This section focuses on reuse and recycling resources in the Chicagoland area, for help as you declutter your home. We continue to add more information so please check our site from time to time. Note that this information changes often; if you notice anything that is outdated, please let us know via the Contact Form.
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ART AND OFFICE SUPPLIES
The Waste Shed
The WasteShed is a creative reuse center with two locations: the Humboldt Park area of Chicago, and Evanston (inside the Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse). This organization collects reusable art and school materials that would otherwise be thrown away, and makes them available to teachers, artists and anyone else who needs them, at a low cost. All donations must be in clean and usable condition. Well-organized donations are much appreciated! Make sure you call first. Sometimes donations are not accepted for a period of time, when the inventory is backlogged.
For additional information, click on either location:
BICYCLES
Working Bikes:
Working Bikes gives donated bicycles new life by redistributing them as tools of empowerment in local and global communities. They provide free bikes to communities in need, locally and worldwide. They accept donations of bikes in repairable condition, as well as bike parts and accessories. Donations can be made directly to the warehouse/shop at 2434 S. Western Ave. any time during store hours. In addition, there are many drop-off locations all over Chicago and the suburbs – click here to find a location near you.
BOOKS
Open Books:
Open Books is a nonprofit that provides literacy experiences for tens of thousands of readers each year through inspiring programs and the sale of new and used donated books.
They transform students’ reading and writing skills through experienced educators who deliver innovative instruction, passionate volunteers who serve as positive role models and provide enthusiastic support, safe learning environments for practice, exploration, and social-emotional growth, and access to high-quality books and tailored curricula.
For donation and drop-off information, click here.
Bernie’s Book Bank:
This organization accepts all new and gently used children’s books for birth through 6th grade level. However, they cannot use textbooks, dictionaries, activity books, coloring books, reference material, religious books or foreign language books (dual language OK). For additional information and drop-off locations and hours, click here.
ELECTRONICS
SWANCC (Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County)This is an excellent resource for recyling! There are many locations for electronic recycling, although the hours vary – generally they are open one or two days a week, for a few hours. I recommend you check when you are ready to purge, as hours and locations do change fairly often. Click here for all the locations, hours, and accepted items.
SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County)Another great resource, but a bit further north of Chicago. Note the some locations (including Highland Park) accept clothing and textiles, as well as shoes. Click here for added details – locations, hours and accepted items.
FURNITURE
Furniture is becoming increasingly difficult to donate, as donations typically exceed the market for used items. And furniture takes up a lot of inventory space. If you have items that are in good condition, there are some options that you can try. The more lead time you have, the better. Note that we are not aware of any places that will accept used mattresses.
Brown Elephant:
Brown Elephant is a thrift store whose proceeds fund the Howard Brown Health Center. Howard Brown serves more than 27,000 adults and youth each year in its diverse health and social service delivery system focused around the LGBTQ community. They will pick-up furniture, once approved, for a suggested $25 donation. For additional information about accepted donations and their pick-up service, click here.
CHICAGO FURNITURE BANK
This is a great organization that collects donations of gently used furniture and household goods. These items are then distributed to families and individuals transitioning into supportive housing, turning empty spaces into comfortable homes. Note that there is a pick-up fee (varies from $100 to $200 depending on volume) which covers their expenses. To fill out a pick-up request, click here.
HUMBLE DESIGN
Humble Design partners with local area homeless and abuse shelters to identify families that are emerging from shelters and into low-income housing. Many of these families are victims of abuse and have left behind all personal items upon escaping and entering an emergency shelter. Most have no beds, books, toys or furniture to call their own. To schedule a furniture pick-up, click here. Note that they ask for a $100 donation to cover costs.
Personal Care Products
FOOD PANTRIES
Make sure you donate only unopened and unexpired personal care items; best to try your local food pantry. I take a number of items to the Northfield Township pantry, including paper goods. They have a number of drop-off places on the North Shore. To find one near you, click for: Donation Information
CONNECTIONS FOR THE HOMELESS
This organization not only provides shelter, but also has programs to help end homelessness. In-kind donations that are needed include: food, toiletries, healthcare items, housewares and adult clothing. Donations may be delivered to:
- Hilda’s Place, 1458 Chicago Avenue, Evanston – from 6pm to 9pm, 7 days a week
- Main Office (2121 Dewey Avenue, Evanston – from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday
For additional information, click here.