Reuse in Ann Arbor
Want to save money and support local organizations? Participate in Ann Arbor's vast reuse economy by buying, selling, and donating items within the community. See below for resources.
Searchable Databases
The City of Ann Arbor has an interactive map tool on our Circular Economy page that lists the many different stores that participate in contributing towards reusing instead of throwing away.
The Sustainable Moving/De-cluttering Guide is an easy place to find sustainable alternatives to throwing your stuff away including easily decluttering your home.
For more reuse tips, please check out Washtenaw County's Trash to Treasure Guide.
Reuse Stores
Below is a list of some stores that reuse.
Ann Arbor District Library, Main Branch
Accepts books, cds, and DVDs for Friends of the Library Book Store. Deliver to the loading dock during library hours. You can also rent more than just books at the library! For example, you can rent art, games, musical instruments, recording equipment, and more.
Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop
Accepts and sells furniture, household goods, small appliances,
jewelry, antiques, clothing, toys, books and media. Funds support of Ann Arbor Public Schools. Call for free furniture pickup.
Ann Arbor Thrift Shop
Accepts and sells clothing, jewelry, antiques, books, furniture, and small household items. Donations accepted at the blue side door.
Goodwill of Southeastern Michigan
Accepts and sells clothing, household items, toys, furniture, and small appliances. Accepts computers for recycling.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor
Accepts and sells clothing, furniture, tools, toys, books, and small appliances. Schedules free pickups.
Scrap Creative Reuse
Accepts and sells office/school supplies, craft items, and some industrial discards. Public welcome to bring in craft supplies, film canisters, corks, seashells and baby food jars.
U of M Dispo Direct
Sells items no longer being used by the University of Michigan such as furniture, electronics, sports items, equipment, etc.
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Donating
When items are no longer wanted, one of the best options is to donate it so it can be used again by another person. Here is a list of some organizations that accept donated items:
Food Gatherers
Friends in Deed
House by the Side of the Road
Accepts clothing, bedding, toys, and small household articles. Call for donation and pickup information.
Humane Society of Huron Valley
Accepts towels, pet articles, dog collars, leashes, and more. Check website for updated wish list.
Jewish Family Services
House N2 Home
Salvation Army Store, Area Drop‑Off Center
Accepts clothing, household goods, furniture, and jewelry. Call 800.728.7825 to schedule free pickups.
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Selling Locally
You can try selling your good condition items to antique, used book and music shops, consignment shops and others. Many are listed on Washtenaw County's Trash-to-Treasures page. You may also wish to hold your own yard sale.
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Online Selling
You can also post items on FreeCycle, NextDoor, Facebook Marketplace, Craig's List, EBay, Mercari or other websites.
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Moving/Storage
There are many moving companies that couple as a storage facility. If you are looking for short-term or long-term storage of your belongings or packing and moving services, here are some companies that can help:
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Swap Days
Swap days are community events that let people exchange items for free. There are many organizations that host these events, such as the Community Action Network, Sister Lakes Association, and more throughout Ann Arbor. The city's
neighborhood swap day website details upcoming events and has a toolkit for how to host one in your community. It's simple and fun way to get and give goods while building community.
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Furniture Rescue
Some places will repair or rescue furniture so it can be reused. Some businesses that provide this service in Ann Arbor are:
Workshop Detroit
- This company takes furniture that is reclaimed from vacant and abandoned building stock, then repair and/or rebuild it before it is sold.
Woodward Throwbacks
- This company salvages materials from industrial castoff and rescues it or makes it into new things like furniture
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What if my Item is no Longer Reusable?
Sometimes it's not possible to reuse items. In this case, please refer to Recycle Ann Arbor's
A-Z Recycling Guide on how to recycle unusable items.
For bulky items and other materials that cannot be recycled or put at the curb, check out the
drop off station or
recovery yard to see if they are accepted there.
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The listing of these locations is not and does not imply an endorsement of their services or products by the City of Ann Arbor or by any City of Ann Arbor official or employee.
