Donations

 

Cambridge Reuse: Give, Take, Repeat.

Notice: All donations must be approved by a volunteer.

Our Donations Policy

Thank you for choosing to keep good items in circular use!

Because we operate in a very small, compact space, we have a zero-waste and efficient acceptance policy. Our mission is to pass on gently used, functional goods, not items that require disposal.

Our curated inventory changes fast, but our acceptance is always based on strict space and quality constraints. We must reserve the right to respectfully decline any donation.

Mandatory Quality Check

Before bringing any items, please perform this check. Ask yourself:

  1. Is it clean? (Is it free of odors, pet hair, and stains?)

  2. Does it work? (Are all parts present? If it’s electrical, does it function as intended?)

  3. Is it desirable? (Is this an item someone would pay for, or is it broken beyond reasonable repair?)

If you answer NO to any of these, we cannot accept it.

We Can Accept: (Small, Hand-Carried Items)

Our space can only accommodate items that are gently used and can be hand-carried by one person.

  • Clothing: (Sorted by season is helpful; clean and not worn-out.)

  • Accessories: Shoes, hats, belts, gloves.

  • Small Household Goods: Working dishes, cutlery, pots, pans, and tools.

  • Home Decor: Vases, framed art, and decorative items.

  • Small Linens: Clean blankets, towels, sheets.

  • Books: Clean, readable condition (limit 2 small boxes).

  • Media: CDs, DVDs, VHS, and vinyl in working order.

  • Toys/Puzzles: Complete sets and in good condition.

  • Small Electronics: In good working order.
  • Small Furniture: Clean and a reasonable size for our space.
  • Bicycles: Complete bikes and parts can be accepted and will be donated to a partner program.

Items We CANNOT Accept

We must refuse items that pose a storage, safety, or disposal issue.

  • Large Furniture: Anything requiring a truck or two people to move.

  • Particle Board Items: Anything made using particle board.

  • Large Appliances: No refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, or AC units.

  • Broken Electronics: Non-functional or partially functioning.

  • Hazardous Materials: No paint, chemical cleaners, batteries, or old tires.

  • Air Conditioners/Refrigerators: Hazardous waste disposal should be handled by Casella.

  • Soiled or Worn Goods: Anything with significant wear-and-tear.

For these items, we encourage you to use alternative local services like C.S.W.D. or specialized Vermont disposal and donation programs.


Bottle, Cans & Monetary Donations

Monetary donations directly fund our daily operational costs—including facility maintenance, shelving, utilities, and safety supplies—keeping our doors open to everyone. Every dollar ensures our community space remains clean, accessible, and completely free for neighbors dropping off or picking up items.

  • A bottle and can drop-off is available on-site. All proceeds go towards the management of Cambridge Reuse.
  • Monetary donations can also be made via a "tip jar" located within the building.