Recycling/Reuse Alternatives

Bulky Donations

Consider donating your gently used appliances, clothing, furniture, or other household items to a friend, local charity, or non-profit organization. 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!

Some organizations offer drop-off services, or you can schedule a pick-up if you are in their service area. Please check the organization's guidelines to see what items are accepted and how to prepare items for proper reuse/donation.

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 landfills.

Below is a list of 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

Appliances, clothing & shoes, electronics, furniture, hobby items, household goods, toys, and vehicles.

Give the gift of mobility. Reduce Landfill waste.

Medical Equipment_Reuse_Recycle Alternatives PAGE Opens in new window

While the Prince George's County Memorial Library System is not currently accepting book donations, third-party donation bins are available at the Accokeek, Beltsville, Bowie, Greenbelt, Largo-Kettering, New Carrollton, Oxon Hill, and South Bowie branches.


 

Zero Waste Events Guide

Having an Event?

With some planning, you can reduce your waste and environmental impact while saving money. Use simple tips to celebrate any special occasion.

Learn more by downloading the complete guide, including practical TIPS: 

Zero Waste Events Guide

Additional Resources

  1. Craigslist Free Stuff
  2. Earth 911
  3. Electronics Recycling Locations
  4. Freecycle (Local Community)
  5. Loading Dock
  6. Mission of Love Charities
  7. NextDoor (Local Community)
  8. Recycling/Disposal Guide for Home Gadgets and Devices
  9. Reward Points for Recycling
  10. Wheels for Wishes
  11. Veteran Car Donations
  12. Prince George's County Food Equity Council