Lily’s List of Reuse Resources
Dear Smart Recyclers,
This summer, we had the pleasure of working with another amazing intern, Lily. Her work included a lot of data crunching, recycling and reuse outlet research, and of course, Recycle Smart MA social posts and ideas. After spending the last three months nerding out about reducing waste, we asked Lily what she wishes more people knew. Here’s what she wanted to share. Take it away, Lily!
Hi, everyone. Lily here!
This internship has gotten me thinking a lot about whether recycling is really the best next step when you no longer need or want something.
The answer? Not always.
When I’m not using an item anymore but it’s still in good condition, I try to think about how I can give it a second life. To me, that means making sure the people who want it can find it and keep it in use (and out of the trash or recycling) longer.
There are so many ways to reuse in Massachusetts. Here are some of my favorites!
1. Specialty Secondhand Stores
Specialty secondhand stores collect and sell a particular category of items (think used bookshops, craft supply reuse stores, and outdoor gear resale shops). These stores are great because you’ll find a wide variety of options within that category, and you’re more likely to spot exactly what you’re looking for.
As much as I love my local thrift shop, I would never go there looking for something as specific as 5-millimeter double-pointed knitting needles or a 4-inch embroidery hoop. But I absolutely go to secondhand craft stores with this kind of shopping list, and often they have just what I need!
These stores are also helpful when you’re looking to donate. If you have something specific (like a bit of leftover yarn) that might not sell at a general thrift store, these shops can connect your item with someone who wants it.
2. Item-Specific Reuse Organizations
Some nonprofits collect a specific type of item to give directly to people in need. For example, they may collect professional work attire to support people reentering the workforce, or they may take bicycles to distribute to teens who can’t afford one.
There are lots of these nonprofits around Massachusetts, all working to give good items that might otherwise be trashed or recycled to those who could really use them.
Whenever possible, I prioritize donating to these types of organizations because I know my donation will find its way to someone who needs it.
3. Swap Shops
I found out that there are over 90 swap shops in Massachusetts! Swap shops are local reuse hubs where residents can drop off unwanted items in good condition (kitchenware, puzzles, games, tools, clothes, and more), and other residents can take what they need, free of charge.
I love bringing things to my local swap shop because it’s located at the transfer station where I’m heading anyway. This makes it convenient not only for me to drop things off but also for others to scoop things up, which helps keep good stuff circulating right in my community.
4. Local Reuse Events
I always keep an eye out for reuse events hosted by my town, my university, or a local business. These events include town or city zero-waste days, where residents can drop off items and take what others have left, and school “reuse shops,” where students can claim items left by their peers before the start of the school year. (I actually coordinated a sale like this at my university, which might help explain my enthusiasm for reuse!)
Some events even help you repair things (toasters, sweaters, bicycles, lamps, etc.) so you can continue using them.
Events like these can also be a chance to meet your neighbors and become more connected to your community.
5. Online Groups
When I don’t have time to visit an in-person reuse center, or the timing for a reuse event doesn’t work out, I use online “freecycle” groups. I just list items I no longer want with a description and photo, neighbors reach out if interested, and we arrange a pickup. This has allowed me to give away items quickly, and it’s another way for people to find things they need without having to buy them new. Easy peasy!
Want to give items away for reuse but aren’t sure where to start?
Check with your city or town to see what resources they have available. You can also check the Beyond the Bin Search Directory. Although most listings are for recycling, you can find businesses and organizations focused on reuse by looking for those who accept items only in good condition.
Are you an organization seeking donations?
Add your organization to the Beyond the Bin Search Directory!
Partner Spotlight: New Life Furniture Bank of MA
Some of New Life Furniture Bank’s volunteers in their furniture repair shop.
On the topic of reuse organizations, did you know that there are nonprofits, called furniture banks, that collect gently loved couches, chairs, tables, and other furnishings to give to families in need? One example is New Life Furniture Bank of MA, located in Walpole and Marlborough. With the help of a dedicated volunteer team, they take in and sometimes repair furniture and household goods, which are made available to people transitioning out of homelessness, veterans, refugees, and others working to rebuild their lives.
From November 2024 to October 2025, New Life Furniture Bank served 868 households, keeping about 282 tons of furniture and other household goods in use. That’s 1.25 times the weight of the Statue of Liberty in reused stuff! Learn more about their work and what they accept for donation on their website.
📚What We’re Reading
- Thrifting, Consumer Habits May Help Shift Textile Recycling Challenges – Waste Dive
- Massachusetts Companies Awarded $1.7M for Recycling and Reuse Growth – WWLP
- Michigan Stadium Rolls Out Reusable Cup Program. How It Works – Detroit Free Press
- Zero Waste Cooking: 17 Ways to Reduce Food Waste in the Kitchen – Foodprint
- Crafters Lose Whole Afternoons Inside This Massachusetts Warehouse Where the Fabric Rolls Never End – Unearth the Voyage
Happy fall!🍂
The Recycle Smart MA Team at MassDEP