How to Donate Used Building Materials

If you or your organization has used building supplies, donate them to Habitat for Humanity.

There are a few organizations that accept the donations of used building materials. They then generally sell these donated materials to the public at a tremendously discounted rate. Retailers, contractors as well as individuals in the community can all make donations. Donating your used building materials is a great way to be socially and environmentally responsible by keeping good, used materials out of landfills and waste streams.

Things You'll Need

• Used (but in reusable shape) building materials
• Internet access
• Other home accessories, appliances, furniture to spare (optional)

Instructions

1. Go to Habitat for Humanity's ReStore website at http://www.habitat.org/env/restores.aspx and click on "U.S. ReStores" (click on "Canada" if in Canada) at the bottom of the page. Click on your state. Find the closest location to you and click on it.

2. Click on the link that says "Donate". If your location doesn't have this link, then call the phone number or email the address listed. Ask about donation instructions. Most of the locations have instructions for individual, corporate as well as faith and/or community group donations on the website, but call or email if not.

3. Organize a drop-off with your local donation site (how and when you or your organization can donate used building materials or other goods).

4. Note that Habitat for Humanity ReStores take used building materials as well as appliances, general home improvement items, furniture and other kinds of accessories for the home. Donate these items if you have any to spare.

5. Ask your local donation site for a receipt and use it for a tax deduction.

References

• Habitat for Humanity International: Habitat ReStores