When you have extra items that you need to get rid of, your first thought is probably to take them to a landfill or other designated dumping area, but what if there is a better way to unload your unwanted items? There is a quick and easy way to put the items you no longer need into the hands of someone who can use them, and support a local cause for those in need at the same time!
When you donate your unwanted items to Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, you are participating in a cycle that helps our community and keeps as much as 20,000 tonnes of usable items out of landfills each year. The inventory of the Alberta ReStore in Medicine Hat is made up almost entirely of donated items, which are sold at deeply discounted rates to local families and businesses. All of the proceeds from these sales go directly to support Habitat for Humanity to help cover the cost of providing affordable homes to local families in need. This cycle is so beneficial and efficient that many insurance companies are giving powerful incentives for restoration companies to participate, both by purchasing materials form the ReStore and by donating leftover materials after a job is completed.
What kinds of items can I donate to my local ReStore?
The local ReStore in Medicine Hat can accept donations of the following types:
- Large Appliances such as Ovens, Refrigerators, Washers & Dryers
- Clean and Undamaged Furniture such as Couches, Chairs, Desks & Book Shelves
- Smaller Home Decor Items such as Paintings, Wall Hangings, Center Pieces & Collectibles
- Lighting Fixtures such as Ceiling Fans, Chandeliers & Lamps
- Unopened Cans of Paint, Primer, Stain & Varathane
- Doors & Windows
- Fixtures such as Sinks, Faucets, Bathtubs & Showers
- Cabinets from the Kitchen & Bathroom
- New & Undamaged Flooring Materials such as Tiles & Carpeting
- Building Materials in good condition such as Lumber, Drywall & Insulation
What kinds of items cannot be accepted by my local ReStore?
If any of your items are stained or damaged, they will not be able to be resold and cannot be accepted by the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Other items that cannot be accepted include:
- Flooring Materials that have been used or are not in good condition
- Used Mattresses or Hide-A-Beds
- Any form of Clothing or Bedding
- Electronics such as Computers, Monitors, Televisions & Stereo Equipment
What else can I expect when dropping items off at ReStore?
Claim Numbers:
ReStore uses claim numbers to track each item donated so that they can provide a detailed list for insurance agencies. This also has the added benefit of allowing Habitat for Humanity to link each job to the donated items that may have been used to help make it possible.
Tax Receipts:
Some donations will also receive an accompanying tax receipt so that the donation can be claimed when you file your taxes. These receipts will be made in the name of the associated insurance company unless otherwise directed.
Whether you want to help the environment by keeping usable items out of landfills or you’re just really jazzed about the idea of giving your old and unwanted items a chance at new life in someone else’s home, ReStore is a great way to do just that. Remember the 10 items you can donate and next time, skip the landfill.