, or pick one up in-store. We have clean glass and tins ready to go if you forget yours.
Containers
What kinds of containers can I bring?
Anything clean, dry, and leak-proof — mason jars, old soap bottles, takeout containers, repurposed pasta sauce jars. We weigh your container first (the 'tare') so you only pay for what you fill.
Containers
How do I clean my containers between refills?
Hot soapy water and a thorough dry. For oil-based products, a quick rinse with vinegar helps. Bottles for liquid soap or shampoo only need a rinse if you're refilling the same product.
Pricing
Is refilling more affordable?
Yes. You only pay for what you use — no wasted product, no packaging tax. Most regulars find their pantry and cleaning staples work out to less per ounce than the grocery store.
Pricing
How does pricing by weight work?
We weigh your empty container, you fill what you need, and we subtract the container weight at checkout. Simple — hi. weigh. refill. pay.
Pricing
Do you offer any discounts or loyalty perks?
Yes — sign up for our newsletter for 10% off your first refill, and ask in-store about our refill loyalty card.
Products & Ingredients
Are your products natural?
We focus on low-tox, eco-conscious, and responsibly sourced products. Every brand on our shelves is vetted for ingredients, sourcing, and packaging — no greenwashing.
Products & Ingredients
Do you carry low-tox options for sensitive skin?
Absolutely. Many of our soaps, lotions, and cleaners are fragrance-free or use only essential oils. Just ask and we'll point you to the gentlest options.
Products & Ingredients
Do you sell natural fiber clothing?
Yes — we carry a curated selection of natural fiber clothing in Cookeville, including organic cotton, linen, and hemp pieces from small ethical brands.
Local Makers
Do you carry local products?
Yes! We proudly stock 40+ Tennessee makers — from soap and salve to candles, ceramics, and pantry goods. Supporting your neighbors is built into the shop.
Local Makers
How do you choose which local makers to carry?
We look for makers in the Upper Cumberland region whose work is made with care for people and place — natural ingredients, small-batch craft, and a real story behind it.
Local Makers
I'm a maker — can I sell at Wonderfill?
We're always meeting new Tennessee makers. Stop by Visit and send us a note about your craft, or apply to vend at the Final Friday Night Market.
Visiting & Events
Where are you located?
Downtown Cookeville, TN — 17 W Spring St. We're open Tue–Sat 10am–5pm, closed Sunday and Monday.
Visiting & Events
Do you host classes or community events?
Yes — DIY workshops, beginner classes, swap meets, and our Sunday Makers Market (every Sunday 9am–1pm, March–December, rain or shine). Check the Events page for the current calendar.
Or come say hi — visit the shop.