Donate for Re-Use

The longer that you can keep an item in use, the less waste you create. Donating things that you no longer need lengthens the items useful life and keeps it out of our waste stream. Donations also generally help those in need in our community.

Tips for Donating

• Don't be choosy. Many organizations find value in scraps and broken items.  These can be used for training purposes or may have a resale value. Check with the agency of your choice. You may be able to avoid tossing many items in the garbage by inquiring how they can be useful.
• However, follow each agencies guidelines. Charities do not have time or the support staff to re-direct items that they cannot use. Many will have no other option but to throw unusable items in the trash. Check each organization's website, or call ahead to see what they can and cannot use.
• Don't make assumptions. Libraries cannot use every book. Schools may not need any more bottle caps or crayons. Your old lighting may be too outdated for anyone's home. Before you make assumptions about what each organization can use, please inquire if they have quantity limits, age restrictions or other considerations.
• Don't give up. If the first agency you call cannot use your old items, don't just head for the trash can. Try a few others. Many smaller agencies don't get a lot of calls. They appreciate your persistence. 
• Save them some work. Organize your donations so that parts stay together, matching items are paired, instructions are available, and things don't get broken more. This increases the chance that your donated items can be reused. 
• Remove batteries and light bulbs. Old batteries leak, and light bulbs can break. Please remove these before donating your items and dispose of them properly.
• Get your receipt. You should benefit from your kindness and effort. Do not forget to ask for your official receipt so that you can use it to see if qualify for tax deductions.

Agencies Accepting Donations of Common Household Items 

We are currently building a list of registered 501(c)(3) organizations which accept donations and are located within the City of Fort Lauderdale. If you would like to list your own organization, or recommend an organization to be listed, please contact our Solid Waste Coordinator by email at gyr@fortlauderdale.gov and provide the following information:

• Agency Name
• 501(c)(3) Registration Date and Number
• Address
• Phone number
• Contact Name and Title
• Listing of Items You Accept
• Description of any unique or difficult to find items that you accept
• General description of how your donations are used and who the beneficiaries are

In the meantime, we encourage you to check your favorite local agency for more information.

Agencies Accepting Donations of Clothing, Eyeglasses and Shoes

Please see our listing by visiting this page.