---
title: How to Get Rid of Unused, Unwanted Items [VIDEO]
description: Have unused, unwanted items taking up space? Find out where to donate!
---

[ReStore Blog ](https://restore.tchabitat.org/blog)

# [How to Get Rid of Unused, Unwanted Items [VIDEO]](https://restore.tchabitat.org/blog/where-to-donate-video)

 Written by [ReStore Staff](https://restore.tchabitat.org/blog/author/restore-staff) | 1:59 PM on August 14, 2024

What do you do with old materials and supplies you no longer need? You might be able to donate a lot, but not all items can go in recycling or to a thrift store. In this episode of [DIY Friday](https://restore.tchabitat.org/diyfriday) with WCCO, New Brighton ReStore Manager Jan Hagerman shares some resources and ideas!

## Clothing

If you have dress clothes you no longer want or wear, you can donate to [Project for Pride in Living’s Ready for Success](https://www.ppl-inc.org/readyforsuccess) or [Dress for Success Twin Cities](https://www.dressforsuccesstwincities.org/donate-clothing.html). Both programs provide clothing to people preparing for job interviews. 

## Cosmetic Products

Have unused makeup or cosmetics? Consider reaching out to local women’s or homeless shelters. Common products that are often needed include:

- Hairspray
- Makeup
- Toiletries like shampoo and soap
- Trial- or travel-size products

## Mattresses

Even though it can take time or money to get rid of things, such as mattresses, it keeps the environment from taking the toll. Jan says that donating a mattress usually costs about $35 at places such as [Bridging](https://bridging.org/give-stuff/acceptable-items-to-donate/).

## Electronic Recycling

You may need to pay to recycle some electronics, too, though some can be recycled for free. [Repowered](https://getrepowered.org/request-service/) (formerly Tech Dump) is a local favorite of Jan's. [Best Buy](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/services/recycling/pcmcat149900050025.c?id=pcmcat149900050025) and [Staples](https://www.staples.com/stores/recycling) also have recycling programs for electronics, appliances, cameras, ink and toner, batteries, and more.

## Paint

Did you know you can donate paint to ReStore? It's true—not only do we sell paint; we help recycle it.

Spray Paint: You can donate new or almost-full spray paint to ReStore. Empty aerosol cans should go to hazardous waste. Check your county’s website for more information.

Paint Cans: Most local paint stores (including ReStore) will take your leftover paint in cans. Through paint recycling, it becomes new paint. If you have a paint can that's almost empty, just let it dry for about four days before throwing it away.

## Other Items

- Ask local humane shelters if they want your old but clean towels or blankets.
- Have science supplies or art materials? Check out [Leonardo's Basement](https://leonardosbasement.org/donate/physical-resources/), an organization dedicated to helping young people succeed<https://leonardosbasement.org/donate/physical-resources/>.
- If you have extra small appliances and dishes, consider donating to [Bridging](https://bridging.org/give-stuff/acceptable-items-to-donate/). They accept many types of housewares and much more.

When you have unused or unwanted items, a little research can go a long way. There are many secondhand stores and nonprofits in the metro area. Have other items not on our list or want more resources? See [Twin Cities Habitat’s list of community partners](https://www.tchabitat.org/donate/donating-items) for a more comprehensive, detailed list.

## [Watch Jan on WCCO: Where to Donate Unwanted Items](https://mms.tveyes.com/MediaView/?c3RhdGlvbj0xOTY1JlN0YXJ0RGF0ZVRpbWU9MDglMmYwMiUyZjIwMjQrMDklM2EyMyUzYTExJkVuZERhdGVUaW1lPTA4JTJmMDIlMmYyMDI0KzA5JTNhMjclM2EwNCYmcGxheXN0b3A9MDglMmYwMiUyZjIwMjQrMDklM2EyNyUzYTE5JnBhcnRuZXJpZD03MzEzJiZoaWdobGlnaHRyZWdleD0mbW9kZWRpdG9yZW5hYmxlPXRydWUmbW9kZWRpdG9yZGVzdGluYXRpb25zPTQmJmV4cGlyYXRpb249MDklMmYwMSUyZjIwMjQrMDklM2EyMyUzYTExLjAwMCZpbnN0YW50UGxheT1UcnVlJnNpZ25hdHVyZT1hN2UwNGE5Nzc2YzA3NGJiNTY0NDA0MDE0MjUzMjhlZg==#)

If you have items you want to keep but they're in need of a refresh, check out our [library of DIY Friday videos](https://restore.tchabitat.org/diyfriday). Jan and the ReStore team share all kinds of easy, affordable inspiration!

[View full post](https://restore.tchabitat.org/blog/where-to-donate-video)

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