Thrift Stores- Know the Rules:
Household Goods and Clothing– Most thrift stores appreciate donations of household goods and clothing (off hanger) in good repair.
Furniture- Only some stores accept furniture, so call ahead.
Dumping donations after business hours is illegal and comes with bad karma.
Revenue from the shops often supports services in your community, making it a great place to shop, donate or volunteer.
Most Thrift stores do NOT accept:
Mattresses- Consider Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle or Craig’s list. Landfills likely charge a special fee for disposal. Other uses; can be used for seasonal outdoor living.
Pillows- Bed pillows and mattress pads: Consider deconstruction, salvage the stuffing and wash it inside a zippered bag, for reuse as stuffing for crafts and home sewing. Thrift stores accept clean decorative pillows.
Exercise equipment- Consider Freecycle or Craig’s list.
Hard wired electronics- Consider Freecycle or Craig’s list. Most landfills have a special location for electronics, that are sent away for deconstruction.
Paint, building supplies- Try donating to Maker Spaces, artist collectives or special thrift stores for builiding materials like Habitat for Humanity ReStore or the ReUse People.
Children’s furniture- Cribs, strollers, toys or car seats- Consider Freecycle or Craig’s list, research Mom groups too.
Alternatives to Thrift Stores
Craig’s List, Freecycle & Facebook Groups: These networks are a great way to give usable goods to people that need them.
Clothing Swaps: Host seasonal Clothing Swaps within your community.
Mom Groups: Many groups network to swap usable baby and kids clothing and gear.
Shelters for Unhoused Community: Consider donating to local community shelters and support organizations. Winter coats and shoes are appreciated during the winter months.
Cinder Garden Designs 