skip navigation
home» for residents» reuse» reuse 101

Reuse 101

Keep reusable items out of the garbage can by considering these simple steps:

Repair

Try to repair an item before throwing it away. Repairs can be less expensive than replacement and can improve the performance, safety, and/or efficiency of a product.

Donate

Donating useful goods you no longer need will help charities raise funds for their causes. Other donation services provide items directly to those in need.

Post items online

Sites like eBay and craigslist.org allow you to list your reusable items for people who want them. You can sell your items or list them for free.

Sell your stuff

Many stores around the Twin Cities will buy used goods. Some stores will give you credit or will trade for your item.

Hold a garage sale

A garage sale can be an easy way to get rid of your used goods and earn some money. Here are some options to keep in mind when planning a garage sale: 

  • Host your own garage sale. Various online resources have tons of ideas and tips on holding a garage sale. Just search the web for "garage sales".
  • Organize a neighborhood garage sale! Contact your neighborhood group or your city recycling coordinator to see if your neighborhood or city already sponsors a garage sale day.
  • Think about hosting the garage sale the day before a neighborhood or city sponsored clean up day to maximize the opportunity for reuse before unwanted items become trash.

Consign your goods

Don't feel like holding a garage sale or finding someone to buy your stuff? Consignment shops and stores that sell through online auction houses will sell your goods for you. The stores will take a commission, but they allow you to simply drop off your items and still earn money from them.

Check out your county drop-off facility

Many county household hazardous waste drop-off facilities offer a reuse room or Free Product Center, where free, usable products such as automotive products, adhesives and glues, aerosols, cleaners, latex paint, oil based paint, and other materials are set out for residents who need them.

Local Reuse Links

Anoka County (scroll down to "Reuse")
--Reduce Waste and Buy Recycled, Shop Used First publications from Anoka County

Carver County

Dakota County

Hennepin County

Ramsey County

Washington County

Additional Reuse Links

http://consignmentmommies.com/

http://www.twincitieskidssales.com/

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/

http://idoredosale.com/

http://www.freecycle.org/

http://gsalr.com/garage-sales-minneapolis-mn.html