All The Rest :: Where to Donate Outdated or Damaged Goods in Houston

Whether you were part of the Marie Kondo craze or getting ready for a move, you probably have some leftover junk you don’t know what to do with. Charities can only accept gently used items in good, working condition- so what do you do with everything else?

If you want to avoid sending those items to the landfill, and you absolutely can’t make it new again, you have other options. After all, we only have 12 years to save the planet, so let’s not just throw our unwanted junk away.

Here’s what you can do with everything that can’t be donated ::

CLOTHING

Only textiles which are clean and dry with no rips, tears, or stains can be donated. Clothing which can’t be donated can still be recycled and turned into new textiles!

• American Texting Recycling Service– Those donation bins you see at grocery stores or local schools collect useable donations but they can also recycle some textiles. The service is free of charge.
• Green Valley Recycling– Here, you can recycle your  clothing and get paid! They do not accept anything wet, damaged, stained, or stinky. They accept clothing, shoes, purses, and bedsheets.
• Rags R Us– One of the cool things about this business is that they promise to use as much of the materials as they can. One way they accomplish this is by making “wipers” to be used as sanitary cloth and cleaning cloths. They also offer pick ups.

LARGE ITEMS

Furniture, appliances, and used mattresses can be the most difficult items to dispose of. Thankfully, the City of Houston and other local municipalities offer free drop- off recycling services to local residents, and they accept most items.

• City of Houston– Only some locations accept furniture for recycling. The locations on North Main and Central Street currently accept furniture.
• RecycleMyFridgeTX– This company has partnered with Centerpoint Energy to recycling working refrigerators. Best part? You can get paid $25! This offer is only valid for Centerpoint Energy Customers. You can use the program one time per homeowner/ address.
• Houston Furniture Bank– This furniture warehouse offers quality furniture for the needy also has pick up and drop off services. To pick up useable furniture, they require a $50 donation. They also recycle mattresses– $10 per piece for drop off, $25 pick up.
• Responsible Appliance Disposal Program– The EPA works with businesses to dispose of appliances responsibly. Most of their partners offer free pick up services. You can also contact your local energy provider- sometimes they offer credits for your donations!

METAL & BUILDING MATERIALS

• Habitat for Humanity ReStore– This organization accepts gently used items but they’re also in need of building materials. Each location has its own list of acceptable donations so check before you go.
• Houston Reuse Warehouse– This organization is part of the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department and is free for anyone to donate or use their goods.
• Harbor Ministries– This location requires furniture and appliances to be in good, working condition; however, they accept all kinds of scrap metal. They will pick up your donations free of charge.

STUFFIES & OTHER TEXTILES

• Stuffed Animals for Emergencies {SAFE} – Most donation locations accept stuffed animals but you can donate directly to children in crisis. Fire, Police, and CPS are always in need of clean stuffed animals to comfort children in emergencies or disasters.
• Local Animal Shelters– BARC, The Humane Society, CAP, and more are always in need of clean towels and bedding. They are also in need of newspaper.  Each organization has different requirements and needs so find one near you and check their website before you go.

ELECTRONICS

The State of Texas has passed laws requiring manufacturers of televisions and computers to take back their products and recycle them at no cost to the consumer. Just be sure to clear all of your data. These local stores and brands also provide their own take- back and recycling programs ::

• Best Buy
• Staples
• Walmart’s Eco ATM

Do you know of other ways to donate broken or outdated items? Tell us where in the comments.

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