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Takes food/pantry items, kitchen items, office supplies, kids toys/books/games, bedding (especially sleeping bags, blankets and pillows), toiletries (gently used, travel and full size), certain housewares, and clothing (men, women, children). If you can spare reusable bags or grocery bags (prefers paper but will also take plastic) they use these to give food to the community. They also take toiletry donations (new; full size bottles). It’s best to call to arrange a time to drop; do not leave on the porch. Ask for Susan, Aurora or Larry. 545 Cassia Street, Redwood City, 94061 (right around the corner from Saver’s).
Like Goodwill but better. They proceeds benefit PARCA. They take almost everything (clothing, accessories, homewares and goods, some furniture, books, etc.) but you have to bring it to them. They also have the best donation hours (9am-8pm daily, including many holidays): 875 Main Street, Redwood City, 94061
Takes kitchen items, bedding, kids toys/books, some housewares (lamps, vases, decor) and clothing (men, women, children). They also take toiletry donations (new; full size bottles). You have to bring donations to them: MWF 1pm-4pm, 110 Locust Street, Redwood City, 94061; ask for Franco or Rebecca.
This unique company will help you do a big clean out, taking items to consign, items to donate and items that need to be recycled/disposed of. You contact them with the items (photos, measurements, info) and they will put a quote together. Super efficient and usually cheaper than 1800GotJunk and you have the opportunity to make money back on the consignments. Mention code LMOI for 20% off your pickup.
This company specializes in large-scale furniture liquidation. Their ideal clients are those who no longer have an emotional attachment to their furniture, don’t need it, and would prefer not to see it simply disposed of. Comforture offers a free, full-service furniture removal that already delivers tremendous value, and adds some cash on top for the items taken. Simply text or email photos of the furniture to 408-242-3928 or sales@comforture.com
Food bank which will take some perishable (nothing that needs to be frozen or refrigerated, so mostly fruits/veggies) and non-perishable foods, and they are ok if the food is expired but only within the last year: 1051 Bing Street, San Carlos, 94070
Located in East Palo Alto they take clothing/toys, furniture/decor and food donations. The are one of the few places that will come and pick up your items, but you need to contact them and send a list in advance with photos and measurements and get approval: 2411 Pulgas Ave, E. Palo Alto, CA 94303
On Santa Cruz Ave in Menlo Park. It benefits The Junior League. Robbie (owner) runs a nice shop and she is one of the last stores that itemizes and sends a receipt to you with a value for items she sells. What she can’t sell she takes to The Goodwill down the street but doesn’t give you a receipt for it. Take donations to the backdoor Tues-Sat during business hours: 785 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park, 94025
This is a great donation place on the coast that benefits the children of the south coast. Website (hyperlinked above) includes address, phone number, and hours of operation.
The Loan Closet provides second-hand and new household items: kitchenware (pots, pans, dishes), linens (blankets, sheets and towels), irons, toasters, etc., for international students and visitors to borrow during their time at Stanford. Items in the closet were either donated by CCIS volunteers or purchased using the nominal fees charged each student who borrows items.
Another great option in RWC for donations — often recommended by neighbors on Nextdoor. Monday – Friday | 10:30am – 1:30pm | Pantry hours: 10:30am – 1:30pm
(650) 365-7829
This charity is located in San Carlos and is, again, recommended by neighbors on Nextdoor. Open Tues/Thurs 10am-4pm and Saturdays 11am-2pm
1589 Laurel Street, San Carlos, CA 94070
650-769-9977
familytree@peninsulafamilyservice.org
A new discovery thanks to a colleague. I haven’t used this one yet but love the idea and will be referring that to clients.
This organization co-founded by Sophie Chi, Nia Sadrzadeh, and Pierce McGuire, takes outgrown sports equipment of all kinds (baseball bats and gloves, tennis rackets, lacrosse sticks, soccer balls, basketballs, jump ropes, etc.) for donation. Occasionally they’ll hold donation drop-off events locally, but you can reach them via instagram (@a.c.e._nonprofit) or email for other arrangements: athletescommunityenvironment@gmail.com
The Medical Equipment Loan Program serves clients primarily in San Mateo County, California, but also from other locations. This organization accepts medical equipment donations (think scooters, crutches, braces, etc.). Please contact them to find out if they will be able to take your specific donations. Please click the link above (name of charity) and scroll to the blue section of the page which has the donation drop off locations in Burlingame, Belmont and San Carlos, along with the donation hours.
I take gently used pet toys, beds, leashes/collars and unopened/unexpired food here. They are very grateful for donations: 871 5th Ave, Redwood City, 94063
I take office supplies and some odd donations (like a rotary phone or an old naval uniform or really old books that could be used for sets or props for the theater group to the high school. You might go to a school closer to you or find a local theater group and ask if they want X, Y or Z for props. Take to the main administrative building (in the circle): 199 Churchill Ave, Woodside, 94062
I take arts/crafts and school supplies here and they are always appreciative. I’ve also taken musical instruments. I usually drop them in the main office and the principal (Warren) reviews them; they can provide a receipt if you ask for it: 170 Selby Lane, Atherton, 94027
I got here several times a month, especially recently. They take fabrics, paints, used canvases, corks, buttons, anything that can be used by artists for creating arts. They are located in San Francisco (off Caesar Chavez/101 exit) and take donations 10am-4pm Tuesday through Saturday: 801 Toland St, San Francisco, 94124
This wonderful charity provides used kindles and tablets to high school students in the San Francisco Bay area. Please send any unused/unwanted but workable kindles and their cords to these teachers, who refurbish the tech items and hand out to students in need.
Local libraries will take books for their Friends of the Library fundraisers. That’s typically where I take most books. I also take books to Saver’s (especially cookbooks and coffee table books) and kids books go to the schools or to Ronald McDonald House (only new though).
The Redwood City Friends of the Library usually holds an event the 3rd Saturday of every month from 10am-12pm but check their website for updates.
The Menlo Park Friends of the Library usually holds donation hours Tues/Thurs/Sat from 1-4pm (exceptions in Nov are listed on their website).
Recently learned about this organization. They want you to send photos/dimension of the items you want to donate. They then send a specialist to come see everything and arrange for a moving company to come get the items (for free). They’ll give you a donation receipt. It looks like a great charity!
A client is using this to donate some art/furniture/decor and they put it in the annual sale. We had to approve the donations with photos in an email to the contact. They would *not* take a piano. Anyway, they also pick up (for free) and provide a receipt.
Accepts in-kind donations throughout the year! Due to the pandemic, they are in urgent need of personal protective gear for neighbors experiencing homelessness. Please drop off donations at 5228 Diamond Heights Blvd. SF 94131 (2nd floor in Diamond Heights Shopping Center).
Our neighbors are in need of: Socks, Blankets, Face masks, Deodorant, Hand sanitizer, Men’s clothing, Women and children’s clothing, Women’s hygiene items (tampons, pads). Can’t make it into the office? Please see their Amazon Wish List and have your donation delivered straight to their headquarters!
This charity provides you with a pre-paid shipping label and asks you to use Amazon boxes you have on hand to fill with your donations and send to them. Please be sure to send only donations – no trash, nothing broken, no recycling. This has become a great option while we shelter in place, as you can arrange to have the box picked up from your door.
located in San Jose or San Francisco; they take clothing for women looking for jobs/appropriate attire. My stylist donates to them all the time.
(please note this is not a non-profit)
Run by Swati Batra, this organization takes clothing donations or consignments to help keep clothing out of landfills.
Contact: swatidube1@gmail.com or 650-206-9330
Started by an alum of Blossom Birth Services, Elena accepts donations by mail for newborn to 5T. Please email her: elena@growupable.com
This organization is looking for kids books of all kinds. You can also sign up to receive free books to read with your child. Please visit their website or follow them on socials using @StorytimeBooks05.
— There’s also St. Vincent de Paul (although I haven’t used them in several years) and Goodwill or the Salvation Army. These have not been my favorite places so I don’t tend to use them ever but they are options.
I can connect you with people if you want; they will only take certain designers and are picky about clothes but let me know if you want to know more about this option. They have a world-wide reach and decent consignment rates. I’ve had a lot of success with this place with clients. You’ll send items to them by mail – they usually pay for shipping.
Ashley Peek will consign clothing on your behalf and will pay you a commission after her fees/commission. It’s not as high as with TheRealReal but she does better than brick and mortar consignment stores. She’s based in TX, but reimburses for the shipping of items to her. She’s honest, easy to work with, and sends you an accounting and payment out each month. Her email is: reclothcollection@gmail.com
They will only take clothing for the current season and you don’t get a lot out of them but I’ve had success with clients’ consigning here and have even shopped here myself (cute stuff). They are very easy to deal with and send checks without needing to follow up. Call to check on donation hours (I believe Tues-Sat certain hours when the manager is there): 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 94301
Requipper’s mission is to unlock the value of second hand, for consumers and the planet. We’ve recently launched a consignment program focusing specifically on outdoor gear. Earn up to 85% of its value once it sells! Join us in making the outdoors more accessible and sustainable. Contact Sasha Landauer: sasha@requipper.com or 650-268-4182
If you’re local to the Peninsula, contact Sutterfield Gallery to see about consigning furniture.
I think they also have one in San Jose or in Santa Clara County that might be closer to you. They will take furniture but you have to schedule a pickup (and sent them photos in advance of what you want to consign) and you have to pay to deliver the items there. I’ve not actually used them before with clients. We usually go another route. 1123 Industrial Rd A, San Carlos, 94070
415-307-4191
Ruth Rosenfield runs this online resale shop, and is interested in many vintage/old items, from textiles to Christmas to furniture to kitchen stuff to garage items. If you are downsizing and looking to offload old things, she can come take a look. You can also check out her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthsrosenfield/
But only for items you know you’ll get a good return on; online selling takes a lot of time and patience. There are no longer businesses that offer this as a service. Selling items online is more time consuming than you think – photographing, measuring, typing up the listing, paying for the listing, dealing with email inquiries, going to the post office to deal with shipping the item, and dealing with someone who then wants to return it so you have to re-list (and pay) again. Only do this if you have a high value or in demand item.
I do not personally have an account here but it’s good for clothing/accessories. I have a resource who sells via Poshmark but is based in Texas (see above in the consignment section for ReCloth Collection).
By far the best tool for me to get strange items (boy scout memorabilia; photo dark room supplies; etc.) to homes and out of the landfill. I have tips for posting so you’ll get more views
I’ve had a lot of success with this website. They require a lot of information but they have a worldwide reach and help out with shipping. I love using them.
Just like Chairish but even higher end.
I have a plethora of other resources for donating and recycling various items (medications, shoes, ink, prescription glasses, etc.). Just reach out and ask for what you need.
I also have connections to appraisers at The Fine Art Group (formerly Pall Mall Art Advisors) who can help you find out the value of items and introduce you to sellers who would be interested in consigning. I used to work in the auction world (Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Bonhams) so can connect you with people at those companies if you’re interested in going that route. Please reach out and ask!
Additionally, I recommend reaching out to Charles Tinsley at The Keys Guild for additional resources on appraisals and selling items on the secondary market. Mention NAPO
If you’re on the Peninsular or South Bay, Amanda Kuzak (based in Los Altos) is the best in business for Estates Sales. She has a curated list of buyers and a fabulous and experienced crew.
650-646-4343 or kuzakscloset@gmail.com
This is a great option if you’re located anywhere in North America! Contact Heather Dawson who will take great care of you and your needs, and help answer any questions you may have about doing an online estate sale through them. Mention NAPO or NAPO-SFBA.
Heather.Dawson@MaxSold.com
470-206-0211 or 1-833-MAXSOLD
**Please note with all movers, you need to give them 2 to 6-weeks notice, especially during the busy season (May-September) as many are booked up weeks to months in advance.
The below moving companies service the San Francisco Bay Area. For long distance moves or moves in other states, please contact my colleague, Barry Izsak at Packing Moving Unpacking: 800-753-8335 or barry@packingmovingunpacking.com
I am partial to this company because they are the best moving company I have ever worked with, hands down. I love that it’s a woman owned business who takes care of her employees (read: pays them a living wage; doesn’t overwork them; gives them time off and benefits; and trains them in the proper way to pack/move). They are always in uniform, have good hygiene, and are extremely friendly/helpful. I’ve been hired to manage a lot of moving crews, and these guys do not need to be managed at all. They are extremely professional, and a true pleasure to work with.
I will warn you, their estimate will come in as one of the highest because they bid the job for what it will cost. I have noticed a lot of other companies will bid a job to get it, and the move will end up costing 2-3x more when all is said and done. 408-240-0244
Noah and his team are great! They’ve helped out several of my clients on moves all over the bay area and we’ve been happy with them. They are based in the East Bay but will service the entire Bay Area. Please mention NAPO-SFBA. 510-839-5239
While I have not worked with them personally, a colleague of mine has recommended them based on a client experience. 408-469-5998
Again, while I have not personally worked with this company, I’ve heard good things from colleagues who have. They are based in Novato, but did do a move down to the Carmel Valley Area. 415-492-2122
A client of mine hired these movers (and has used them for several of her moves). While I was not there on the moving day, I did drop by for something and observed a very friendly and efficient moving crew. The client even said they came in under their original estimate. 415-282-4889
Again, no direct experience with this moving company, but a client hired them for a local pack-up/long distance move and said they did a great job. 408-887-8895
I’ve been using ScanCafe both personally and professionally since 2014. I have digitized my own paper photos, and also other media (VHS tapes, slides, etc.) and have always been impressed with how fast they’re able to finish the projects. I’ve had dozens of clients work with ScanCafe and all have been very happy. They’re always offering a great sale – so be sure to sign up for their emails. I’m proud to now partner with ScanCafe – please use code PRTLAMA when placing your order.
This is my go-to place, despite the drive, because it’s the most affordable ($10/box instead of weighed by the pound), and they shred it right in front of you. Open Mon-Sat (see hours on website) for onsite shredding. They are very friendly and a great option for shredding. BONUS:
720 Curtner Avenue, Campbell, CA 95008
408-377-2925
I’ve worked with this company to scan over 40 banker’s boxes of a business’s current and archived paperwork and it’s been great. I researched over a dozen companies and I liked Brett’s approach to his business, and I’ve been very happy with the results.
Ask for Brett or Randy
844-746-3274 (844-7-GO-DASH)
info@dashdata.com
This is probably the biggest and most well known company for shredding. Use their website for local contact and pricing information.
This may be a national company, but is one that is often recommended in the Bay Area on my local Nextdoor.com platform. They have trucks that can come to your home, but you may pay a premium for this service. Again, click the link for their location/pricing.
Like the aforementioned companies, this one offers shredding services, but also offers archival paper storage, document indexing, and even data/media storage. It’s been recommended by several colleagues and neighbors on Nextdoor.com
These stores provide shredding services, usually priced per pound. The draw back is that the paper goes into bins with locks on them, but they sit in the stores until they are full and the service provider (Iron Mountain for Staples) comes to collect them. According to Staples, employees do not have access to the locks, nor do the Iron Mountain drivers, however the Staples managers DO have access to unlock the bins (and I’ve had to have them do that). So it’s not shredded in front of you, but it it easy/convenient if you trust their system.
I cannot recommend Chris Meyers enough! A small business owner who is friendly, helpful, reliable, and makes my clients happy – he’s someone on my shortlist for help when it comes to hauling and labor type jobs. And I love supporting other small business owners who live to make sure their clients are happy/satisfied. Please note Chris is based on the Peninsula in the SF Bay Area and is limited between SF and SJ.
This unique company will help you do a big clean out, taking items to consign, items to donate and items that need to be recycled/disposed of. They are eco friendly and their last stop is the dump but consider them your all-in-one resource. Mention NAPO-SFBA for 15% off your pickup.
There is also a branch in Alameda County that works with NAPO-SFBA if you are in that area. Otherwise I recommend reaching out to Sal and mention NAPO-SFBA: 408-673-1940 or SJbusiness@junkluggers.com
Our eco-friendly option for junk hauling in the Bay Area:
Alexa (415) 940-8406
Bryan (415)416-0036
Info@allcleancalifornia.com
Another NAPO-SFBA business partner and hauling option farther north of San Francisco. Reach out to Brenda Camacho: 707-712-4430 (O) or 707-387-8676 (M)
When you need just a junk hauler, these guys can be great! I’ve had them help with several rat infested spaces, or post construction. Friendly crew, and easy booking. Mention NAPO10 for 10% off your pickup. Not all local departments know this so tell them this is a national promo code and they should give it to you. 1800GotJunk is a NAPO National Business Partner.
This company is launching in many cities around the SF Bay Area (and in other states too). Started by a young man (school age) who wanted to make sure those difficult to recycle items (corks, e-waste, plastic film, light bulbs, batteries, fabrics) didn’t go into the landfills, this company works on a monthly subscription pickup. They do the hard work for you by coming to pick up items from a designated Ridwell-branded bin. We pay for trash and recycling pick-ups already, but they don’t take the harder to recycle items (hoping Ridwell takes styrofoam and those ice packs used in grocery deliveries/shipments), so I think this is well worth the investment. If you have questions contact the company via email: help@ridwell.com or text: 888-982-7885 or fill out their online contact form: https://questions.ridwell.com/category/contact
333 Shoreway Rd, San Carlos, CA 94070
M-F: 830am-4pm
Recycling Center = FREE (immediate left after turning right off Shoreway into the facility; if you drive straight you’ll end up at the area to pay for dumping); there is no buy back option at this time.
Items you can drop: cardboard, paper, e-waste, light bulbs, paint, motor oil, sharps, medications, batteries, cooking oil, glass, aluminum, and other items.
Items you cannot drop: trash (drive around back to pay for dump fee), plastic bags/film, household hazardous waste
Making an appointment for HHWP in San Mateo County
only open Thurs-Sat, 8am-1pm
Click here for Landfills and Transfer Stations in the City of San Jose
Ranch Town, San Jose
775 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95126
M-Sat: 8am-530pm
Story Road Recycling, San Jose
1303 Story Rd, San Jose, CA 95122
M-F and Sun: 9am-5pm; Sat: 7am-5pm
ASC Recycling
1970 Monterey Rd, San Jose, CA 95112
M-F: 9am-4pm, Sat: 8am-12pm
U-Recycle, Inc.
1726 Smith Ave, San Jose, CA 95112
408-326-2754
Metals and Electronic Waste only
If you are a senior 65-years or older, Heart of the Valley may be able to offer pickup services for your household hazardous waste, depending on if they have volunteers.
Please contact them for further information: 408-241-1571, contact@servicesforseniors.org
Best Buy – most Best Buy locations will take e-waste. Please call your local store for additional information.
Ace Hardware – many local Ace Hardware branches will accept lightbulbs and batteries for e-waste disposal. Please contact your local branch for more details.
Please note that most places want non-rusted paint cans with readable labels. If your cans are rusted or missing labels, you can open and leave out in the sun to dry out and then put in the trash bins, or add kitty litter or another paint hardener (google options) to dry up the paint, and then put in the trash.
Paint Care – this is your best option for finding places in your area that take paint for recycling.
Kelly Moore – Redwood City
1391 Woodside Rd, Redwood City, CA 94061
650-701-0137
They’ll take up to 10 gallons at a time per household. Best to drop off starting Thursday (bin gets emptied on Wednesdays). Call them for hours of operation and to confirm they have space to take your paint.
***do not take to Benjamin Moore & Co across the street; they don’t take paint for recycling
Home Depot – some Home Depot locations will accept paint for recycling. Please contact your local store for more information.
AmeriSleep – I love that this company is committed to providing high-quality, eco-friendly sleep products and valuable sleep education, as well as a blog post on donating and recycling your mattress, helping combat the environmental burden that needlessly discarded mattresses can be to the planet. Check out their many options and see what works best for you.
It’s best to take to Recology or the Household Hazardous Waste Program locations who have sharps and medication boxes. The Redwood City Sheriff’s Department has a medical disposal/recycling box as well — check your local Sheriff’s office. Some pharmacies offer these boxes as well — again call your local pharmacy or even ask your doctor.
Otherwise, Sirum is an organization that donates non-expried meds. There are some restrictions for prescription meds. And here’s more information on over the counter (OTC) meds.
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