Keep Usable Items Out of the Landfill

There is a lot more to the second of the 3R's, reuse, than just finding new uses for old shoe boxes.  Reuse includes selecting durable items and using them over and over again, as well as finding new and creative uses for something old.  Choosing used items when you need something new-to-you and making sure that someone uses your old stuff are important, too.  Trade what you have and don't need for something that you can use.  Sell working and usable items that you no longer want or need.  Buy from resale stores, such as thrift shops, antique shops, and used bookstores.  Give away gently used items. 

For tax purposes, you should keep a list of the clothing you donate. Donation centers usually give you a tax receipt, but if you mail your clothing or shoe donation to a charity, also send a self-addressed, stamped envelope so it can send you a receipt. Shipping costs are tax deductible as well.

Online Resources

• Join Manhattan Beach's FREECYCLE group
• Cash4Books will pay you between 57 cents and $120 per used book. How much you get depends on a book's weight and retail value, how quickly it is expected to sell and how many copies are already in the company's warehouse.  Shipping is paid by Cash4Books. You get free FedEx shipping if you sell five or more books. You can get paid by check or PayPal. If you choose the latter, you get a 3% bonus to offset the PayPal fees.  The parent company has an A rating with the Better Business Bureau.  Check out their website for complete information.

Local Reuse Drop-Off Locations  

1. Goodwill: drop-off located at 1145 Artesia Boulevard in Manhattan Beach, accepts clothing, furniture, and household goods. Call (310) 376-8122 for more information.
2. Salvation Army: drop-off located at 2406 Artesia Boulevard in Redondo Beach, accepts clothing, furniture, and household goods.  Call (310) 376-1385 for more information.
3. Habitat for Humanity ReStore: drop-off located at 18600 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90504 accepts household appliances and fixtures, as well as reusable construction materials. Call (310) 818-5222 before delivering materials.
4. H&M Clothing Stores: many resale/donation centers do not accept odds and ends like one-off socks, worn out clothing or old bed sheets.  H&M's Garment Collecting Program will take it all, and give customers a discount coupon for a future purchase for every bag brought in. Visit H&M for more details.

Donation Pick-Up From Your Home

1. Vietnam Veterans of America: schedule a pick-up online or by phone at (800) 775-8387. 

If you have additional questions contact Public Works at (310) 802-5313.