Moving to a new home is the perfect opportunity to declutter, downsize, and start fresh. But what do you do with all the items you no longer need? Instead of tossing them out, donating or recycling them can make your move more sustainable while helping others in your community.
Chicago has a wide range of donation and recycling centers that make it easy to give your belongings a second life. Whether you’re parting with old furniture, electronics, or clothing, there’s a local organization ready to take them off your hands responsibly. Here’s a guide to some of the best donation and recycling centers in Chicago for movers looking to lighten their load the eco-friendly way.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has multiple donation centers and drop-off locations throughout Chicago, making it one of the most accessible options for movers. They accept gently used furniture, clothing, household goods, and small appliances. Donations go directly toward supporting local families and individuals in need. For larger items, you can even schedule a free pickup, which is especially convenient during a move.
Chicago Furniture Bank
If you’re upgrading your furniture or simply have extra pieces you won’t be taking with you, the Chicago Furniture Bank is an excellent choice. This nonprofit collects gently used furniture and redistributes it to families and individuals transitioning out of homelessness. They accept couches, tables, chairs, dressers, and other essential household items. Donating here not only keeps furniture out of landfills but also helps furnish homes for those starting over.
Chicago Textile Recycling
Old clothing, linens, and textiles that are too worn to donate can still be recycled. Chicago Textile Recycling accepts items in any condition and repurposes them into new materials, such as cleaning rags or insulation. This is a great option for movers who want to avoid sending fabric waste to landfills. Drop-off bins are located throughout the city, making it easy to recycle during your move.
Best Buy Recycling Program
If you’re getting rid of old electronics before your move, Best Buy’s recycling program is one of the most comprehensive in Chicago. They accept a wide variety of electronics, including TVs, computers, printers, and small appliances. Some items can even be traded in for store credit. Proper recycling of electronics prevents harmful materials from entering the environment, making this a responsible choice for tech-savvy movers.
Resource Center Chicago
For those looking to recycle more than just the basics, Resource Center Chicago offers a range of recycling services for materials like paper, glass, plastics, and metals. They also provide composting programs for food waste, which can be especially useful if you’re cleaning out your kitchen before a move. The organization has been a leader in Chicago’s sustainability movement for decades and remains a trusted resource for eco-conscious residents.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore locations accept donations of furniture, appliances, building materials, and home improvement items. These goods are sold at discounted prices, and proceeds help fund affordable housing projects in the Chicago area. If you’re remodeling before your move or have leftover renovation supplies, donating to ReStore is a great way to reduce waste while supporting a meaningful cause.
The Eco-Friendly Way to Move
Donating and recycling before your move not only reduces the amount of waste you generate but also makes packing and unpacking easier. It’s a win for both you and the environment. By working with local organizations, you can ensure your unwanted items are reused or recycled responsibly, helping to keep Chicago cleaner and greener.
At The Chicago Green Box, we believe moving doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense. By pairing reusable moving boxes with sustainable practices like recycling and donating, you can make your move eco-friendly from start to finish—while giving back to the community you call home.