Backpacks (11/2022)
Generic Ministry
Generic Ministry accepts backpacks for homeless people, as well as gently used men’s and women’s casual clothing. See complete list here. Check the website for drop-off locations, which change periodically.
Savers
(617) 323-9213, 1230 VFW Pkwy. West Roxbury, MA
Accepts gently used backpacks and and many clothes and household items. See their donation list.
Batteries (11/2022)
Alkaline batteries are not hazardous and should be disposed of with regular trash. Since 1994, alkaline batteries made in the U.S. contain no added mercury.
RTS Needham
Needham residents with an RTS sticker may take rechargeable batteries (power tools, computer, toothbrush, cordless phone, etc.) and button batteries (watch, hearing aid) to the Universal Waste Shed across from the RTS office. Car, motorcycle, scooter or other lead-acid batteries may be dropped off in the collection container outside the Universal Waste Shed.
Some batteries, such as lithium primary batteries, are considered household hazardous waste. See RecycleSmartMA’s battery disposal guide.
Needham Health Department
178 Rosemary Street (Rosemary Recreation Complex) 781-455-7940
Accepts button batteries (as well as mercury thermometers or mercury thermostats).
Retail drop-offs
Staples accepts rechargeable Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Lithium Ion (Li-Ion), Small Sealed Lead Acid (SSLA/Pb), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), and Nickel Zinc (Ni-ZN) batteries that are 11 pounds or less. They do not accept automotive/wet-cell batteries or alkaline or lithium batteries
Most stores selling watches or hearing aids will accept spent button batteries. Button batteries often contain mercury and should not be disposed of in the trash.
See also Car Batteries
Bed linens and blankets (11/2022)
As of Nov. 1, 2022, clothing and textiles are no longer allowed to be thrown away in the trash in Massachusetts, as the state moves to drastically reduce its solid waste. This includes bed linens and blankets. Any textile, even ripped or stained (but not wet, contaminated, or moldy), can be dropped off in a Collection Bin. Bed linens and blankets, if gently used, can be also dropped off at the places listed below.
New Life Furniture Bank of MA
102 Elm St., Walpole MA
Accepts furniture and household items and makes them available at no charge to those in need through referring agencies. New Life accepts gently-used furniture, bedding, and housewares that are free of stains, scratches, pet hair, or other damage. They take any size Sheets, Pillowcases, Blankets, & Comforters. See more donation details. New Life reserves the right to refuse anything that is not suitable for their clients.
Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries
892 River Street, Hyde Park, MA
Accepts gently-used goods in usable condition, including blankets. See donation details. There are no longer collection trailers at the RTS or in Newton. The Hyde Park store is now the donation center closest to Needham.
Tip Local Animal Shelters will sometimes take new or gently used towels and blankets. Animal Rescue League of Boston, Dedham Campus, 55 Anna’s Place, Dedham MA (617) 426-9170 x605 See details
Collection Bins
For a list of Collection Bins for linens and blankets in any condition, see the Clothing/Textiles Section.
Bicycles (11/2022)
Bikes Not Bombs
(617) 522-0222 284 Amory St. Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 mail@bikesnotbombs.org
Accepts all kinds of bicycles, even if they are not in working condition, as long as they are not excessively rusted from being outside for long periods. Also accepts bicycle parts, equipment such as helmets, and bicycle clothing. Their website specifies where and when donations may be dropped off, including bike drives and other drop-off points. See their bike donation guidelines.
Books (11/2022)
Needham Library
(781) 455-7559 1139 Highland Ave, Needham, MA 02494
Book donations are accepted whenever the Library is open. Inside the main lower level entrance, the donation slot is just inside the doors. Donated books are sold at book sales which fund Friends of Needham Library activities in support of the Library.
More Than Words
56 Felton St., Waltham, MA 02453, 781-788-0035 – info@mtwyouth.org
More Than Words empowers youth who are in the foster care system, court involved, homeless, or out of school to take charge of their lives by working as a team to take charge of a business. They accept gently-used books, CDs, DVDs, and video games. (No encyclopedias, VHS tapes, audio cassettes, or magazines/periodicals.) Residents with RTS stickers may drop off items at the Needham RTS collection trailer, or at a donation container (search for donation containers here.) To schedule a book pick-up, complete this form.
Savers
(617) 323-9213, 1230 VFW Pkwy. West Roxbury, MA
Accepts good quality hardback and paperback books, magazines, records, tapes, CDs, videos, DVDs, computer software, clothing, housewares, and more. Click here for guidelines.
Brita Filters (11/2022)
Brita filters and other Brita products such as filters, pitchers and bottles can be recycled by mail at no cost through TerraCycle. You will need to open a free account with TerraCycle. This link contains recycling instructions. (Note: As of 11/2022 there is a waiting list. Brita’s website announced that they “need to take a few months off” in order to continue the program.)
[Note: PRESERVE: Gimme 5 recycling at Whole Foods, which used to take Brita filters, is now only for plastic cutlery.]Building Materials (11/2022)
Boston Building Resources
(617) 442-2262, 100 Terrace Street, Roxbury, MA 02120
The Reuse Center at Boston Building Resources is a charitable nonprofit that accepts donations of new and gently used materials for resale. They accept a large variety of surplus building materials, including flooring, kitchen cabinets, countertops (not laminate), sinks and faucets, bathroom fixtures, various types of windows and doors, door hinges and locks, light fixtures, plywood and drywall, and showroom-quality appliances less than 7 years old. Before donating, be sure to check their detailed donation guidelines. They ask that you fill out a Materials Donation Offer Form. Pick-ups may be arranged for a fee.
Habitat Restore
(617) 327-1170, 1580 VFW Parkway, W.Roxbury, MA restore@habitatboston.org
Accepts donations of large and small working appliances (no older than 8 years), usable building materials, home improvement items, kitchen cabinets, furniture and other home items, and resells them to the public at discounted prices. All sales benefit Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston. Click here for a list of acceptable materials and drop-off hours. ReStore staff have final say on all donations based on the condition of the item(s) and the store’s needs. Call or email if you are unsure or if you would like to set up a pick-up for qualifying items.
