Spring cleaning is an age-old tradition that honors the changing of the seasons and promotes a boost of happiness and rejuvenation. And while you release what you do not need, you can also give to those who do. Here is a list of organizations that will distribute your items to residents right here in Reno. And for items that cannot be repurposed, we’ve included a list of local recycling resources.
Local Non-Profits
Women & Children’s Center of the Sierra
Helps women and their families escape poverty
Needs: Non-expired food and drinks, new or gently used clothing and shoes for women, men, and children, car seats, strollers, high chairs, baby gates, and other gear, toys and books, diapers, wipes, baby formula, pet food and supplies, new and gently used household items, and new personal hygiene and cleaning products.
Karma Box Project
Provides basic needs to entire community
Needs: Over 50 box locations stocked by the public (map available on the website). Summer needs include water, sunscreen, socks, and sun hats. Winter needs include knit wool caps, gloves, socks, and space blankets. For all seasons, one-use hygiene items like soap, toothbrushes/toothpaste, tampons, nonperishable foods preferably in pop-top containers, individual snacks, bars, ramen, pet food and supplies.
CARE Chest
Provides free medical resources to Nevadans in need
Needs: New and gently used medical items such as: crutches, walkers, canes, transfer chairs, handrails, lifts, hospital beds, scooters and unopened, non-perishable medical supplies (such as incontinence protection, bandages, cleansers, diabetic testing supplies, and blood pressure cuffs) and nutritional drinks.
SPCA & Humane Society
Saves and improves the lives of pets and people
Needs: Pet food, beds, leashes, collars, crates, and gently used toys and human sheets, blankets, and towels.
Many CVS and Walgreens stores will properly dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medicines for free. Look for their “medication disposal kiosks” near the pharmacy.
Sephora and Nordstrom Rack offer programs to recycle empty beauty products such as compacts, mascara tubes, pumps and dispensers, toothpaste tubes, etc.
Both Staples and Best Buy recycle electronics and accessories, such as computers, phones, cords, and ink cartridges. Staples also recycles pens, dried markers, and crayons and Best Buy accepts vacuums, fans, and large appliances.
For clothing and other textiles that are stained, torn, or cannot be reused, schedule a free porch pickup with Just Porch It to recycle.