Places to donate your discarded items

SEASONAL FOR SPRING: PROM DRESS DONATIONS

• Operation Glass Slipper provides prom dresses and accessories at no charge to high school girls in Minnesota who can't afford to purchase their own. Drop-off sites are listed at operation glassslipper.org.
• Ever After Gowns is collecting dresses to be distributed to prom-goers in need. Visit everaftergowns.org for drop-off locations.
• Paperbag Princess in South St Paul is collecting dresses. Visit paperbagprincess.org for details.

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS: DROP OFF AT THEIR SITES

• American Cancer Society "World's Largest Garage Sale" offers pickup for new items from June - September in Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, and Wright counties. They accept clothing, books, furniture and other household items. Call 651-255-8100 to find out where to deliver items (speak with an events representative.)
• Anoka County Community Action Program, Inc. (ACCAP) takes bed frames, mattresses, cribs, dresers, couches, chairs (upholstered), coffee & end tables, lamps, tables, kitchen and dining tables and chairs, and linens. Call 763-783-4747.
• Arc's Value Village Thrift Stores (Four locations: Richfield, New Hope, Brooklyn Center and St. Paul.) They accept clothing, accessories, jewelry and shoes; kitchenware; small appliances; books, music and media; toys and games; linens and crafts; knick-knacks, collectibles and art; luggage; pictures, frames, decorative mirrors; holiday decorations; hand tools; select furniture (with manager approval.) Pick-up service available or drop off at their stores. Call 612-861-9550 or visit their great website at www.arcsvaluevillage.org.
• Bridging Inc. in Bloomington, MN, will take used mattresses in good condition, as well as anything to set up a household: beds, couches, pots and pans, glassware, dishes, etc. Visit www.bridging.org or call 952-888-1105.
• Catholic Charities accepts personal care items like blankets, sheets, gloves, shoes, and socks. Also furniture (pick-up available); no clothing. Call 612-664-8500 or visit www.ccspm.org.
• Disabled American Veterans accepts clothing, housewares, some furniture. Neighborhood pick-ups available in some areas or drop off at their shop located on University and Dale in St Paul. Call 651-487-2002.
• Epilepsy Foundation accepts most household items (clothing, shoes, bedding items, housewares, toys, games, tools, small appliances, and some furniture (no mattresses or sleeper sofas.) Drop off at their office at Snelling and University in St Paul. Neighborhood pick-ups available in some areas. Visit www.efmn.org or call 651-287-2300.
• Goodwill accepts furniture, cars, clothing, books, toys and more. Call 651-646-2591.
• Joseph's Coat accepts clothing & shoes, cookware & dishes, small appliances, bed & bath linens, puzzles, games & books, and personal care items. Visit www.josephscoatmn.org or call 651-291-2472.
• Salvation Army accepts clothing, housewares. Call 651-771-7779.

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS: PICK-UP SERVICE IN THE TWIN CITIES

• Arc's Value Village Thrift Stores accepts clothing (all sizes, seasons and types); accessories (shoes, boots, hats, belts, mittens, scarves, jewelry, watches, purses); housewares, linens and small furnishings;
  books, movies, music, toys, games and crafts; small working appliances and electronics; select furniture. Neighborhood pickups in most areas.  Call 612-866-8820 or visit www.bluetrucks.org or www.arcsvaluevillage.org.
• Bridging Inc. in Bloomington, MN, will take used mattresses in good condition, as well as anything to set up a household: beds, couches, pots and pans, glassware, dishes, etc. Will pick up in some areas, especially for larger donations. Visit www.bridging.org or call 952-888-1105.
• Courage Center accepts clothing, housewares, some furniture. Neighborhood pick-ups available in some areas. Call 952-881-1100 or visit www.couragepickup.org.
• Disabled American Veterans Thrift Store accepts clothing, housewares, some furniture. Neighborhood pick-ups available in some areas. Call 651-487-2002.
• Epilepsy Foundation accepts most household items (clothing, shoes, bedding items, housewares, toys, games, tools, small appliances, and some furniture (no mattresses or sleeper sofas, however.) Neighborhood pick-ups available in some areas. Visit www.efmn.org or call 651-287-2300.
• Lupus Foundation accepts clothing, housewares, some furniture. Neighborhood pick-ups available in some areas. Call 651-748-0400 or visit www.lupuspickup.org.
• Vietnam Veterans of America accepts clothing, housewares, some furniture. Neighborhood pick-ups available in some areas. Call 651-778-8387 or visit www.vvapickup.org.
• Worldwide Missions Thrift Center accepts furniture, clothing, small appliances, lawn and garden equipment, toys, books, and household items. Located in Burnsville. Call 952-882-7899 for pick-up service or visit www.worldwidemissionsthriftcenter.org.

BABY ITEMS

• Joseph's Coat accepts clothes, toys, cribs, strollers and other baby equipment in good condition (no baby bathtubs). Visit www.josephscoatmn.org or call 651-291-2472.
• Catholic Charities refugee resettlement program accepts cribs, high chairs, and strollers. Call 651-222-3001.
• Southside Life Care Center at Chicago Ave South and 41st Street in Minneapolis accepts donations of baby equipment, cribs, infant and toddler and maternity clothes. They are one of the few places that takes older cribs as they have volunteers who refurbish them and get them up to safety standards. Call 612-823-0301 or visit www.southsidelifecare.com.
• TwinCitiesFreeMarket.org will let you post items for free in the children's section. Visit www.TwinCitiesFreeMarket.org.

CLOTHING ONLY

• Ready for Success — part of Episcopal Community Services — provides low-income women in the Twin Cities with gently used clothing suitable for interviews and the workplace. They especially need "business professional" and" business casual" items in sizes 14 and higher, plus shoes, scaves, jewelry, watches, purses, belts, seasonal outwear, bras, slips, and camisoles. Call 651-731-6400 or visit www.ecsmn.org.
• Dress For Success — aims to advance low-income women's economic and social development and to encourage self-sufficiency through career development and employment retention. Dress for Success currently accepts new or nearly-new and cleaned: Coordinated, contemporary, interview-appropriate skirt and pant suits; crisp blouses; blazers and jackets; and professional shoes. They are particularly in need of larger-size suits. Visit www.dressforsuccess.org.
• Prom Dresses: Ever After Gowns collects gently used prom dresses and distributes them to Twin Cities high school students who can't afford new dresses. They need your shoes and accessories, too. Visit www.everaftergowns.org
• Prom Dresses: Operation Glass Slipper collects gently used prom dresses and distributes them to Twin Cities high school students who can't afford new dresses. They need your shoes and accessories, too. Visit www.operationglassslipper.org.

CARS

• Make-a-Wish Foundation: Accepts all vehicles, running or not. Free pick-up. Call 651-645-9474.
• Autos for Arc accepts any vehicle – car, truck, boat w/trailer, motorcycle, snowmobile, ATV, or RV – in any condition, with free pickup. Vehicles are sold at auction, and proceeds help individuals with disabilities and their families. Call 1-877-778-7709.
• Courage Center: The program accepts passenger cars, SUVs, light trucks, vans, trucks, RV/campers, boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles and personal watercraft. Vehicles must be less than 14 years old. They must be in safe driving condition and have good resale value. Visit www.crcmn.org/auto/courage.htm or call 763-520-0520.
• Free To Be, Inc., part of Anoka County Community Coalition, accepts vehicles at their Blaine location. They inspect and repair the cars, then donate them to needy families. Visit www.freetobeinc.org or call 763-717-7755.

CELL PHONES

• Best Buy provides free and easy recycling for any brand of cell phone.
• The AT&T Wireless Reuse & Recycle Program accepts free drop-offs of all brands of unwanted cell phones and accessories at AT&T Wireless retail stores.
• Sprint Project Connect offers free drop-off of all brands of wireless phones at Sprint Stores.
• Staples office supply stores offer free drop-off recycling services for used cell phones.
• Through the Verizon Wireless HopeLine Phone Recycling Program, consumers get free drop-off recycling services for used cell phones at retail store locations.
• Many local schools accept cell phones as a fund raiser.

COMPUTERS/OFFICE FURNITURE

• Project 4 Pride in Living in NE Minneapolis accepts working computers, fax machines, typewriters, office furniture, and residential furniture. Visit www.pplshop.org or call 612-789-3322.
• MNTAP materials exchange helps prevent usable business materials from becoming waste. Visit www.mnexchange.org or call 612-624-5119.
• Minnesota Computers for Schools refurbishes relatively new (and working) computers for classrooms. Call 651-779-2700 ext 2656 or visit www.mncfs.org.
• Computer Service Center in Blaine provides free recycling of cell phones, printer cartridgers, computers, VCRs, keyboards, computer mice, speakers, power cords, radios, headphones, external computer devices, stereos, and software. There is a disposal charge for printers, copiers, scanners, televisions, and computer monitors. Call 763-783-8600 for details.
• PCs for People refurbishishes newer computers (six years or newer) and distribute them to disadvantaged people. They are located in Mankato, MN and are also creating a new office in Minneapolis. For details, visit www.pcsforpeople.com, email csorensen@pcsforpeople.com, or call 507-351-6571.
• Computer Service Center in Blaine offers free recycling of computers, printer cartridges/toner, keyboards, computer mice, speakers, power cords, radios, headphones, external computer devices, stereos, and software. There is a minimal charge to recycle printers, copiers, scanners, tv's, and monitors. Drop off or arrange pick up. Will remove hard drive information safely for you. Call 763-783-8600.
• The Minnesota Materials Exchange program is a free service that links organizations that have reusable goods they no longer need to those who can use them. They accept business-related items in good, usable condition. Visit http://mnexchange.org.

HOME PROJECTS

• The Reuse Center: Donate your new or used building materials and tools, from windows, to doors, and everything in between. Requests welcome. They can pick up or you can drop off. Near Lake St and Hiawatha Ave. Visit www.greeninstitute.org or call 888-224-2608.
• Bauer Brothers Salvage: Find everything from used theater seats to columns. Donate or sell your building materials, plumbing, cabinetry, etc. Located in NE Minneapolis. Visit www.bauersalvage.com or call 612-521-9492.
• Rebuilding Together: Donate tools or paint supplies to this non-profit that preserves and revitalizes houses and communities for low-income homeowners. Visit www.rebuildingtogether.org.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

• To donate used crutches, contact nursing homes and or medical supply stores to find out if they take donations of these items. School nurses may also need them for temporary use for minor sports injuries while kids are at school. Also try low-income/free clinics in your area.

UPSCALE ITEMS

• Hope Chest in Wayzata, MN, accepts used designer clothing, furniture and accessories. Proceeds go to support breast cancer research. Call 952-471-8700 or visit www.hopechest.us.

Recycling used items

ART PROJECTS MATERIALS

• Artscraps in St Paul (St Clair and Snelling Ave) will take items that could be used for any type of art or craft project, from metal scraps to margarine tubs. 651-698-ARTS or www.artstart.org. In Minneapolis, Funktional Art will take similar objects. Also try your local Parks and Rec to donate anything that could be used for art projects for children. Also try the Science Museum of Minnesota.
• Visit www.makestuff.com for fun projects to make with recycled materials.
• Leonardo's Basement in Minneapolis accepts items for their kids' classes and projects, everything from prescription bottles to art supplies, from hand tools to gadgets. Visit www.leonardosbasement.org/1help.php or call (612) 824-4394.
  

BATTERIES

• Radio Shack and Target will take back used small button batteries used in watches, hearing aids, cameras, etc. These should NOT be thrown in the trash. Service stations are required to take back automotive lead acid batteries. Rechargeable batteries, such as those for cell phones and cordless power tools, should NOT be thrown in the trash. Visit www.rbrc.org for a list of retailers who accept them, including Target, Radio Shack, and Home Depot. Common alkaline batteries used in toys and flashlights CAN be thrown in the trash as they don't contain any mercury.

ENCYCLOPEDIAS

• A few ideas for getting rid of them include posting on Craig’s List (www.craigslist.org), Freecycle (www.freecycle.org), or Twin Cities Free Market (www.twincitiesfreemarket.org). Ask local schools, libraries, or artists if they want them. Contact Books for Africa (www.booksforafrica.org). They accept 2000 or newer reference books such as encyclopedias and dictionaries.

MAGAZINES

• A few places to donate used magazines include: schools (for collages and art projects), nursing homes, libraries, health clubs, and women's shelters. Call before you drop off to make sure they aren't already inundated.

PACKING PEANUTS

• Take your old packing peanuts to any UPS, Parcel Plus, Mail Boxes Etc. or other shipping outlet and they'll reuse them.

PLASTIC BAGS

• Byerly's, Cub Foods, Fresh & Natural Foods, Kowalski's Markets, Lunds, and Twin Cities Natural Food Co-ops all accept clean, dry plastic bags for recyling. This includes not only plastic grocery and retail bags, but also the bags that wrap your morning paper, dry cleaning bags, water softener salt bags (remove strings and handles first), produce and bread bags (food residue cleaned off), zip-top bags (cut off any plastic parts first), and plastic wrappers from paper towels and toilet paper. No bubble wrap.

PRINTER CARTRIDGES

• Office Depot and Office Max, as well as other office-supply stores will usually accept used printer cartridges. However, Epson, Brother, and Canon are often not accepted.

Connect with other buyers

• Twin Cities Free Market.org is a unique website that hooks up potential givers and takers of any type of item. (You can't charge for the items you are "selling.") Free service. Visit twincitiesfreemarket.org.
• Live Deal: A website selling tool where you can sell just about anything. Postings are free and connects shoppers and buyers who are within driving distance of each other. Visit www.livedeal.com.
• Craigslist.org will connect you with other buyers in your area. Just click on the city nearest you and then the "for sale" section. Listings are free. Visit www.craigslist.org.
• Freecycle.org matches up potential givers and takers of any type of item. Visit www.freecycle.org.
  

Fun places to shop second-hand

• Project for Pride in Living in NE Minneapolis. Visit www.pplshop.org or call 612-789-3322.
• The Shop Used First! guide lists locations throughout the metro area, highlighting those in Anoka County where you can find reused items or take your items for others to reuse. For more information or to request a copy of the Shop Used First! guide, call 763-323-5730 or e-mail recycle@co.anoka.mn.us.
• Arc's Value Village Thrift Stores (Four locations: Richfield, New Hope, Brooklyn Center and St. Paul.) Call 612-861-9550 or visit their great website at www.arcsvaluevillage.org

Environmental resources for recycling

• Earth911: Just type in your zip code and you'll find locations near you to recycle or donate just about anything you can think of! Visit minnesota.earth911.org/usa or www.earth911.org.
• Recyclemoreminnesota.org: Lists resources for each county on how to be more environmentally friendly. Also check out reduce.org and pca.state.mn.us.
• Minnesota Waste Wise: Offers waste reduction resources for businesses. Call 651-292-4662 or visit www.mnwastewise.org.
• Recycling Association of MN: Visit www.recycleminnesota.org or call 651-641-4560.
• Recyclaholics: educational seminars for communities, businesses and schools; recycled and biodegradable/compostable products. 612-521-5667 or www.recyclaholics.com
• Blue Sky Guide, a guide to smart shopping in the Twin Cities, local resources, new products, and local businesses (including coupons.) Find local distributors at www.findbluesky.com.
• The Twin Cities Green Guide has a wealth of information including a directory of green businesses and organizations. Visit www.thegreenguide.org.
• Greenguardian is a great place to learn how to reduce garbage, increase recycling, and order a composting kit. It also has a nice kids section. Visit www.greenguardian.com.
• Computer Service Center in Blaine offers free recycling of computers, printer cartridges/toner, keyboards, computer mice, speakers, power cords, radios, headphones, external computer devices, stereos, and software. There is a minimal charge to recycle printers, copiers, scanners, tv's, and monitors. Drop off or arrange pick up. Will remove hard drive information safely for you. Call 763-783-8600.

Getting rid of household hazardous waste

For information, contact the county in which you live (see below), or visit www.pca.state.mn.us/hhw.html.

• Anoka: 763-323-5730
• Carver: 952-361-1800
• Dakota: 952-891-7020
• Hennepin: 612-348-6509
• Ramsey: 651-633-3279
• Washington: 651-430-6000

Getting rid of junk mail

Reduce the hail of unwanted mail by visiting the Direct Marketing Association consumer website at www.dmachoice.org and ask to be removed from their mailing lists. While you're on the website, follow the instructions to put yourself on the Do Not Call list, and then opt out of pre-screened credit card offers.

Catalog Choice is a free service that lets you set mail preferences for paper catalogs you no longer wish to receive. Visit www.catalogchoice.org.

Do Not Call Registery: Opt out of unsolicited phone calls by visiting www.donotcall.gov.

Call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT to stop mailings of credit card offers.

Visit www.dexknows.com to opt out of receiving phone books.

When you need to get rid of a dumpster-full or more

• TUBS, Inc: 612-825-TUBS
• Junk Squad: 952-828-9999 or www.junksquad.com. They specialize in moving and estate clean-ups. They'll take pretty much EVERYTHING, and they're good about donating usable items and/or recycling most of the rest. They'll even give you receipts for donations.
• 1-800-GOT-JUNK: North America’s largest junk removal service. They do all the loading into their truck, and then your junk is recycled, taken to a transfer station, or sent to a landfill. Pricing is based on your city, volume of material, and the nature of your material. They’ll take construction materials, garden refuse, furniture, appliances, and other items. No hazardous waste accepted. Visit www.1800gotjunk.com or call 1-800-got-junk.

Refuse

• Vaskos in St. Paul, MN, (Como Ave. between Rice and Western) will take used mattresses and other non-hazardous materials for a fee. Call 651-487-8546.

Value of donated items

• To check out the value of your donated items, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org, click on Ways to Give, and click on Valuation Guide in the drop down menu, or go to http://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes /itsdeductible/index.jsp and use this free software to make the calculation.