If you've spent extended time at home, you've probably tackled piles of old tech gadgets, clothes, books, and miscellaneous items accumulated over years. Or perhaps recent upgrades left you with extras taking up space.
Technology | Clothing | Books | Everything Else
Whatever the trigger, disposing of these items responsibly is key. Landfills aren't the answer—reusing and recycling preserves our environment. Many states and cities require recycling electronics, metals, paper, and more. Even without mandates, minimizing waste benefits us all.
Finding the best disposal method balances convenience, environmental impact, and potential earnings. Pandemic disruptions paused some services, but reliable online platforms remain to guide you through selling, donating, or recycling.
Explore these trusted options based on item type.
Upgrading your phone or laptop? First, explore manufacturer trade-in programs for devices like Macs or Pixels.
For better value, sell via platforms like Decluttr, which offers instant quotes for phones, tech, CDs, DVDs, games, books, and even Legos. Swappa charges buyers fees (sellers cover PayPal), while Amazon's program pays in gift cards.
Prefer donating? Reputable programs like Computers with Causes deliver tech to those in need; Global Computer Exchange refurbishes and ships to schools and libraries in developing countries; Globetops lets you select recipients online or trust their choice. Always vet charities via sites like Charity Navigator.
For obsolete gear no one wants, recycle properly—landfilling may violate laws. A 2018 National Conference of State Legislatures report notes 25 states plus D.C. have e-waste programs. Urban areas often mandate it. Electronics retailers frequently recycle (sometimes for a fee); use Earth911 to locate centers, but confirm availability amid pandemic delays.
Batteries require special handling. Call2Recycle locates drop-offs; BigGreenBox ships them starting at $36 for a 10-pound box (includes shipping).
Vintage items like a BlackBerry PDA or Commodore 64? Museums like MIT Museum or Computer History Museum accept donations—check forms for tax benefits.
Clothing resale splits into luxury consignment, mid-tier brands, and discount outlets.
Luxury platforms like TheRealReal, Rebag, and Vestiaire Collective authenticate recent designer items, jewelry, and accessories—not decade-old finds.
Got professional attire? Local nonprofits like Bottomless Closet (women) or Career Gear (men) in New York equip job seekers; search Charity Navigator or GuideStar for nearby options.
Mid-range: Tradesy handles fashion, shoes, jewelry with authenticity checks and seller commissions. ThredUp accepts thousands of brands—ship gently used items for cash or store credit if accepted.
Donating everyday clothes is tougher post-pandemic, as overseas resale declined and some bins profit-driven. Try Vietnam Veterans of America for pickups, or GiveBackBox for prepaid shipping of 5+ items in your old delivery box to charities.
Photo by Andrew Liptak / I/O Means
Physical books persist despite digital shifts. To clear stacks:
Selling on Amazon requires a seller account ($0.99/book fee) but competes with pros pricing at cost. Better: Powell's or AbeBooks—enter ISBNs for quotes, ship, and get paid.
Textbooks? AbeBooks, Bookbyte, GoTextbooks, or BookScouter (compares buyer offers and ratings).
No payout needed? Better World Books (drop boxes fund literacy); Books for Soldiers ships to troops.
Locally: Libraries accept donations (check websites); used bookstores buy or credit. Search Google Maps for "used bookstores." Or build a Little Free Library.
Photo by James Bareham / I/O Means
eBay remains a go-to for buyers hunting deals:
(Fees vary for managed payments or pro sellers—details on eBay.) Research comparable sales first.
Alternatives: Facebook Marketplace (local or ship), Nextdoor, Craigslist.
Free giveaways? Freecycle connects locals—post offers, arrange handoffs.
