Unfortunately, we can't take everything!
We hope this list helps in finding the right home for the materials we are unable to accept.
Call before you go!
The PA DEP’s Recycling Hotline gives guidance on disposing hard to recycle items: 1-800-346-4242.
The City of Pittsburgh has drop-off services for various materials (e-waste, chemicals, etc.).
Recycle This Pittsburgh is another great resource. Check them out here.
Learn where you may be able to bring the materials we can't accept. Click the letters below or use your browser's search function. Then click the organization's name to be directed to their website.
Does your business or nonprofit accept materials we don't? Want to be added to this list? Email donations@pccr.org for consideration.
ANIMAL/PET-RELATED ITEMS
APPLIANCES
BABY/CHILDREN-RELATED ITEMS
BATTERIES
- Batteries Plus 412-531-1690
- Best Buy
- Call 2 Recycle
- eLoop 877-801-6057
- Lowe’s
- PRC Hard to Recycle Events
- Staples
- Summit Recycling of Penn Hills (lead batteries)
BIKES AND BIKE PARTS/ACCESSORIES
- Free Ride 412-254-3774
- Free Store Braddock
BOOKS
- Amazing Books & Records
- Big Idea 412-687-4323
- East End Book Exchange 412-281-4505
- Pittsburgh Prison Book Project 412-361-3022
- Thrift Stores (click here for a list)
BUILDING MATERIALS
CARS/VEHICLES
- North Hills Community Outreach (412)487-6316 ext. 3225
- Wheels for Wishes
CELL PHONES
- Best Buy
- PRC Hard to Recycle Events
- Target
- Whole Foods Market
- Verizon Wireless
- GreenDisk
- Evolution E-cycling
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
- Evolution E-cycling
- Michael’s Brothers Hauling & Recycling
- Thrift stores (working lights only)
COMPACT FLUORESCENT BULBS
COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONICS
CURTAINS
DECORATIONS (HOLIDAY AND HOME DÉCOR)
ELECTRONICS
- Best Buy
- eLoop
- Staples
- GreenDisk
- Evolution E-cycling
- Summit Recycling of Penn Hills (electric motors)
- See also Computers above
FABRIC SCRAPS & UNUSABLE CLOTHING
- H&M clothing stores
- University of Pittsburgh Surplus and Archive 7500 Thomas Blvd. Pittsburgh PA 15208—Main Lobby (412) 624-6500
FURNITURE
HOLIDAY/STRING LIGHTS
- Christmas Light Source
- Evolution E-cycling
- Michael’s Brothers Hauling & Recycling
- Thrift stores (working lights only)
HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
INK CARTRIDGES
INSTRUMENTS (LARGE, ELECTRIC)
MAGAZINES (NON-ART/CRAFT/DIY/DESIGN)
- Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
- Magee Women’s Hospital: 412-641-1000
MEDICAL SUPPLIES
METALS
Nebulizers
PAINTS, VARNISHES & OTHER CHEMICALS
PHARMACEUTICALS
- PRC Hard to Recycle Events
- Market District Pharmacy: 5550 Centre Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15232
- Select CVS and Rite Aid locations: type “medicine recycling near me” into Google maps
PLASTIC STARTER POTS & CASES (Marked #6)
Lowe’s Garden Centers
POLYSTYRENE PACKING (AKA Styrofoam packaging)
- Appliance Warehouse
- PRC Hard to Recycle Events
- SCA Packaging: 724-843-2320
SPORTS EQUIPMENT
Styrofoam (see polystyrene packing above)
Area Nonprofit Thrift Stores
Barter Networks
- Buy Nothing
- Craigslist
- Facebook Market Place
- Freecycle Network
- Nextdoor