Shortly before the activity, one of my sisters and I had taken a trip to Ridwell for a drop-off. They were taking Styrofoam (extruded polystyrene foam).
That was all we took, because we are rule followers. We did ask about "threads" (cloth remnants that cannot be used as clothing donations or things like that), because there hadn't been a threads collection for a while.
One thing that came out of that conversation was that a lot of people had brought their threads anyway, just hoping.
At least with Ridwell, they are taking the items so can refuse them. Many places sort donations later and may have to discard a lot. "Wishful recycling" may just increase overhead, but sometimes it also requires reporting to the government.
Passing your problem off to someone else does not actually get rid of a problem.
Later, it occurred to me that "fast fashion" is probably a big part of why it is so hard to find someone taking threads now; the places that can process it are full and running behind.
When they say "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle," it is important that it go in that order. Recycling is superior to the landfill, but it has its limitations, especially in a society that keeps producing surplus. Reusing and reducing will do more to keep a clean and healthy environment.
With that in mind, I am sharing the resource list that we sent out after the activity.
First, let me say that it is long because there are so many notes, but that precision is part of not "wishfully" giving someone else a problem while feeling like you did a good thing.
The other part is that there are constant change and updates. Don't be afraid to ask if you are not sure.
If you need ideas, you can ask us. Part of our threads stash was ribbons, which we took to Scrap because they can be art supplies there.
Finally, I do not list any sources for shred events for confidential papers like old tax returns. These usually come up as community events sponsored events. You probably don't have to wait too long for the next one, but it's just a different system.
Waste Management: Local trash and recycle pickups.
Recycling guidelines: https://www.wm.com/us/en/recycle-right
Ridwell: Not currently available for pickups in ward boundaries, but here is their mail-in information: https://www.ridwell.com/mail-in
SBC Recycle: 19040 SW Shaw Street Beaverton, OR 97078
Electronic Waste, lightbulbs, batteries, mattress, furniture, etc…
We recycle all electronics waste, most electronics or items with metal do not have a fee
- Computers, Laptops, Tablets, Servers and IT Equipment
- Monitors, Printers, Scanners, Cell phones and telephones
- Fax and Copy Machine, DISH and DirecTV Boxes
- Ink Cartridges, Routers, Hubs, and Modems
- Mouse and Keyboards Cameras, CD Players
- Radio’s, Speakers and Stereos
- TV’s, CD, VCRs and DVD Players
- Remote Controls, Disk and Floppy drives
- Gaming systems and components
… and more, if it has a cord or runs on a battery we will recycle it.
Schoolhouse Supplies: 4916 NE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97230 for both Teachers and Students – Donate new or gently used classroom supplies
Schoolhouse Supplies accepts donations of new and gently-used, reusable school, office, and art supplies, and other learning materials that are suitable for classrooms by appointment only. Please check the list of items we currently accept/do not accept below before scheduling your appointment. We update this list frequently based on current inventory and whether items can be safely stocked in our warehouse. We do not accept items that are not suitable for a classroom, or that are broken, damaged, dirty, or in poor condition. If you have any additional questions about what to donate or what we accept, contact us using the email address or phone number listed below!
https://schoolhousesupplies.org/get-involved/donate-supplies
Blanchet House: 310 NW Glisan Portland, OR 97209 Our guests experiencing homelessness need new and gently used clean clothes. We invite you to donate adult-sized, seasonally appropriate clothing. We give out clothing and sleeping essentials during meal services and on an as-needed basis.
ATTENTION: Because we have VERY limited storage space, we can only take the most requested items listed below. We DO NOT accept dress clothes, children’s clothes, linens, or home goods.
Union Gospel Mission:11611 SW Pacific Highway
They accept clean clothes and linen, small home appliances (working), some furniture in good condition (limited capacity), televisions that are no older than five years, musical instruments, books, artwork, pots and pans, and jewelry. Items sold in thrift store provide training for LifeChange recovery program residents and support the program.
SCRAP PDX: 619 SE 6th AVE, Portland, OR 97214 We are a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire creative reuse and
environmentally sustainable behavior by providing educational programs
and affordable materials to the community. Yarn
Fabric (yardage only, no scraps)
Working Sewing Machines and Sergers
Canvases (new and used)
Sketch Pads
Art Paints (no aerosols or house paint)
Paint Brushes
Jewelry
Beads
Glue (no aerosols)
Tape
National Geographic Magazines
Paper Bags with Handles
https://portland.scrapcreativereuse.org/
Aloha Community Library: 17455 SW Farmington Rd. Ste. 26A Aloha, OR 97007 The Aloha Community Library gratefully accepts donations of books, movies, and music in good condition.
We cannot accept:
- encyclopedias
- Reader’s Digest Condensed
- National Geographic
- VHS or cassette tapes
- items that are damaged, soiled, mildewed, infested, or missing parts
Any items that we are unable to incorporate into the library’s lending collections may go to our sales team to be sold online in our Amazon store or at in-person book sales. All sold items benefit library operations!
https://alohalibrary.org/
Also consider local food pantries, animal rescues, and Health and Human Services agencies.
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