FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How does refilling work?
Bring a clean container from home — a jar, a bottle, whatever you've got. We weigh it empty, fill it with as much as you need of whatever product you want, and you pay by the ounce. That's it. You only buy what you'll actually use, and nothing comes home in new plastic.
What if I forget my container?
No problem. We keep a collection of free upcycled glass jars at the shop — they've been donated, cleaned, and sanitized by students from Decatur High School. Grab one and fill it up. We also sell our own branded glass jars and aluminum bottles if you want a dedicated vessel for refilling.
What is a refillery?
A refillery is a store where you bring your own container and refill it with the products you need, paying by weight. Instead of buying a new plastic bottle of dish soap every time, you keep the same container and come back to fill it. The product is exactly the same — or often better — and the packaging waste stops at zero.
What products can I refill?
Dish soap, hand soap, all-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, floor cleaner, fabric softener, face wash, and more. The full refill menu is in-store. A selection is also available online in pre-filled starter sizes.
Can I shop online?
Yes — joyfuljarra.com ships nationally. The online shop carries our full grab-and-go selection and a range of pre-filled products in starter sizes. In-store refilling is not available online, but you can stock up on everything else from wherever you are.
Where are you located?
We have two storefronts and a mobile market presence across metro Atlanta:
Avondale Estates:
Wednesday–Saturday 10am–6pm,
Sunday 10am–4pm
Farmers markets and pop-ups: We're at markets across the metro most weekends. Current schedule is always at joyfuljarra.com.
Do your products actually work?
This is the most common question we get, and the most honest answer is: try one thing first. The laundry powder that looks too simple to work is the one customers come back for the fastest. The deodorant that people are most skeptical about is the one that gets the most repeat refills. We sample products before we carry them, and we don't keep anything on the shelves that doesn't hold up. If you want a recommendation for where to start, come in and ask — that's what we're here for.
Is there a minimum amount I have to fill?
No. You can fill half an ounce if you want to try something before committing — that's the whole point of buying by the ounce. There's no minimum purchase and no minimum fill amount. If you want to try the laundry detergent before buying a full jar's worth, fill a couple of ounces and see how it goes.
I'm worried refill products won't work as well as what I buy at Target. Especially dish soap, laundry detergent, and deodorant.
That's the most common concern we hear, and it's a fair one. The honest answer is that it depends on the product. Dish soap and all-purpose cleaner are usually the easiest switches — most customers don't notice a difference in performance, and a lot of them notice their hands feel better. Laundry detergent and deodorant take more adjustment, and we won't pretend otherwise. The best thing to do is buy a small amount first and see for yourself. That's exactly what buying by the ounce is for.
Natural deodorant hasn't worked for me before. I've tried it.
We hear this a lot, and the most honest thing we can say is: there's a transition period, and most people who give up on natural deodorant do it during that window. Your body adjusts over a few weeks as it stops relying on conventional antiperspirant, and in the meantime things can feel a little uncertain. The deodorants we carry — particularly Little Seed Farm and Meow Meow Tweet — have strong track records once that adjustment is through. Start with a sample size ($1.00) before committing to a full jar. That way you're not out much if the timing is wrong.
I bought a shampoo or conditioner bar and it's not working for me. What am I doing wrong?
Bars have a technique, and most people aren't told what it is when they buy one. You're not lathering them the same way you would liquid — you either rub the bar directly on your hair or lather it in your hands first, then apply. There's also a short transition period as your scalp adjusts from liquid to bar formula, which can make hair feel different than you're used to. If you're struggling, come in and ask. We'd rather help you figure out what's going wrong than have you give up on something that would have worked.
I'm new to low-waste living. Where do I start?
One swap, not a lifestyle overhaul. The easiest entry points are usually dish soap, hand soap, or laundry detergent — products you go through regularly and can refill into the same container over and over. Come in, ask questions, smell things, fill a small amount of something, and see how it fits into what you're already doing. The rest follows from there, or it doesn't, and that's fine too.
Do I have to be into sustainability to shop here?
No. Some people come because they care deeply about plastic waste. Some come because refilling saves money. Some come because a friend brought them in. All of it is a fine reason to walk through the door. JJ is for people who are curious, people who are already committed, and everyone in between.
Do I need to make an appointment to refill?
No. Walk in during shop hours, pick your products, fill your container, and you're done. No appointment, no process, no forms.