Agencies that reuse and recycle in Calgary
So the spring cleaning is done, and now you have a pile of surplus clothes, electronics, furniture and toys ready for the dump but still in usable condition. Don’t kick ’em to the curb: there are several agencies around the city that will gladly take those unwanted items and give them a fresh start.
Electronic Recycling Association
1301 34 Avenue SE, Calgary AB T2G 1V8We tend to go through electronic devices at a rapid pace, always upgrading and buying the latest gadgets. But what to do with the old stuff you’ve replaced? This non-profit organization aims to reduce electronic waste by taking those unwanted goods and refurbishing them for distribution to charities. They take computers of any kind, phone systems, printers, monitors and keyboards. It’s a great alternative to sending that old phone to the landfill.
The DI
3640 11A Street NE, Calgary AB T2E 6M7The Drop-In Centre (DI) works with the less fortunate to help rebuild their lives. It accepts donations of clothing, furniture and small appliances and gives them to the homeless and those at-risk. Your items do have to be in good working condition, not torn, soiled or covered in animal hair. High-demand items include personal hygiene supplies such as razors and towels, and work wear such as steel-toe boots, safety glasses and hard hats. The centre is open for drop-offs, seven days a week.
Cerebral Palsy Association In Alberta
12001 44 St Se, Calgary AB T2Z 4G9You may have seen its donation bins throughout the city, but the association also accepts used items at attended donation stations and at its office. Volunteers will also come to your home to pick up surplus clothing, household items and small electronics, which are then resold through Value Village. The money raised goes to help people living with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.
Calgary Humane Society
4455 110 Ave SE, Calgary AB T2C 2T7If your spring cleaning includes decluttering your pet’s toys and old bedding you may want to donate these items to the Humane Society to help homeless pets. Items on the wish list include toys for dogs, cats and exotic animals. The society also needs towels, flat sheets and blankets, carpet pieces, leashes, cleaning soaps and scrubbers.
Mustard Seed Shelter
The Mustard Seed works closely with the city’s most destitute. It provides basic services like shelter, health care and clothing while helping people get back on their feet. It also offers job-hunt support. The centre accepts gifts in kind for its Home Start and Clothing Bank. Gently used clothes and clean home appliances are appreciated as well as personal hygiene items like shampoo, razors and toothbrushes.
More Store (by WINS)
7007 54th Street Southeast, Calgary AB T2C 4S3WINS provides poverty-stricken women with the essentials needed to help them get a fresh start. The society operates four thrift stores in Calgary and a central distribution centre to handle donations and resell them to the public. WINS accepts clothing and household goods like small appliances, cookware and linens. The thrift store also sells donated furniture and electronics. If you can’t drop off your items, WINS free pickup service runs six days a week.
Neighbourlink
3751 21 Street NE, Calgary AB T2E 6T5Neighbourlink provides support for disadvantaged people from all walks of life. The charity is made up of non-profit groups, churches and private companies dedicated to helping those most in need. Donate your gently used home furnishings like small dressers, kitchen tables, couches and nightstands. Baby items are also needed to help low income families with infants. Car seats, cribs, baby clothes, diapers and baby shampoo, soap and diaper cream are essentials that can help those less fortunate.
Salvation Army
3508 32 Ave NE, Calgary AB T1Y 6J2For more than 100 years the Salvation Army Thrift Stores have used donations to support programs in the community, including food banks, addiction treatment facilities and camps for kids. There are several donation drop-off spots around the city, or you can call for a pickup of your used furniture and household items. The organization also accepts gently used clothing, toys and books.
