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Matt Paxton's Recommendations from Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff
Buy Nothing groups on Facebook (www.Facebook.com)
Freecycle (www.Freecycle.org)
Goodwill (www.Goodwill.org)
GreenDrop (www.GreenDrop.com)
Habitat for Humanity ReStores (www.habitat.org/restores)
Nextdoor (www.Nextdoor.com)
Salvation Army (www.SalvationArmyUSA.org)
Thrift/resales stores
Leave on the curb with a “FREE” sign on it (where local regulations allow)
Antique stores
Auction houses (see Products & Services)
Facebook Marketplace (www.facebook.com/marketplace)
1stDibs (www.1stdibs.com)
eBay (www.ebay.com)
Etsy (www.etsy.com/sell)
Ruby Lane (www.rubylane.com)
Sotheby’s (www.sothebys.com)
Craigslist (www.craigslist.org)
eBay (www.ebay.com)
Facebook Marketplace (www .facebook.com/marketplace)
Scrap metal shops (search online)
Contact your local waste services company to se if it offers appliance recycling services or can point you in the direction of government programs that recycle.
If you're purchasing a new appliance, stores like Best Buy and Sears will haul away your old appliance for a fee when they deliver your new one.
Check your state laws or local funeral home for any restrictions on scattering ashes. You can scatter them where the deceased asked you to, or, if no instructions were left, where you’d want to remember your loved one.
Conduct an internet search to see if your Beanie Babies are valuable; most aren’t. For those that aren’t:
If they’re unused, donate them to a local thrift store or charity that takes stuffed animals.
If they’re used, throw them away.
Better World Books (www.betterworldbooks.com)
BookMooch (www.bookmooch.com)
Books for Soldiers (www.booksforsoldiers.com)
Books Through Bars (www.booksthroughbars.org)
Kids Need to Read (www.kidsneedtoread.org)
Libraries
Little Free Library (small boxes found in neighborhoods www.littlefreelibrary.com)
Prison Book Program (www.prisonbookprogram.org)
Reader to Reader (www.readertoreader.org)
Retirement homes
Theaters (to use as props/displays)
Schools
Bookstores (some may pay by the pound)
Craigslist (www.craigslist.org)
Facebook Marketplace (www.facebook.com/marketplace)
Paperback books can be placed in your curbside recycling bin. You may need to remove the covers from hardcover books before they can be recycled; check with your recycler.
1-800-Charity-Cars (www.800charitycars.org)
Charitable Adult Rides & Services (where you can donate to a range of services) (www.careasy.org)
Vietnam Veterans of America Car Donation Program (www.VietnamVeteransCarDonation.org)
CarLotz (www.carlotz.com)
Carmax (www.carmax.com)
Carvana (www.carvana.com)
Search the internet for “Sell my car easy” to find local and national websites that will help you sell your car. Check reviews and Better Business Bureau ratings before choosing a company.
Thrift/resale stores
Decluttr (www.decluttr.com)
Discogs (a marketplace for old music, or, if you’re not yet ready to sell, to catalog your collection) (www.discogs.com)
EagleSaver (www.eaglesaver.com)
eBay (www.ebay.com)
Etsy (www.etsy.com)
Sell DVDs Online (www.selldvdsonline.com)
Used bookstores
CD Recycling Center of America (www.cdrecyclingcenter.org)
GreenDisk (www.GreenDisk.com)
Recycling bin or special drop-off areas (ask your recycler)
Recycling center (search.earth911.com)
Art co-op
Kids’ art studio or camp
Replacements.com (contact first to see if it can take your pattern) (www.replacements.com)
The Brooklyn Teacup (one of my favorite upcycling websites) (www.thebrooklynteacup.com)
Dress for Success (professional clothing) (www.dressforsuccess.org)
Free the Girls (bras) (www.freethegirls.org)
Goodwill (www.goodwill.org)
GreenDrop (www.greendrop.com)
Salvation Army (www.salvationarmyusa.org)
Soles4Souls (shoes) (www.soles4souls.org)
Thrift/resale stores
ASOS Marketplace (marketplace.asos.com)
Consignment shops (research first because some of these shops are great and others are not—see Step Seven)
Depop (www.depop.com)
Facebook Marketplace (www.facebook.com/marketplace)
Poshmark (I’ve sold a lot of nicer clothes through this app) (www.poshmark.com)
ThredUp (www.thredup.com)
Uptown Cheapskate (www.uptowncheapskate.com)
Terra Cycle recycling boxes (www.terracycle.com)
The North Face recycling program (takes any brand) (www.thenorthface.com)
The value of coins varies widely by quality and region.
Coin shop
Jeweler
Pawnbroker (look for one who specializes in coins)
Certified Guaranty Company (www.cgccomics.com)
Comic book store
GoCollect (puts you in touch with respected buyers and sellers in the industry) (http://comics
.gocollect.com)
ASOS Marketplace (clothes) (http://marketplace. asos.com)
Depop (clothes) (www.depop.com)
eBay (www.ebay.com)
Etsy (www.etsy.com)
Facebook Marketplace (www.facebook.com/marketplace)
Poshmark (clothes) (www.poshmark.com)
You can identify crystal by holding the piece up to light. If you see a rainbow, it’s genuine.
Facebook Marketplace (www.facebook.com/marketplace)
Replacements.com (www.replacements.com/sell-to-us)
For best results, sell just before the holiday season and sell as a set, as opposed to individual pieces.
Antique stores
Craigslist (www.craigslist.org)
eBay (www.ebay.com)
Etsy (www.etsy.com)
Facebook Marketplace (www.facebook.com/marketplace)
The market is poor because a lot of Depression glass is for sale.
Thrift/resale stores
DepressionGlassForSale.com (www.depressionglassforsale.com)
Facebook Marketplace (www.facebook.com/marketplace)
Replacements.com (www.replacements.com/sell-to-us)
(Printers, photocopiers, VCR players, computer monitors, etc.)
World Computer Exchange (www.worldcomputerexchange.org)
Best Buy (www.bestbuy.com/recycle)
Call2Recycle (rechargeable batteries and cell phones) (www.call2recycle.org)
Computer Technology Association’s Recycle Locator (https://www.cta.tech/Landing-Pages/Greener-Gadgets/Recycle-Locator#/)
Office Depot (www.officedepot.com)
Recycling center (search.earth911.com)
Staples (www.staples.com/recycle)
Sprint’s Buyback Program (www.sprintbuyback.com)
Set expectations very low on pricing for this exercise equipment; you aren’t the only person who bought this equipment and never used it, or stopped using it.
Craigslist (www.craigslist.org)
Facebook Marketplace (www.facebook.com/marketplace)
Food banks (call to see what they accept and the best time for drop-off)
Move For Hunger (www.moveforhunger.org)
Coats for Cubs (donations help the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned animals across the United States; it was not operating at press time but did provide a list of places to independently donate to) (www.coatsforcubs.org)
Depending on the type of fur, you may be unable to sell it. Some stores recommend getting fur appraised before selling.
BuyMyFur (www.buymyfur.com)
Cash for Fur Coats (www.cashforfurcoats.com)
eBay (www.ebay.com)
Buy Nothing groups on Facebook (www.facebook.com)
Craigslist free section (www.Craigslist.org)
Freecycle Network (www.freecycle.org)
Goodwill (www.goodwill.org)
GreenDrop (www.GreenDrop.com)
Habitat for Humanity ReStores (www.habitat.org/restores)
Leave on the curb with a "FREE" sign on it (where local regulations allow
Nextdoor (www.Nextdoor.com)
Salvation Army (www.SalvationArmyUSA.org)
Thrift/resale stores
Coats for Cubs (donations help the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned animals across the United States; it was not operating at press time but did provide a list of places to independently donate to) (www.coatsforcubs.org)
Facebook Marketplace (www.facebook.com/marketplace)
Craigslist (Craigslist.org)
Antique stores
Craigslist (www.craigslist.org)
eBay (www.ebay.com)
Etsy (www.etsy.com)
Facebook Marketplace (www.facebook.com /marketplace)
Replacements.com (www.replacements .com/sell-to-us)
Resale stores
I recommend digitizing the important ones and recycling or throwing them all away, but if you want to donate them, try these places:
Art school
Kids’ camp
Call the police, using a non-emergency line, who will walk you through the process of surrendering a firearm or connect you with a professional gun handler.
Auction houses that specialize in guns (they may be able to legally pick up, transport, and sell the guns for you)
Gun shops (they may offer you an in-home pickup price)
History department of your local university or college
Museum
Veterans’ group
You can shred by hand or purchase a personal shredder, or use one of these:
FedEx (www.fedex.com)
Iron Mountain (large volume) (www.ironmountain.com)
Recycling centers
Shred-it (large volume) (www.shredit.com)
UPS (www.theupsstore.com)
In most states and some countries, ivory (including pianos with ivory keys) cannot be sold. You’ll need to know where and when the item was purchased or acquired. There are a few exceptions, so knowing the country of origin and year will help.
American Society of Appraisers (www.appraisers.org/find-an-appraiser)
International Society of Appraisers (www.isa-appraisers.org/find-an-appraiser)
National Association of Appraisers (www.najaappraisers.com /html/find_an_appraiser.php)
Jeweler approved by the American Gem Society (www.americangemsociety.org)
BrickLink (specialty and rare LEGOs) (www.bricklink.com)
Decluttr (www.www.decluttr.com/sell-lego)
eBay (www.ebay.com)
Facebook Marketplace (www.facebook.com/marketplace)
StockX (www.stockx.com/lego)
Local department of motor vehicles (which may require surrender of your plates)
Art center
There are collectable markets for some license plates, such as Delaware plates with low numbers. Research the internet for your specific plate value. However, first confirm that this is legal within your jurisdiction.
Buy Nothing groups on Facebook (www.facebook.com)
Craigslist (www.craigslist.org)
Freecycle (www.freecycle.org)
Unfortunately, most Lladró figurines are not as valuable as they once were, but they are still collectable. Do your research first.
eBay (www.ebay.com)
Etsy (www.etsy.com)
Facebook Marketplace (www.facebook.com/marketplace)
Flags should be donated to the Boy Scouts, which have a specific way to properly dispose of them. For other items, contact the specific unit or local veteran group.
Buy Nothing groups on Facebook (www.Facebook.com)
Craigslist (www.craigslist.org)
Freecycle (www.freecycle.org)
Thrift/resale stores (Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc.)
eBay (www.ebay.com)
Model railway trade shows and events
ModelTrainMarket.com (www.modeltrainmarket.com/pages/sell-your-trains)
SellMyTrains.com (www.sellmytrains.com)
TrainMasterModels.com (www.trainmastermodels.com)
Trainz.com (www.trainz.com/pages/sell-your-train)
Some old photos, including slides, can be sold, but you must know who owns them. U.S. copyright law gives creators ownership of the photo for life plus fifty years after their death.
Art galleries
Auction houses (listed in Products and Services below)
eBay (www.ebay.com)
Etsy (www.etsy.com)
Beethoven Foundation (it won’t accept every piano, but if it does accept yours, it will pick it up and give you a tax donation receipt) (www.beethovenfoundation.com)
Buy Nothing groups on Facebook (state clearly in the listing that the buyer is responsible for
all shipping/transportation) (www.facebook.com)
Craigslist (state clearly in the listing that the buyer is responsible for all shipping /transportation) (www.craigslist.org)
House of worship
Pianos for Education (it won’t accept every piano, but if it does accept yours, it will pick it up and give you a tax donation receipt); the proceeds go to music education (www.pianosforeducation.org)
Schools and preschools
Craigslist (www.craigslist.org)
Piano shops (ask if they will sell your piano on consignment)
Facebook Marketplace (www.facebook.com/marketplace)
If you can’t sell it or find a place to donate it, estimate that it will cost $200 to $300 to have a trash or junk company come to your house and remove the piano.
Chemicals and toxins from drugs that are disposed of into landfills or down toilets and
sinks can escape into the ground and groundwater, polluting the environment and posing health hazards to humans, plants, and wildlife. Pills that are put in the trash can be easily removed from the garbage by people seeking to illegally use or sell them. Medications thrown in the trash can also be found and consumed by children or animals.
To dispose of properly, follow the FDA guidelines at www.fda.gov/drugs/safe-disposal-medicines /disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know
Find a list of flushable drugs at www.fda.gov/drugs/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know/drug-disposal-fdas-flush-list-certain-medicines#FlushList
Find drop-off locations at www.fda.gov/drugs/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know/drug-disposal-drug-take-back-locations
Find a DEA-authorized collector in your area. (apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1)
Contact your local police or fire department for special drop-off days. Remove labels before recycling empty pill bottles.
Donate religious books to a local house of worship. Many religious groups bury holy books out of respect.
Buy Nothing groups on Facebook (www.facebook.com)
Craigslist (www.craigslist.org)
eBay (www.ebay.com)
Facebook Marketplace (www.facebook.com/marketplace)
Jewelry store (may pay you to melt it)
Replacements.com (www.replacements.com)
Buy Nothing groups on Facebook (www.facebook.com)
Craigslist (www.craigslist.org)
Freecycle (www.freecycle.org)
Thrift/resale stores
Flight Club (www.flightclub.com)
Grailed (www.grailed.com/shop/sneakers)
StockX (www.stockx.com)
Autographia (www.autographia.com)
Heritage Auctions (www.ha.com)
Sports Memorabilia (www.SportsMemorabilia.com)
American Philatelic Society Dealer (www.stamps.org/dealers)
Stamp collecting clubs (www.stamps.org/collect/clubs)
Warwick and Warwick free valuations (www.warwickandwarwick.com)
Auction sites
eBay (www.ebay.com)
Philatelic Traders Society (www.stamps.org)
Stamp fairs (research the internet to find a local fair or convention)
College library
Local library
BookFinder (search by ISBN to see offers; you don’t pay shipping) (www.bookfinder.com)
BookScouter (search by ISBN to see offers; this site: works with forty-two buyback vendors) (www.bookscouter.com)
College bookstores
Habitat for Humanity ReStores (www.habitat.org/restores/donate-goods)
Thrift/resale stores
Craigslist (www.craigslist.org)
Facebook Marketplace (www.facebook.com/marketplace)
Recycling Center (search.earth911.com)
Some places won’t accept stuffed animals or items not in their original packaging.
Elementary schools and preschools
Goodwill (www.goodwill.org)
Houses of worship
Ronald McDonald House (www.rmhc.org)
Salvation Army (www.salvationarmyusa.org)
Shelters
Toys for Tots (www.toysfortots.org)
Recycling center (https://search.earth911.com)
TerraCycle Zero Waste Box (www.terracycle.com)
Buy Nothing groups on Facebook (www.facebook.com)
Craigslist (www.craigslist.org)
Thrift shops (check first; I’ve found that many won’t accept trophies)
Consult a local higher-end jewelry shop, not a national chain.
Contact a hospital or radiology clinic or a company such as www.xrayfilmsrecycling.com to find out how to discard of X-rays. They should be recycled, not put in the trash, since they won't break down in the landfill.
Consult the school to see if yearbooks can be returned there; if not, put them in your recycling bin.
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