Alternative Solutions

Unfortunately, we cannot accept all donations. On this page you’ll find a list of alternative solutions for common items that can be difficult to donate or recycle and a link

Please keep in mind that this page is always evolving, as we are continually trying to find new ways to connect items with organizations and people who maybe able to use, refurbish or recycle them. We are hoping our community reaches out to us if there is anything that we do not accept, that they do, so we can keep even more out of the landfill. In the meantime, take a look at the items we cannot accept.

Appliances (Large)

  • Working: Offer for free online. There are many people who would love to acquire and could use these larger appliances. These include dryers, washers, refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, etc.

  • Non-Working: Offer for free online. There are many people who can repair for reuse or use it for parts. If it is beyond repair, metal scrappers are happy to pick up these items for free.

  • Local Organizations or Business that Accept These Items:

    Habitat for Humanity Erie does accept working freezers, refrigerators, Stoves, Washing Machines & Dryers.

Baby Items: Cribs, Car Seats, High Chairs & Play Pens

  • Constant changes in safety standards make these items some of the toughest to be donated, resold, and reused. ​​​​If these items are current, we suggest calling Once upon a child to see if they will accept.

Clothing, Shoes & Linen (stained, outdated, worn, etc.)

  • Clothing & Shoes: If wet, moldy, or came from a residence that was infested, they need to be discarded. If it is lightly stained, worn or outdated, we will accept to be recycled.

  • Linens: If wet, moldy, or came from a residence that was infested, it needs to be discarded. If it is lightly stained or worn, we will accept. We currently work with local pet organizations to see if they can use first, before they are recycled.

  • Local Organization That Accepts These Items: EARS. Can use the very thin fleece blankets. We accept and redistribute at the store.

Computers & Equipment

  • Working: Offer for free online. There are many people who will take these items. Websites include Facebook Buy/Sell/Trade groups and Craigslist.

  • Non-Working: Offer for free online. Often times someone can repair or use it for parts. If it is beyond repair or outdated, check with your trash hauler for special recycling instructions.

  • Millcreek residents currently have a program for E-waste and other hazardous materials through their trash hauler and it is free to use.

  • Local Organization or Business That Accept These Items:

    • Ink Cartridges: We recycle ink cartridges to help defray costs of office supplies.

    • Computers, Modems & Screens: Best Buy accepts certain models of computers and computer cords, check with the store for details. Our local Goodwill also has a program for e-waste.

Construction & Renovation Materials

  • We will gladly take any smaller gently used home repair items, like tools, light fixtures, general maintenance items. However, items commonly used for major renovations we are unable to accept.

  • Usable Materials: Lumber, fixtures, pipes, nails, paint, wiring, partially used materials, and so much more are in high demand. Offer for free online or contact any organization listed below.

  • Local Organizations or Business that Accept These Items:

    Habitat for Humanity Erie- will accept the following if they are in good, working condition. Bathroom & Kitchen, Windows, Flooring, Plumbing, Lighting & Fixtures, Doors, Hardware, Building Materials, Electrical, Unopened Paint (See Website for full list and exclusions).

    Tool Lending Library (Erie)- accepts a wide variety of tools and other general repair items.

Exercise Equipment

  • Working: Offer for free online. There are many people who would love have these items, it's just a matter of finding them!

  • Non-Working: Offer for free online. There are many people who can repair for reuse or use it for parts. If it is beyond repair, metal scrappers are happy to pick up these items for free.

Electrical Items (that do not work)

  • Working: We accept any clean, working electronics and small appliances.

  • Non-Working: Offer for free online. Often times, someone can repair it and put it back to use, or use it for parts. If it is beyond repair many local recycling places will accept for recycling.

Encyclopedias, Dictionaries & Text/Reference Books

  • There are multiple companies that will find new homes for this type of material, but they often require you to ship the books to them, which can be costly. While we do not accept textbooks or encyclopedias, we are actively researching some of these companies to see if any of their recycling services would be feasible in Erie at no cost. The books can be tricky to recycle as they need separated from their spines and covers. Check with you local recycling facility to see if they accept them this way first.

  • Textbooks & Manuals: If they are new or current, consider selling them privately online or look into textbook trade-in programs. There are many online sites that feature this these types of books. If they are outdated, offer for free online. There is still a small market for older versions. 

  • Encyclopedias & Dictionaries: Like textbooks, these are difficult to donate due to their often outdated information. Offer for free online to see if someone can still use. They are often used in a wide variety of printmaking projects and there is a wide variety of ways to repurpose them.

Furniture

  • Furniture we can accept: Smaller desks, night stands, coffee tables, kitchen tables, chairs, dressers and bed frames. Furniture must be in gently used condition with no cracks, missing pieces, etc.

  • Furniture we cannot accept: Bunk beds, large particle board desks, water beds, cribs, mattresses and large upholstered couches. If item is still in good condition, offer for free on a local site. These items are in high demand and someone will gladly come pick-up for free.

  • Unusable furniture: Contact your trash hauler for bulk waste disposal. City of Erie residents must call to schedule pickup of large items. The service is free.

Mattresses or Box Springs

  • Mattresses: ​We are unable to accept mattresses. If they are still in good condition, offer for free on a local site. These items are in high demand and someone will gladly come pick-up for free.

Televisions or Computer Monitors

  • Working: Offer for free online. There is still a small demand for the tube TV's. Often, people want them for kid's rooms, garages, camps, etc. If that is not an option, see non-working.

  • Non-Working: If you live in the city of Erie, we feel your pain. You want to properly dispose it but don't want to pay the fees associated with doing so. Either pay per pound to recycle or keep an eye out for the free electronic recycling days. Millcreek does has a great free e-waste and hazardous waste disposal program that takes them, but you have to call first to request a special pick-up.

VHS & Audio Cassette Tapes

  • While there is still a very small market for these, they are becoming very difficult to redistribute or reuse. We suggest offering them online for free, as certain genres are still in demand or checking with other local thrift stores, as currently most do still sell them.

  • This type of media can be recycled, but unfortunately there are no local facilities that accept this type of waste. There are various online sites that will accept, but there are fees associated with shipping and processing.

Reduce, Re-use and Recycle:

How to Find A Home for Your Unwanted Items

You've found yourself in a pickle. You really don't need the tube TV that you haven't used in a few good years. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't. The amount of time you've spent storing this item significantly outweighs the length of time you've used it. You can't throw it out, but to recycle it, you'll end up paying a hefty, per-pound recycling fee, or waiting in line for hours to recycle it for free.

What are your options?

This is the situation many residents find themselves facing. Our simplest solution is if the item is still usable, the easiest way to reuse these items is to offer them up for free. Even items that may need repaired or are made of certain materials are in high demand. They can be refurbished, used for parts, used for training purposes, and sometimes even repurposed. Online sites that you can offer up these items on include Facebook buy/sell groups, Craigslist, and Letgo.

We believe there is still a need for emphasis on reusing items, and the impact it can have on our community. By using this site, we hope to create a new way to view unwanted items, and create a network of reuse and redistribution in our community to reduce waste.​ For additional information on local recycling program and disposal methods for all boroughs, townships, and cities in Erie County, visit: https://www.eriecountypa.gov/county-services/other-services/recycling.aspx