Decluttering the sustainable way

Whether you’re thinking about selling or just thinking about decluttering, it can be a little daunting knowing where to donate or dispose of items that still have a useful life. If you’ve already tried your neighborhood Buy Nothing groups, and you don’t have the stamina for a good old fashioned garage sale… what’s next?

Below are a few of our favorite places to donate and a cheat sheet in terms of what they will accept and whether or not they offer pickup. P.S. If you have never visited the salvage yards listed below, you’re missing out on a good time!

Habitat for Humanity Restore(s) | locations in South Tacoma, Puyallup, Spanaway and Lakewood

Primarily accepts: Furniture (including antiques and art), cabinets, doors & windows, sinks & vanities, working major appliances, light fixtures, tools

Does NOT accept: used toilets, loose tile, mattresses, futons

Pickup available? Yes

Visit their online store here

Northwest Furniture Bank | 117 Puyallup Ave Tacoma, WA 98421

Primarily accepts: seating (chairs, stools, ottomans), tables, dressers, sofas, small TVs

Does NOT accept: Mattresses, Armoires, China Hutches and Buffets, Light Fixtures, Grandfather clocks, large desks, appliances, bed frames

Pickup available? Yes

St Vincent De Paul | 4009 South 56th Street, Tacoma, WA

Primarily accepts: books, CDs, Clothing, Dishes, working AND non-working electronics

Does NOT accept: VHS tapes, pressboard furniture, infant items besides clothes and toys, copiers, printers, scanners and fax machines

Pickup available? No

Mission Thrift | Two Tacoma locations

Primarily accepts: household goods, clothing, small furniture, in season holiday decor

Does NOT accept: large furniture, mattresses and/or appliances

Pickup available? Not yet - coming soon!

Goodwill | Locations in Puyallup, Tacoma, Federal Way, Spanaway, Lakewood, Graham and Gig Harbor

Primarily accepts: Clothing and household goods, tools, small appliances, movies & books, musical instruments

Does NOT accept: Furniture, Hardwired Light Fixtures, Mattresses/Cribs, Car seats, strollers

Pickup available? Yes, for a fee

Value Village | Tacoma and Puyallup Locations

Primarily accepts: Backpacks, bed & bath, books, small furniture appliances & houseware goods, games & toys

Does NOT accept: mattresses, TVs and monitors, damaged furniture

Pickup available? No

2nd Use | 2328 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma WA 98402

Primarily accepts: home salvage & construction materials including fixtures, hardware, flooring and many appliances - see website for detailed list!

Does NOT accept: upholstered furniture, paint, air conditioners, fluorescent/halogen lights, insulation, hollow core doors, MDF trim, partial boxes of tile

Pickup available? Yes

See their online inventory here

Earthwise Salvage | 628 East 60th St, Tacoma, WA 98404

Primarily accepts: solid wood doors, wood windows, door & window hardware, sinks, clawfoot tubs, faucets, tile & stone

Does NOT accept: Paint, stain, light bulbs, toilets, vintage appliances, non certified wood stoves

Pickup available? Yes

See their online inventory here

Green PC | 3627 S 54th St, Tacoma, WA 98409

Primarily accepts: Copiers, printers, computers, monitors and other electronics including microwaves

Does NOT accept: alkaline batteries, large appliances, vacuums

Pickup available? Yes, for a fee

Best Buy | Multiple locations

Primarily accepts: big and small appliances and electronics (up to 3 per day)

Does NOT accept: household goods, clothing, etc.

Pickup available? No, but there is a mail in option