Commonly Accepted Materials
All donations must be in reusable/resellable/good working condition and free of any leaks, rips/tears, dust/dirt, mold, odors, rust, cracks, rot, tangles, nails, pins, etc.
art/craft
artist studio equipment + tools
artist + craft brushes
artist paints: watercolor, tube acrylic, oil paints, tempera, etc.
colored pencils, crayons, chalk, pastels, markers
sculpture tools, materials, sealed clay
beads/jewelry making supplies + tools
drawing paper, colored paper, tissue paper
cardstock/poster board/mat board/foam core/sintra/plexi
artwork, paintings, drawings, prints, vintage photographs
frames (nothing broken/missing/unattached pieces)
canvas/muslin: remnants over 1 yd
canvas stretcher bars
printing blocks/stencils
easels, drawing/drafting tables
art supply storage containers
portfolios, carriers, & flatfiles
gift wrap/ribbon/gift bags
scrapbooking materials
glitter, glue, stickers, stamps
fabric/textiles
fabrics/trim (must be clean, minimum one square yard pieces, no partial projects, clothing, rags or fur please)
select designer fabric samples with prints, stapled paper labels only
sewing, knitting, weaving, needlework supplies
yarn: skeins and cones
working sewing/serger machines
books/education/office
paper, pads, notebooks, journals, stationary
staplers, tape, scissors, desk accessories
maps/educational posters/classroom decor
art, design or environmental books
cork + chalkboards
decor/housewares
vintage or quality furniture
lighting
antiques/collectibles/oddities
framed mirrors
outdoor/patio/garden
gardening handtools
flower pots
building materials/hardware
knobs/pulls, brackets, hinges, etc.
hand tools
small quantities of decorative ceramic tile/carpet tiles
latex house paint, 3/4 full or more, with color marked clearly on the lid
lumber
dimensional lumber at least 6 ft length (unless it is hardwood)
sheet goods of wood, plexi, sintra, etc. (half sheets or larger)
molding/trim at least 6 ft length
architectural accents/ elements
decorative windows + hardwood doors (no hollow core)
scenery from film/theatre
unique scenery pieces
painted backdrops/signs
mannequins/display fixtures
reusable 4’x8′ flats + platforms
We save a wide variety of set materials and props from film, theatre, + events to keep them from ending up in landfill after the curtain closes! If you have materials that could be reused in future productions, email us info@theresourceexchange.org
Other items that might lend themselves to creative reuse projects.
If you find yourself saying “someone could make something with this!” —contact us!
Additionally, please review the below list of materials we cannot accept before donating.
Materials We're Unable to Accept
damaged, mildewed, or soiled items will be returned at the time of donation, as a small organization we cannot afford to recycle or dispose of unsellable materials
hazardous materials
batteries, flammable materials, solvents, etc.
spray paint/adhesives
e-waste
computers, printers, televisions, etc.
appliances, refrigerators, freezers, AC units
typical curbside trash or recycling items
toilet/paper towel tubes, plastic food containers, etc.
styrofoam packing materials
tires/automotive parts
lumber
standard dimensional lumber less than 6’
sheet goods less than half sheet
wood with nails, screws, paint, warping, signs of rot or water damage
pressure treated lumbers
art/craft
Picture frames that are broken and/or with missing or unattached pieces
partial fiber projects
fabric samples
real fur
plastic or stuffed toys
decor/housewares
we can accept some household items and costume pieces, but most clothing, furniture, and housewares that we cannot accept will be referred to local thrift stores, shelters, etc.
Christmas or holiday specific decor/items
unframed mirrors
valances: unpackaged or framed
custom window treatments
mattresses/box springs/bedding
used carpets + padding
building materials
plain ceramic tile
oil-based house paint
latex house paint where the can is less than 3/4 full and/or shows signs of rot or rust on the interior or exterior. paint in unacceptable condition will be returned to the donor for proper disposal.
unpackaged/unlabeled hardware
non-tempered glass storm doors, large plate glass
plastic or aluminum window blinds. we may be able to accept hardwood blinds with prior approval.
track lights without their coordinating tracks
fluorescent lightbulbs
books/education/office
binders + hanging file folders
magazines, encyclopedias, educational texts
cassettes/CDs/VHS tapes/vinyl records