How to Recycle Household
Common household items like furniture, appliances, textiles, and everyday objects.
20 household materials found
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Ready to recycle your household materials? Use our search tool to find nearby recycling centers that accept these items.
Giving Household Items a Second Life
Reduce & Reuse First
The best way to "recycle" household items is to extend their life. Donation, repair, and selling are superior to recycling or landfilling.
- • Furniture: Donate if usable, upcycle if slightly worn
- • Appliances: Repair or scrap for metal
- • Decor/Books: Thrift stores and libraries
- • Toys: Donation centers, hospitals, shelters
Donation Impact
Donated goods support charitable causes, provide affordable items to the community, and keep millions of tons out of landfills.
Before Donating:
- • Clean items thoroughly
- • Check that appliances work
- • Ensure no missing pieces (games, puzzles)
- • Verify the charity accepts these items
Household Recycling FAQ
Where can I donate furniture?
Goodwill, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and local shelters often accept furniture. Many offer pickup services for large items. Items must be clean and structurally sound.
How do I dispose of a mattress?
Mattresses are difficult to landfill. Check if your retailer recycles old ones upon delivery. Specialty recyclers can break them down into steel, foam, and wood.
Can I recycle pots and pans?
Yes! Metal cookware is scrap metal. Non-stick pans can also be recycled with scrap metal (the coating burns off). Don't put them in curbside bins; take to a scrap yard.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes, if you donate to a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. You can deduct the fair market value of the items. Always ask for a receipt and keep photos of high-value items.