Pass It On Book
Our award-winning Pass It On: A Resource-Full Guide to Donating Usable Stuff was last printed in 2019. It was the 8th edition of the book.
Find a Donation Location
Cleaning out your home and closets? Use the dark blue “What Do I Do With?” search bar at the top of every page of this website to find places that take furniture, clothing, toys, art supplies, vehicles, tools, baby items, and other household goods. Allow location services or use the city drop-down to find opportunities in your local area.
The “What Do I Do With?” search includes the most up-to-date donation information available. It includes organizations listed in the Pass It On book.
House cleanouts are a lot of work. See our blog post for tips.
History of the Pass It On Book
In 1997, the Solid Waste District produced the first edition of a book to help residents of Cuyahoga County donate their goods for reuse.
Pass It On: A Resource-Full Guide to Donating Usable Stuff helped many people find a donation location for their usable items. Over the years, the publication connected individuals with community service organizations that work for youth, seniors, the homeless, animals, and others in Cuyahoga County and the surrounding area.
The final, 8th edition of our award-winning Pass It On book was updated and printed in August 2019. Copies of the printed book are no longer available but can be downloaded as a PDF (8th edition, August 2019, 43 pages).
This website's “What Do I Do With?” search replaces the printed book.
Other Brochures and Publications
See a list of available publications from the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District.
Tips on Donating Usable Stuff
When donating your unwanted items make sure they are clean and in usable, working condition. Call the organization before dropping off your items. Donations that have not been arranged or have been left after hours can become "uncharitable" donations if they are not needed or are unusable.
The “What Do I Do With?” search is not an exhaustive list of donation locations. Other donation possibilities exist at your local school, church, theater company, pet shelter, nursing home, or library. Be creative and think of who might benefit from your unwanted items.
Is My Donation Tax Deductible?
Your donation of used goods may be tax-deductible. For current information about tax laws, contact your accountant or tax advisor.
While most charities will provide a receipt for your donation, most will not appraise the value of donated items. To help you determine the value of your donation, see IRS Publication 526, Charitable Contributions (for individuals), or IRS Publication 542, Charitable Contributions (for corporations). Contact the Cleveland IRS office at (844) 545-5640.
Contributions to civic leagues, social clubs, and business leagues are not tax-deductible, nor are donations made to for-profit thrift stores or merchandise sold on consignment.
Listing a Nonprofit Organization
Does your organization need or accept donations of usable goods? If you want to learn how to have a local nonprofit listed on our website or you need to update an existing listing, call (216) 443-3749 or send an email.