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What can I give?
The whole list, in plain language. Where we say no, we say why — and where to take it instead.
Will we take it?
Type what you have. Our words and yours both work — “couch” finds large furniture.
29 categories. Type to narrow it down.
Adult clothingYes, we take this · Clothing
Clean, dry clothing for men and women, any size.
Children's clothingYes, we take this · Clothing
Clean, dry clothing for babies, kids and teens.
Coats and outerwearYes, we take this · Clothing
Coats, jackets and winter gear. Always needed before winter.
ShoesYes, we take this · Shoes & accessories
Wearable shoes with life left in them.
Bags, belts and accessoriesYes, we take this · Shoes & accessories
Handbags, backpacks, belts, scarves, hats and jewelry.
Kitchen and household goodsYes, we take this · Household goods
Dishes, glassware, pots, pans, small décor and linens.
Small furnitureYes, we take this · Furniture
Chairs, side tables, lamps, shelves and small storage.
Large furnitureYes, with conditions · Furniture
Sofas, dressers, dining sets and beds — pickup only, and we check first.
Mattresses and box springsNot here — but somewhere · Furniture
We cannot take mattresses or box springs.
Where to take it: Many cities run a mattress recycling program. Your local sanitation department can tell you where to bring it.
NYC Department of Sanitation — curbside bulk collection
FreeDSNY collects mattresses and box springs at the curb as part of regular bulk trash collection.
Your own curb · The evening before your regular bulk collection day
- The mattress or box spring MUST be fully sealed inside a clear plastic bag — this is a bed-bug rule and an unbagged item can be refused
- Put it out between 6:00 PM and midnight the night before your bulk collection day
- Up to 6 bulk items per collection day
Source: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY). Checked September 11, 2026. Rules change — confirm before you travel.
BooksYes, we take this · Books & media
Books of any kind, as long as the pages and cover are intact.
Records, CDs, DVDs and gamesYes, we take this · Books & media
Vinyl, discs and video games.
Toys and gamesYes, with conditions · Toys & kids
Complete, clean toys and games — we check them against safety recalls.
Car seats, cribs and play yardsNot here — but somewhere · Toys & kids
We cannot take car seats, cribs or play yards.
Where to take it: Some manufacturers and retailers run trade-in or recycling events for car seats. Your pediatrician's office often knows the local one.
Target Car Seat Trade-In
Certain dates onlyFreeTarget accepts all types of car seats for recycling during its trade-in events, including expired and damaged seats, and gives a 20% discount toward new baby gear.
Autumn 2026 window: 20 September to 3 October 2026. Target has run spring and autumn events each year.
Your nearest Target store
- Runs only during the trade-in windows — not accepted year round
- Drop the seat in the marked collection box near Guest Services
- Car seats only — this does not cover cribs or play yards
Free to drop off. Participants receive a 20% Target Circle offer toward new gear.
See the current trade-in datesSource: Target Corporation (official corporate newsroom). Checked September 11, 2026. Rules change — confirm before you travel.
Cribs and play yards — no verified take-back programme
No take-back programmeWe have not verified any programme that accepts used cribs or play yards in this market. DSNY collects large household items at the curb as bulk waste.
Your own curb · The evening before your regular bulk collection day
- Thrift Good cannot verify a reuse or recycling route for used cribs and play yards
- Safety standards change often and recalled cribs must not be passed on to another family
Source: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY). Checked September 11, 2026. Rules change — confirm before you travel.
Small electronicsYes, with conditions · Electronics
Phones, tablets, laptops, speakers and cameras that still power on.
TVs and monitorsYes, with conditions · Electronics
Flat-screen TVs and monitors only, and only at some locations.
NYC e-waste drop-off sites
FreeNew York State law bans electronics from the trash: it is ILLEGAL to put a TV or monitor out with your garbage or recycling. DSNY publishes free drop-off sites — retail, non-profit and special-waste — that accept them.
Varies by site
- Call the site before you travel — sites choose which types and brands they take
- Bring the cords and cables with the device
- This applies to TVs, monitors, VCRs, DVD players, cable boxes and computers
Source: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY). Checked September 17, 2026. Rules change — confirm before you travel.
ecycleNYC — collection from your building
FreeA free DSNY e-waste collection service for residential buildings with 10 or more units. Enrolled buildings get a collection bin or a scheduled pickup from an internal storage area.
Your own building, once enrolled
- Residential buildings with 10 or more units only
- Buildings with 100 or more units receive storage bins
- Accepts computers, laptops, printers, TVs, consoles, phones and their cables
- Does NOT accept household appliances, batteries or light bulbs
Source: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY). Checked September 17, 2026. Rules change — confirm before you travel.
Small appliancesYes, with conditions · Appliances
Microwaves, blenders, coffee makers, vacuums and similar.
Large appliancesNot here — but somewhere · Appliances
We cannot take fridges, freezers, washers, dryers, stoves or AC units.
Where to take it: Your utility company often runs a free appliance pickup and recycling program, sometimes with a rebate.
NYC Department of Sanitation — curbside collection
FreeDSNY collects washers, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, ranges, microwaves and water heaters at the curb. Items that are mostly metal or plastic go out with recycling; the rest go out with trash.
Your own curb · The evening before your regular collection day
- Up to 6 large items per collection day
- This route does NOT apply to anything that cools — fridges, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers and water coolers need a CFC appointment first
- Put it out the evening before your collection day, not days ahead
Source: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY). Checked September 17, 2026. Rules change — confirm before you travel.
DSNY CFC / Freon removal appointment — fridges, freezers and air conditioners
FreeCooling appliances contain refrigerant that must be removed before collection. DSNY does this free at the curb by appointment, puts a sticker on the appliance, and then collects it with your recycling.
Your own curb, after the appointment
- Book the appointment FIRST. An untagged cooling appliance is not collected
- Some newer units use R600a or R32 refrigerant and DSNY CANNOT collect them — look for the warning sticker showing black flames in a yellow triangle, and contact the manufacturer or a private carter instead
- Leave the appliance at the curb after the sticker is applied
An appointment is required.
Book CFC removalSource: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY). Checked September 17, 2026. Rules change — confirm before you travel.
Sporting goods and bikesYes, we take this · Sporting goods
Bikes, weights, camping gear and sports equipment.
Hand and power toolsYes, with conditions · Tools
Working tools, with their guards and safety parts in place.
Collectibles and antiquesYes, with conditions · Collectibles
Coins, stamps, art, instruments and vintage pieces — a specialist looks at these.
Designer and luxury itemsYes, with conditions · Luxury
Designer bags, watches and jewelry — authenticated before they are sold.
Worn-out textilesYes, with conditions · Textile recycling
Stained or torn fabric can still be recycled — but bag it separately and label it.
Paint, chemicals, fuel, propane, pesticidesNever, at any location · Never accepted
These are hazardous waste and cannot be transported or resold.
Where to take it: Your county runs a household hazardous waste drop-off day.
DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off — Staten Island
FreeA year-round DSNY site accepting household hazardous material from NYC residents.
Off the Muldoon Avenue exit of the southbound West Shore Expressway, past the DSNY security booth · Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- NYC residents only — no businesses and no commercial vehicles
- Bring proof of NYC residency
- Per-visit limits: paint up to 5 gallons, motor oil up to 10 quarts, up to 2 oil filters, up to 4 passenger car tires, up to 2 mercury-containing devices
- Accepts aerosols, batteries, e-waste and cords, e-cigarettes and vape pens, fluorescent bulbs and CFLs, motor oil and transmission fluid, paint, car tires, mercury devices
- Closed on legal holidays and during severe weather
Source: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY). Checked September 11, 2026. Rules change — confirm before you travel.
DSNY SAFE Disposal Events
Certain dates onlyFreeSeasonal one-day events accepting Solvents, Automotive products, Flammables and Electronics.
Runs on scheduled dates each spring and autumn. Always confirm the date before travelling.
Specific event dates only — check the schedule before travelling
- NYC residents only — proof of residency may be requested
- Held on specific dates in each borough rather than year-round
- Package items safely for transport
Source: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY). Checked September 11, 2026. Rules change — confirm before you travel.
Weapons and ammunitionNever, at any location · Never accepted
We are not licensed to receive, store or transfer them.
Where to take it: Your local police department runs a safe surrender program.
Medicine, medical devices and needlesNever, at any location · Never accepted
Resale is regulated and we cannot verify safety or sterility.
Where to take it: Pharmacies take back medicine; hospitals take back sharps containers.
Any New York State hospital or nursing home — household sharps
FreeAll New York State hospitals and nursing homes are REQUIRED BY LAW to act as collection centres for used household sharps, including needles, syringes and lancets, with NO identification required.
Call ahead
- Bring sharps in a sealed puncture-resistant container
- Call ahead to confirm the desk and the hours — the obligation is on the institution, the practicalities vary
- Pharmacies are NOT required to take sharps, though some choose to
Source: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY). Checked September 17, 2026. Rules change — confirm before you travel.
Pharmaceutical drop-off — unwanted and expired medicine
FreeDSNY publishes a map of pharmacies, hospitals and police precincts that accept unwanted or expired medication for safe destruction.
Varies by site
- Medicine and sharps are different programmes — a site that takes one may not take the other
- Check the map before travelling; participation changes
Source: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY). Checked September 17, 2026. Rules change — confirm before you travel.
Food, opened cosmetics and personal care productsNever, at any location · Never accepted
We cannot verify what is in an opened container or whether it is still safe.
Where to take it: Sealed, in-date food is welcome at your local food pantry.
Counterfeit goodsNever, at any location · Never accepted
Selling them is illegal and it is not something we will do.
Anything wet, moldy, smoke-damaged or infestedNever, at any location · Never accepted
One contaminated bag can ruin a whole load, and disposing of it costs money that would otherwise fund our work.
Where to take it: This has to go in your household trash.
Recalled productsNever, at any location · Never accepted
Passing on a recalled product puts someone at risk.
Where to take it: The manufacturer usually offers a free repair, replacement or refund.
The full list, department by department
The whole policy, unfiltered. Worth reading if you are clearing a room rather than checking one thing.
This list can differ by location.
A site without a truck cannot take large furniture. A site without an electronics recycler cannot take televisions. When you check pickup eligibility we tell you exactly what your local team can take.
Clothing
Shoes & accessories
Household goods
Furniture
Books & media
Toys & kids
Electronics
Appliances
Sporting goods
Tools
Collectibles
Luxury
Textile recycling
Never, at any location
These are safety and legal limits, not preferences. One of them in a load can mean the whole load is refused.
Paint, chemicals, fuel, propane, pesticides
These are hazardous waste and cannot be transported or resold.
Instead: Your county runs a household hazardous waste drop-off day.
DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off — Staten Island
FreeA year-round DSNY site accepting household hazardous material from NYC residents.
Off the Muldoon Avenue exit of the southbound West Shore Expressway, past the DSNY security booth · Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- NYC residents only — no businesses and no commercial vehicles
- Bring proof of NYC residency
- Per-visit limits: paint up to 5 gallons, motor oil up to 10 quarts, up to 2 oil filters, up to 4 passenger car tires, up to 2 mercury-containing devices
- Accepts aerosols, batteries, e-waste and cords, e-cigarettes and vape pens, fluorescent bulbs and CFLs, motor oil and transmission fluid, paint, car tires, mercury devices
- Closed on legal holidays and during severe weather
Source: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY). Checked September 11, 2026. Rules change — confirm before you travel.
DSNY SAFE Disposal Events
Certain dates onlyFreeSeasonal one-day events accepting Solvents, Automotive products, Flammables and Electronics.
Runs on scheduled dates each spring and autumn. Always confirm the date before travelling.
Specific event dates only — check the schedule before travelling
- NYC residents only — proof of residency may be requested
- Held on specific dates in each borough rather than year-round
- Package items safely for transport
Source: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY). Checked September 11, 2026. Rules change — confirm before you travel.
Weapons and ammunition
We are not licensed to receive, store or transfer them.
Instead: Your local police department runs a safe surrender program.
Medicine, medical devices and needles
Resale is regulated and we cannot verify safety or sterility.
Instead: Pharmacies take back medicine; hospitals take back sharps containers.
Any New York State hospital or nursing home — household sharps
FreeAll New York State hospitals and nursing homes are REQUIRED BY LAW to act as collection centres for used household sharps, including needles, syringes and lancets, with NO identification required.
Call ahead
- Bring sharps in a sealed puncture-resistant container
- Call ahead to confirm the desk and the hours — the obligation is on the institution, the practicalities vary
- Pharmacies are NOT required to take sharps, though some choose to
Source: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY). Checked September 17, 2026. Rules change — confirm before you travel.
Pharmaceutical drop-off — unwanted and expired medicine
FreeDSNY publishes a map of pharmacies, hospitals and police precincts that accept unwanted or expired medication for safe destruction.
Varies by site
- Medicine and sharps are different programmes — a site that takes one may not take the other
- Check the map before travelling; participation changes
Source: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY). Checked September 17, 2026. Rules change — confirm before you travel.
Food, opened cosmetics and personal care products
We cannot verify what is in an opened container or whether it is still safe.
Instead: Sealed, in-date food is welcome at your local food pantry.
Counterfeit goods
Selling them is illegal and it is not something we will do.
Anything wet, moldy, smoke-damaged or infested
One contaminated bag can ruin a whole load, and disposing of it costs money that would otherwise fund our work.
Instead: This has to go in your household trash.
Recalled products
Passing on a recalled product puts someone at risk.
Instead: The manufacturer usually offers a free repair, replacement or refund.
