Donate Don't Dump
Table of Contents
Introduction
Donating gives us the opportunity to reduce emissions, extraction, and help someone who needs something we don't any more.
Where to Donate
Search this directory for organizations that help find home for all kinds of things including life-changing medical equipment (wheel chairs and prosthetics) and more mundane things like woodchips and crayons.
International
Stationary / School Supplies
PENCILS Community "is a group dedicated to helping children achieve the write stuff." They "have sent pencil packs to children in more than 15 countries as well as local and indigenous communities in Australia."
Wood Chips
ChipDrop is an app that allows arborists to make free donations of wood chips, palm fiber, and logs to gardeners who have signed up on the waiting list. “ChipDrop is available in every major metro area in the US and in other countries as well. We're always expanding! If you want to find out what our level of service is in your particular area, you can use this form on the home page of our website: https://getchipdrop.com/#activity"
Synthetic (Plastic) Hair Braids
Rebundle's Plastic Braid Recycling Service appears to serve the USA, Canada, and the UK. They sell banana fiber hair extensions, but do not recycle banana or human hair wigs/extensions. This service is only for plastic hair pieces.
School/Office Supplies
Develop Africa: Donate School Supplies "we have collected supplies from donors from the US, Australia, the UK, and Germany, to name just a few, and distributed several hundred barrels (drums) to over 87 schools in 8 African countries (Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania)."
Pens for Kids "We welcome donations of pens and pencils, old and new, as long as they're in working order. Please send anything you can spare via standard postal services to their Address in Hertfordshire, England."
Africa
Medical Supplies
Legs for Africa "If you have a prosthetic leg that is no longer being used, then join the thousands of other donors who have already recycled theirs."
School/Office Supplies
Develop Africa: Donate School Supplies "we have collected supplies from donors from the US, Australia, the UK, and Germany, to name just a few, and distributed several hundred barrels (drums) to over 87 schools in 8 African countries (Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania)."
Relief Inc.: Pencil Project "Children in Liberia are in dire need of school supplies. The average classroom lacks the basic, essential school supplies to provide a meaningful educational experience for kids." "If you already have school and office supplies that you do not need (regardless of the quantity), please send them to us. We welcome new, and gently used supplies of all types." Mail to their office in California, USA for shipment to Liberia, Africa.
Cameroon
Develop Africa: Donate School Supplies "we have collected supplies from donors from the US, Australia, the UK, and Germany, to name just a few, and distributed several hundred barrels (drums) to over 87 schools in 8 African countries (Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania)."
Ghana
Develop Africa: Donate School Supplies "we have collected supplies from donors from the US, Australia, the UK, and Germany, to name just a few, and distributed several hundred barrels (drums) to over 87 schools in 8 African countries (Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania)."
Libya
Develop Africa: Donate School Supplies "we have collected supplies from donors from the US, Australia, the UK, and Germany, to name just a few, and distributed several hundred barrels (drums) to over 87 schools in 8 African countries (Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania)."
Relief Inc.: Pencil Project "Children in Liberia are in dire need of school supplies. The average classroom lacks the basic, essential school supplies to provide a meaningful educational experience for kids." "If you already have school and office supplies that you do not need (regardless of the quantity), please send them to us. We welcome new, and gently used supplies of all types." Mail to their office in California, USA for shipment to Liberia, Africa.
Niger
Develop Africa: Donate School Supplies "we have collected supplies from donors from the US, Australia, the UK, and Germany, to name just a few, and distributed several hundred barrels (drums) to over 87 schools in 8 African countries (Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania)."
Nigeria
Develop Africa: Donate School Supplies "we have collected supplies from donors from the US, Australia, the UK, and Germany, to name just a few, and distributed several hundred barrels (drums) to over 87 schools in 8 African countries (Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania)."
Senegal
Develop Africa: Donate School Supplies "we have collected supplies from donors from the US, Australia, the UK, and Germany, to name just a few, and distributed several hundred barrels (drums) to over 87 schools in 8 African countries (Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania)."
Sierra Leone
Develop Africa: Donate School Supplies "we have collected supplies from donors from the US, Australia, the UK, and Germany, to name just a few, and distributed several hundred barrels (drums) to over 87 schools in 8 African countries (Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania)."
Tanzania
Develop Africa: Donate School Supplies "we have collected supplies from donors from the US, Australia, the UK, and Germany, to name just a few, and distributed several hundred barrels (drums) to over 87 schools in 8 African countries (Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania)."
Asia
Philippines
Maliyaa Foundation Accepts used school supplies, clothing, shoes, and sports gear from Australian students to give to students in need in the Philippines.
Singapore
Save That Pen "gives used and unwanted pens a new lease of life. We collect donated pens from around Singapore, refill them, and pass them on to underprivileged students in Singapore and the region.
Pens are not easily recyclable in the context of today's technological landscape. Where feasible, we recycle the plastic and metal parts from the non-refillable and non-reusable pens. Otherwise, we may use the remaining pen parts for upcycling activities to raise awareness about waste in meaningful ways."
Vietnam
Blue Dragon: Gifts in Kind works to help human trafficking victims, and accepts school supplies like pens and pencils, as well as hygiene supplies, and items that improve development such as board games and puzzles. "Please note, we do not recommend shipping in-kind-donations from overseas due to import taxes."
Europe
School/Office Supplies
Develop Africa: Donate School Supplies "we have collected supplies from donors from the US, Australia, the UK, and Germany, to name just a few, and distributed several hundred barrels (drums) to over 87 schools in 8 African countries (Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania)."
UK
Scope "Donating and recycling used disability equipment When you have disability equipment that is no longer needed, you may be able to give it to someone else."
Pens for Kids "We welcome donations of pens and pencils, old and new, as long as they're in working order. Please send anything you can spare via standard postal services to their Address in Hertfordshire, England."
Germany
Develop Africa: Donate School Supplies "we have collected supplies from donors from the US, Australia, the UK, and Germany, to name just a few, and distributed several hundred barrels (drums) to over 87 schools in 8 African countries (Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania)."
North America
Canada
Supply Victoria: Pens a resale shop in British Colombia.
Tools for School "In some areas of the Alberta Capital Region, the need for backpacks filled with school supplies is as high as 8 in 10 students. United Way’s Tools for School aims to reduce one known barrier preventing children and youth from successful learning and participation in school. Through support of community donors and corporate sponsors, we continue to meet the needs of children and youth in our community. To ensure students are not identified as accessing the program, we ask that no company logos appear on donated items. All donations must be new or unused."
USA
GreenDrop "Every time you drop off clothing and household items, GreenDrop® pays our nonprofit and charity partners for your donations, helping them fund their programs in your community."
PickUpPlease "Your generous donations of clothing and other household goods make a big difference in the lives of America’s Veterans and their families. The items you donate generate the majority of the funding to support local, state, and national programs of the Vietnam Veterans of America."
Bike Charities
Where to Donate a Bike Listing of bike charities by state.
Textiles & Craft Supplies
FABSCRAP This organization has drop off locations in Brooklyn and Philadelphia. You can also shop with them for fabric by the yard, ribbons, buttons, bulldog clips, paper clips, binder rings, mendable clothing packs, etc.
School/Office Supplies
Develop Africa: Donate School Supplies "we have collected supplies from donors from the US, Australia, the UK, and Germany, to name just a few, and distributed several hundred barrels (drums) to over 87 schools in 8 African countries (Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania)."
California
Relief Inc.: Pencil Project "Children in Liberia are in dire need of school supplies. The average classroom lacks the basic, essential school supplies to provide a meaningful educational experience for kids." "If you already have school and office supplies that you do not need (regardless of the quantity), please send them to us. We welcome new, and gently used supplies of all types." Mail to their office in California, USA for shipment to Liberia, Africa.
Illinois
SCARCE "accepts a variety of items for reuse or recycling as part of our effort to help people and our planet prosper." Addison, Illinois.
The WasteShed "is committed to serving the creative and educational communities in Chicago. It is supported by the Chicago Community Trusts’ Young Leaders Fund, the Field Foundation, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, to name a few, but you can support it too. Pack your markers and other arts and crafts supplies in boxes and take them to their locations" in Chicago or Evanston.
Oregon
Schoolhouse Supplies "accepts donations of new or reusable school, office supplies, art supplies, and other learning materials that are suitable for classrooms. In turn, we distribute these items to eligible schools, which helps us fulfill our mission of providing free school supplies to low-income students. It also helps us keep reusable goods out of the waste stream. If you’d like to make a donation, please review the list of items we are currently accepting and not accepting." Portland, Oregon
New York
FABSCRAP This organization has drop off locations in Brooklyn and Philadelphia. You can also shop with them for fabric by the yard, ribbons, buttons, bulldog clips, paper clips, binder rings, mendable clothing packs, etc.
Pennsylvania
FABSCRAP This organization has drop off locations in Brooklyn and Philadelphia. You can also shop with them for fabric by the yard, ribbons, buttons, bulldog clips, paper clips, binder rings, mendable clothing packs, etc.
Texas
Texas Art Asylum "Part craft store, part thrift store, part salvage yard and part antique store, our inventory is collected from businesses, institutions and individuals who recognize that their materials are suitable for reuse, repurposing or upcycling. In the right creative hands many materials can live second or third useful lives.
We offer these items for sale to artists, educators and crafters in search of high quality reclaimed materials. Our ever-changing inventory inspires creative reuse!
There is always something new to see and inspiration to be found wandering our aisles. Classes and workshops led by some of Houston's finest artists and crafters provide hands-on experience. The Texas Art Asylum also offers educational opportunities in conjunction with the Houston Center for Creative Reuse."
Oceana
Australia
Good360 "Our mission is to ensure the excess goods and services businesses produce every year flow to people in need, rather than going to waste and stressing people, communities and the planet.
As Australia’s largest online marketplace for businesses to donate spare and excess goods, we partner with some of Australia’s leading brands and retailers to source essential goods and distribute them throughout Australia via our network of diverse not-for-profits and disadvantaged schools, supporting people in need."Recycling Guide Australia lists places that will accept certain types of donations for reuse, such as blankets for animal shelters, or specific organizations that take specific items.
School/Office Supplies
Develop Africa: Donate School Supplies "we have collected supplies from donors from the US, Australia, the UK, and Germany, to name just a few, and distributed several hundred barrels (drums) to over 87 schools in 8 African countries (Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania)."
Maliyaa Foundation Accepts used school supplies, clothing, shoes, and sports gear from Australian students to give to students in needin the Philippines.
PENCILS Community "is a group dedicated to helping children achieve the write stuff." They "have sent pencil packs to children in more than 15 countries as well as local and indigenous communities in Australia."
Queensland
Stationary Aid "collects, sorts, cleans, renews and donates excess and used education resources by creating booklist and stationery boxes for our most vulnerable and disadvantaged students to start the school year."
NSW
Stationery Reuse Centre "at UNSW accepts once-loved and re-purposed pens, highlighters, rulers and provides them free for students."
ACT
Roundabout Cannaberra "We accept pencils, pens, textas (please check they work still, or new packs!), activity books, glue sticks (good condition), rulers, paper/craft supplies, exercise books, plain coloured paper." Backpacks and many other items are welcome too.
NSW
Bower "Donate your household goods to the Bower! We’ll resell them back to the community at low cost, or get them to people in need via our House to Home program."
eReuse "provides opportunities to develop or further refine your computer refurbishment skills through hands-on experience." "Do you need a new device, mouse, keyboard or new cable? We might have what you need!"
Reverse Garbage "is an internationally-recognised not-for-profit creative reuse centre in Sydney’s inner west. We redirect commercial and industrial waste from landfill to a new life with educators, artists, upcyclers, DIY enthusiasts, tinkerers, set builders, window dressers, community organisations, festivals, charities, and so many others."
Stationery Reuse Centre "at UNSW accepts once-loved and re-purposed pens, highlighters, rulers and provides them free for students."
Queensland
Stationary Aid "collects, sorts, cleans, renews and donates excess and used education resources by creating booklist and stationery boxes for our most vulnerable and disadvantaged students to start the school year."
Reverse Garbage Queensland "only eco arts and reuse co-operative specialising in the collection of clean industrial discards and other high quality materials for re-sale back to the public. Every week we're saving approximately 2 tonnes of reusable 'waste' from landfill.
Visit us at our warehouse at 20 Burke Street, Woolloongabba"
Victoria
Green Collect their "office collection services are designed for businesses in the midst of relocating, refitting office spaces, or doing a big clear out. We collect your excess items, including stationery, electrical items, IT equipment and furniture, and find their best environmental outcome. We’ll provide you with a report on the environmental and social impact your business has achieved.
Make your office move a green move - and generate positive social and environmental impact for a world without waste.
For businesses setting up an office, we supply quality second-hand furniture, IT equipment and stationery for your new space." they have offices in Victoria.Reverse Art Truck Inc. (formerly Reverse Garbage Truck Inc.) "Shop at Ringwood and Narre Warren" "We DO accept 2nd-hand premium artist-grade pens and pencils but are unable to accept anything less."
West Australia
Give Write "We gratefully accept donations of new, near new or slightly pre-loved school stationery items for repackaging to families who need help the most." "in the Western Australian community"
ReMida Perth "directly repurposes unwanted materials into education and arts settings throughout WA."
West Metro Recycling Centre "You can be a GREAT Sort and gift your unused / near-new school stationery at the West Metro Recycling Centre for WA kids, schools and families in need."
New Zealand
PaperPensPensils "many people acquire surplus amounts of stationery especially pens, pencils, refill, notebooks and spare exercise books. As people grow older and have no use for these items they get discarded or sit at the back of their drawer where they won’t be used. This is also very common for kids at school who get new and updated stationery packs every year and end up with too much. Though while many are pondering what to do with all their excess stationery, others are struggling to support their children with the stationery requirements or funds needed when they go to school. After some thinking and research, I found there was no easy and accessible way that people could donate stationery to children and schools in need. As well I found that people forgot about all their extra stationery until they had no time but to put it into landfill and didn’t realise that others may greatly appreciate what they had too much of. Like the quote goes “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” This is how Paper Pens Pencils was born." Based in Auckland.
Auckland
Auckland Council: Community Recycling Centers "Ngā pokapū hangarua ā-hapori" "Our aim with community recycling centres is to reduce waste to landfill by reusing, re-purposing and recycling as much as possible."
PaperPensPensils "many people acquire surplus amounts of stationery especially pens, pencils, refill, notebooks and spare exercise books. As people grow older and have no use for these items they get discarded or sit at the back of their drawer where they won’t be used. This is also very common for kids at school who get new and updated stationery packs every year and end up with too much. Though while many are pondering what to do with all their excess stationery, others are struggling to support their children with the stationery requirements or funds needed when they go to school. After some thinking and research, I found there was no easy and accessible way that people could donate stationery to children and schools in need. As well I found that people forgot about all their extra stationery until they had no time but to put it into landfill and didn’t realise that others may greatly appreciate what they had too much of. Like the quote goes “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” This is how Paper Pens Pencils was born." Based in Auckland.
Alternative Options
The following are listed from least wasteful or energy intensive, to less-optimal. Be aware that the quality, state, and composition of the items you are trying to get rid of will impact where they should go. Barely-used items that are clean and in good condition should preferably be reused by someone, while dirty and damaged things may be better candidates for recycling or composting.
Europe
UK
Bike Recycling Click here for a map and other resources for recycling your old, rusty bike.
Gloucestershire Recycles let their Waste Wizard help you find local places to recycle.
Zero-Waste Networks & Organizations
Zero-Waste Networks and Organizations focus on helping their communities reduce waste, reuse and recycle. Check out the ones serving your area as they can help connect your school and students with local resources, sometimes including maps, how-to guides, or even sending someone to speak at your school about important issues.
North America
USA
California
Zero Waste Humboldt "Zero Waste Humboldt specializes in providing waste reduction solutions through public education, advocacy, and technical assistance and training.
ZWH provides services on traditional Wiyot territory. We are learning to participate in processes to acknowledge historical atrocities, honor the sovereignty of Native Tribes/Nations, and find ways to engage in developing deeper relationships and true partnerships with our neighbors of Wiyot and other indigenous ancestry. To support the efforts of the Wiyot Tribe and to learn more, contact: http://www.honortax.org/ and https://www.wiyot.us/ ."
Oceana
Australia
Bower offers a variety of services including workshops where you can learn repair skills.
Zero Waste Network (formerly CRN) Australia "is the peak body representing Australian community recycling enterprises. Zero Waste Network Australia members are spread throughout Australia. The Zero Waste Network annual forum is our key networking and educational event, and a great chance to catch up in person."
Tasmania
Rethink Waste Tasmania: Tip Shop Trail "Tasmania’s Tip Shops are far from trashy. In fact, they can contain a treasure trove of bargains that are definitely too good to waste. Whether you’re looking for bikes or books, kitchenware or clothing, tools, tables or even a kitchen sink, chances are your local Tip Shop has a bargain just waiting to be discovered. So, go local or use our handy Tasmanian Tip Shop Trail map to go roaming. Either way you’ll be doing your wallet, the environment and maybe even a local charity some good by choosing to rethink and re-use!"
New Zealand
Sustainability Trust "As a leader in sustainability in the Wellington region, it is important that we support our communities to take climate change action and nurture their relationship with Papatūānuku. To do this, we must make sure that our own whare is in order and be an exemplar as a sustainable business.
In short, sustainability is more than a part of our name, it’s our way of being."Waiheke Recovery Shop "connected to the Waiheke Community Resource Recovery Park, is run by Island Waste Collective (IWC).
The Recovery Shop plays a useful role in diverting unwanted items away from landfill for reuse or recycling.
You can hunt for bargains, and donations of quality used goods can be taken to the Waiheke Community Resource Recovery Park at 108-110 Ostend Road, Waiheke."Wastebusters "We reduce, reuse and recycle to champion behaviour change. Our place is a hub which connects people, things and ideas."
Xtreme Zero Waste "Community Recycling Services & Resource recovery centre founded by families in the community (2000).
We are a whanau working together with yours, towards zero waste.
Ko te mahi ngatahi kia para kore te whenua."ZeroWaste Network "represents community enterprises across Aotearoa New Zealand who are working towards zero waste. Our mission is connect, educate, enable and inspire them to reach their goals and to be a unifying voice at local, regional and central government levels" Use the community map, and select business types including repair shops, resale shops, recyclers, and more.
Zero Waste Hubs: Developing a Nationwide Resource Recovery Network "One of the goals of the Zero Waste Network is to develop a nationwide network of resource recovery centres using local scale Zero Waste Hubs as the basic building blocks."
Grants & Funding
Oceana
Australia
Western Australia
The Sustainability Grants Program (in the City of Cockburn) "offers funding for projects related to six sustainability themes. Open to small businesses, schools, not-for-profits, and collective households, successful applicants can receive up to $4,000 for their project."