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Where to donate/discard your items
Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of things - it’s about honoring what once served you and finding thoughtful next homes when possible. This is a living list of Chicago-area donation, recycling, and redistribution resources I often share with clients. Before visiting or dropping off items, please check each organization’s website or call to confirm what they can accept and their current drop-off guidelines - donation needs change seasonally and space is limited.
Organization | Category | Location | Website | What They Accept Copy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The WasteShed | Creative Reuse & School Supplies | Chicago & Evanston | https://www.thewasteshed.com/donate?utm_source=chatgpt.com | Reusable art, craft, office, and school materials |
Sephora – Beauty (Re)Purposed | Beauty Recycling | Nationwide | https://www.sephora.com/beauty-repurposed | Empty beauty and makeup containers |
SCARCE – Wheaton Monthly Recycling Event | Hard-to-Recycle Items | Western Suburbs | https://www.scarce.org/event/wheaton-monthly-recycling-event/ | Electronics, books, textiles, and specialty recycling |
Midway Document Destruction | Paper & Documents | South Side Chicago | https://www.midwaydocumentdestruction.com/calendar/ | Paper shredding events |
MedShare | Medical Supplies & Equipment | National / International | https://www.medshare.org/donate/donate-medical-supplies-equipment/?utm_source=chatgpt.com | Medical supplies and used biomedical equipment |
Habitat for Humanity ReStore | Furniture & Home Goods | North & South Chicago | https://www.habitatchicago.org/restore | Furniture, fixtures, appliances, home goods |
Dress for Success – Chicago | Professional Clothing | Chicago | https://chicago.dressforsuccess.org/ | Professional workwear, new bras, underwear, etc. |
Devices for the Disabled | Medical Equipment Donation | Chicago | https://devices4thedisabled.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com | Durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, canes — check guidelines) |
Chicago Textile Recycling (CTR) | Textiles & Clothing Recycling | Around Chicago | https://chicagotextilerecycling.com/find-a-bin | Used garments including bras, underwear, and textiles |
19th District Mutual Aid | Clothing & Mutual Aid | Chicago | https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yLfFT1QpHRrjOjxC8clyMS38g2bUtqz9ewRkAQ3R9zk/edit | Clothes and essential supplies |
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