With a little planning you can donate and recycle most everything you might otherwise end up on the curb.
Every spring, thousands of students move out of apartments all over Philadelphia. Unfortunately, this process creates a lot of trash and can negatively impact our neighbors.
But here’s the good news; it doesn’t have to be that way! There are so many resources available here in Philadelphia. With just a little bit of planning, you can have a positive impact on the environment as well as your community.
Furniture Donation
To successfully donate your furniture, it will take a little bit of planning. Some of the resources below offer pick-up services and request that you book an appointment a minimum of a week in advance. Others require you to drop off your donations at the location.
Looking to maximize your impact, see if your neighbors have furniture to donate as well.
Uhuru Furniture & Collectables
This North Philadelphia non-profit furniture store strives to develop and institutionalize programs to defend the human and civil rights of the African community.
How to donate: email ufcphilly@gmail.com with the following information:
- Attach a picture of the furniture you want to donate
- Your full name
- Phone number
- Address
- Best date(s) for pick-up
Cost: Free!
Re-Store
Re-store is Habitat for Humanity’s discount home improvement store. 100% of ReStore profits go to build and repair homes in Philadelphia.
How to donate: Click here to schedule a pick-up or drop-off directly at the store Tuesday-Saturday (10am-3pm).
Cost: Free!
Philadelphia Furniture Bank
The Philadelphia Furniture Bank (PFB) furnishes more than 1,400 homes annually for Philadelphians exiting homelessness.
How to donate: PFB offers two pick-up services. Click here to learn more and to schedule a pick-up.
Cost: A small fee is charged to cover the cost of operating the service. Fees vary based on pick-up service.
Goodwill Donation Center
This national non-profit provides education, job training and career services that help individuals faced with barriers to become competitively employed.
How to donate: Goodwill accepts furniture donations via direct drop off at their donation centers and stores. Click here for directions.
Cost: The cost of gas if you have your own vehicle.
Clothing Donation
After swapping or selling your clothes, donation is the next best thing. Most of the resources require you to bring your donations directly to the store. Luckily all are just a short distance and accessible via SEPTA.
Circle Thrift
Circle Thrift sells items at a reduced price to members of Fishtown, Kensington, and South Philadelphia.
How to donate: Drop off only. Click here for directions.
Cost: Free
Philly Aids Thrift
This non-profit supports local charities by taking donations and selling them at their thrift store. Proceeds are distributed to local organizations involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
How to donate: Drop off only. Click here for directions.
Cost: Free
Retrievr
Retrievr is a pickup service that diverts waste from landfills by recycling or re-selling unwanted clothing and electronics.
How to donate: Schedule a pickup here.
Cost: Free or up to $10