Reuse
Carlisle Resources
Check out the Gleason Public Library's Library of Things!
And visit our famous Swap Shop!
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure
submitted by Laura Snowdon, Chair,
Transfer Station Action Committee (TSAC); November 2024
One of the best ways to keep items out of solid waste is to enable their reuse by donation to an organization which passes them forward or find a kindred spirit. The Swap Shop at the Transfer Station is Carlisle’s own Reuse station, but it is emptied at the end of each week and there are a lot more options. Before throwing away items, please look through the list below to see if they can be donated.
“Buy Nothing Concord/Carlisle MA” – Subscribers to this popular Facebook group give away and pick up all kinds of household items, furniture, kids’ stuff, etc. And it is fun to just watch other people made happy by giving away their belongings to neighbors who are excited by them.
Household Goods – in Acton, is a very special place. Go to their website and read “About Us.” Their customers are people who are setting up their homes, sometimes for the first time. Hundreds of social service agencies refer people who are recently homeless, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, low income, immigrants, victims of disaster, or are coping with illness or disability. It is not a walk-in store. It is staffed by hundreds of volunteers, many from Carlisle. Unlike other organizations, Household Goods will accept mattresses in good condition, without stains or rips.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell – ReStore – an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, accepts donations of new and gently used furniture, appliances, building materials and home goods that it sells to the general public at a fraction of the original retail price. All proceeds fund Habitat Lowell’s mission to build and renovate safe, decent, energy efficient and affordable homes for local families. They serve 16 towns (including Carlisle) and the City of Lowell.
Its Critical Home Repair program offers assistance to qualified seniors, veterans and families to help alleviate health, safety and code violations. ReStore will accept building materials. Check the “See What’s Accepted” link on their website for more information.
Savers®/Value Village TM – in Nashua will accept items that other non-profits may not. Savers is a hybrid – a for-profit that accepts donations of used goods on behalf of nonprofits, and then purchases those goods from the nonprofit, providing them with unrestricted revenue. In this area, the Epilepsy Foundation is a major benefactor.
Big Brothers Big Sisters BBBS Foundation – is a donor-supported program matching volunteer adult mentors and children ages 5 and up. The Foundation accepts donated clothing, small household goods and more, and will schedule a pick-up with you. Check their website for acceptable items.
More than Words – “Youth ages 16-24 who are in foster-care, homeless, out-of-school, or in the court system, learn to run an online and retail bookstore while also getting full wrap-around supports to tackle the barriers from our state systems and take charge of their lives.” Carlisle’s Transfer Station has a donation bin for books (and those left behind in the Swap Shop have a home there.) You can shop at their Waltham headquarters, their South End bookstore, or order books on-line.
Mass Teacher Resources (MTR)
Mass Teacher Resources helps teachers in Greater Boston at economically disadvantaged schools access the resources needed to create welcoming, inclusive, and safe learning environments for students. MTR is a free store where teachers can pick up the supplies they need for FREE. They've already supplied 124 teachers and over 3,000 students. MTR are grateful for drop-off donations, but will also arrange pick-ups.
And if you’re looking for something to borrow or keep? Carlisle’s own City-in-the-Woods listserv (CityInTheWoods.groups.io) is a great place to let people know you need something in particular to borrow or keep (often for school plays.) Posting your request on the Buy Nothing Facebook group is another good option.
Carlisle’s Transfer Station website will list additional resources. Feel free to tell us of your favorite resources and why you like them by emailing recycling@carlislema.gov. ∆