Get organized and get donating! Photo courtesy of Rodnae Productions, Pexels

What Are the Benefits of Donating Clothing, Books, and Goods?

Besides decluttering and tidying up the home, donating used items have benefits that reach well beyond traditional spring cleaning. Each year, millions of pounds of clothing, textiles, and books (not to mention plastic, glass, and other materials) are tossed into a landfill, adding to harmful greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to global warming. Many of these items can be either reused, repurposed, or recycled. This prevents the disastrous effects of decomposition, such as the release of methane, dyes, and other toxic chemicals into the air, soil, and groundwater.

 
Don't let your books tumble into a landfill. Photo courtesy of Pixabay

Books, alone, contribute to hundreds of thousands of tons of trash that are dumped into landfills. I know what you're thinking–books aren't trash; they're treasures! Why would anyone throw them away? When someone is moving or a house is being put on the market, books are often the heaviest and most unused items. When it comes time to make a split decision, people might keep their essential items and choose to get rid of their paperbacks that were read and displayed. 

Clothing Donations Near Boston

When we came to the Bay State, I couldn’t believe the number of roadside drop-boxes dedicated to clothing and book donations. Everywhere I looked, I kept spotting yet another brightly colored bin that was accepting used items. The bins were in easy-to-access parking lots, right off the side of the road, and large enough to accept many donations. I couldn’t get over the different types of containers, too. They each had different logos, which meant they belonged to different companies and there were multiple organizations in Massachusetts doing this work to promote a greener, more sustainable future for the earth.

Here are a few companies that have drop-off bins located across the state, in many towns and communities. We recommend checking out each of them to find a bin near you and to learn about specific details related to what items are accepted at each.

Bay State Textiles recycles clothing while supporting communities.

1. Bay State Textiles

With a mission to not only help people recycle clothing but to support communities across the globe, Bay State Textiles is a company that provides bins to local municipalities and schools to collect unwanted textiles. There are three different ways that Bay State Textiles helps divert thousands of tons of fabric-based waste away from landfills. 

• Export to countries. They send around half of all donated clothing and shoe items to developing countries. This not only helps people in need of garments and footwear; it provides jobs for employees and families around the world.
• Cut into wiping cloths. The second set of donated items, such as heavier cloth materials, are cut and resold as wiping rags to companies in the USA.
• Ground into new material. Finally, the third group of donated textiles will be broken down and ground into new materials at fiber mills.

Planet Aids bright yellow drop-boxes help you spot the right location for donating clothes near Boston.

2. Planet Aid

You've seen the bright yellow bins along the road. You've wondered what they are. The answer is here! These are the Planet Aid donation bins that are not only found in Massachusetts, but across the entire Northeast and parts of the Midwest. Planet Aid is both helping ease the process of recycling and decreasing the need for more cotton growth, which perpetuates the use of harmful pesticides and insecticides. 

Make sure that items are dry and clean when donating into the drop boxes. Planet Aid accepts clothes, shoes, undergarments, towels, bedding, and sleeping bags. They do not accept toys, furniture, or electronics. Check the website for more information on tips to make your spring cleaning experience seamless for all.

3. GreenQuest Partners

I recently saw some of the GreenQuest Partners bins alongside one of the Bay State Books bins and thought I'd share more about their mission. Like Bay State Textiles, part of GreenQuest Partners' mission is to provide those in need with gently used clothing options. They also export some of their clothing donations to foreign countries. By creating donation opportunities, this organization hopes to contribute to local economies and provide job opportunities through sustainable recycling endeavors. Their website offers contact information for those thinking about being a host site for a donation bin. 

There are thousands of donation bins near Boston for clothing, books, and more.

Book Donations Near Boston

4. Bay State Books

It can be so hard to part with books. They've entertained, informed, and become a part of your life. No doubt you have specific memories created around each text–what vacation you were on when you were snuggled up reading it, how the book made you feel as you turned each page to read more. But sometimes, you decide that part of your beloved collection could use a new home. Maybe your bookshelf is just too crowded and you are ready to include some novels in your spring cleaning mission.

Look no further than Bay State Books. They've helped save more than 7 million books from being tossed needlessly in a landfill, which means they're ultimately helping the environment one treasure at a time. The company has donation bins in Massachusetts and also supports book donations throughout neighboring Northeast states. Bay State Books donation bins are just one of the ways you can recycle your used books. They also partner with libraries and schools and offer book removal programs as part of their services. Bay State Books will help find a new home for your well-loved books.

5. More Than Words

More Than Words is also more than just a donation bin. This organization is a nonprofit that works to support and empower youth who are or have been homeless, in the foster care or court system, or are out of school. More Than Words involves these young adults in all aspects of business, including driving trucks to pick up donation bin items. Once business skills and experience are gained, More Than Words also offers career services to support the continued education and advancement of its members.

Donations accepted by More Than Words include clothes, shoes, books, CDs, DVDs, and video games. There are many local drop-off bins located throughout Massachusetts for convenient recycling opportunities. If you'd like to drop by a store to donate items, you can visit their Waltham or Boston sites. More Than Words also offers pickup services for Massachusetts residents who are donating 8 or more boxes of clothing and other accepted items.

Toy Donations Near Boston

6. Epilepsy Foundation New England

Another donation organization that supports an important cause is the Epilepsy Foundation New England. The mission is to support families and people who are suffering from epilepsy and seizure disorders. Donations of clothing and certain home goods will be collected and sold to Savers. The entire profit of these sales will go to supporting families in need.

The Epilepsy Foundation New England has drop-off bins, as well as opportunities to host a clothing drive and support the foundation in different ways. Small toys in working order (and boxed) are accepted as donations. Check out the website for more details on getting involved, as well as an extensive list of acceptable and non-acceptable items to donate.

7. Room to Grow

This organization supports low-income families with young children. Room to Grow equips parents and caregivers with the materials, resources, and support to care for babies and toddlers. This group has been making a difference in precious lives for two decades.

Room to Grow Accepts donations of baby and toddler items like toys and clothes for children up to 3 years of age. While they don't have drop-off bins, you can donate at their Hyde Park facility or get a donate-by-mail bag via the website.

What Else Can I Recycle Near Boston?

We definitely haven't hit on all of the different recycling bin locations or organizations within Massachusetts. So if you've seen other bins or are looking for donation sites within your local community, check out the government website to search for bins near you. You can also search for local shops to repair or swap items that have been used.

Massachusetts doesn't just stop there, though. Also on the mass.gov website, you can find donation centers that accept items other than clothing and books. Construction materials, furniture, office items, electronics, and other household items can all be recycled and donated throughout the Bay State. If you're looking for ways to donate food items, there's also a category to help you find a location for a food bank or pantry.

Other Donation Centers Near Boston

You've probably heard of or already visited at least one of these nationally known donation centers. If you're looking for larger store donation centers or other ways to donate, volunteer, and support the community, try one of these organizations. Most have options to donate money online, and there's a store locator option that will give you directions to the nearest location. 

Goodwill

Salvation Army

Red Cross

Savers

Habitat for Humanity

All photos, unless otherwise indicated, were taken by the author