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Reuse/Recycling Alternatives
Consider donating your gently used appliances, clothing, furniture, or other household items to a friend, local charity, or non-profit organization before placing the items at the curb or throwing them away. Many thrift stores also accept various items for donations. Not only will you be helping divert items from the landfill, but you will also be helping others in our community!
Source reduction tip: Buy secondhand items from reuse stores (like Community Forklift, Goodwill, Habitat Restore, or thrift stores) to reduce manufacturing demand and help keep items out of the landfill.
Some organizations offer drop-off services or you can schedule a pick-up, if in their service area. Please check with the organization's guidelines to see what items are accepted and how to prepare items for proper reuse/donation.
Below is a list of some organizations that accept various items for recycling including bulky items, electronics, and more.
Organizations Accepting Donations (in good/working condition)
Organization | Sample of Acceptable Items |
---|---|
Community Forklift | Appliances, cabinets, carpets, doors, flooring, furniture, glass and mirrors, home decor, light fixtures, lumber, masonry, sinks, toilets, tiles, windows, and others. |
Goodwill | Books, clothing & shoes, games/toys, housewares, and SOME electronics. (Furniture and bulky items no longer accepted December 2021) |
GreenDrop / Purple Heart | Clothing & shoes, household items, kitchenware, games/toys, small appliances, electronics, books, sporting goods, and small furniture. Running vehicles accepted via purpleheartcars.org. |
Habitat for Humanity | Appliances, clothing & shoes, furniture, building materials, household goods, kitchenware, and vehicles. |
MD Recycles Directory | Appliances, baby items, beds, clothing, electronics, food, furniture, hobby items (arts/crafts, camping, gardening, music, sports, etc.), hangers, houseware, office supplies, packaging, paint, pet supplies, rugs, salvage (including scrap metal), tools, vehicles and much more! |
MOM's Organic Market | ONLY - Batteries, cell phones & tablets, compost, eyeglasses, shoes, oyster shells, natural cork Annual drives: Denim Drive (typically in Spring) and Holiday Lights Recycling Drive (typically in Winter) |
The Salvation Army | Appliance, clothing & shoes, electronics, furniture, hobby items, household goods, toys, vehicles. |