Reduce Trash this Spring with the Move-Out Waste Reduction Pilot and Free Store

The Cambridge Department of Public Works (DPW) invites you to help the community reduce trash this spring through the Move-Out Waste Reduction Pilot and Free Store. From May 28 to 31, residents can participate in the Move-Out Waste Reduction Pilot which collects gently used furniture and household goods for local families in need. Then on June 1, residents can both drop-off and/or pick-up new household items at the Free Store at the Cambridge Community Center (5 Callender St). Both initiatives aim to reduce landfill waste and find a new home for your good-condition items.

Move-Out Waste Reduction Pilot:

DPW is piloting a program to collect good-condition furniture and household goods to benefit Boston-area families in need. This project is partially funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to reduce trash and keep reusable items out of the landfill.

DPW is partnering with Furnishing Hope of Massachusetts, Inc. to find a new home for gently used goods. Furnishing Hope is a Cambridge-based nonprofit that helps Boston-area families as they transition from homeless or domestic violence shelters into stable housing. The organization provides essential furniture, home goods, and moving and setup services, helping families create safe, comfortable homes as they work to rebuild their lives.

Want to donate? Submit a request here and DPW will contact you with next steps. There is no cost to residents for this service and the collection dates are May 28-31. 

Review the links to see what types of “Furniture” and “Household Goods” are accepted. All donated items must be clean, complete, and in good working condition. We cannot accept items that have stains, odors, or pet hairs, have major wear and tear, are frayed, or require any repairs.

Free Store – Sunday, June 1:

Cambridge’s Recycling Advisory Committee (RAC) is organizing a Free Store on Sunday, June 1 at the Cambridge Community Center, 5 Callender St. to help reduce move-out waste. At the Free Store, you’re invited to drop off and/or shop for free for clothing and shoes, household goods, small electronics, books and media, office supplies, and toys.

“Shopping” hours are 11:00 am to 1:00 pm; please enter at the Callender Street door. Drop-off hours are 10:30 am to 12:00 pm at the Howard Street side of the building; temporary parking will be available there.

Please only bring items in good, usable condition. Unfortunately, we cannot accept large or bulky items, furniture, TVs, computer monitors, or hazardous waste at this event.

Volunteers needed! Volunteers are essential to making the Free Store a success. If you’d like to help divert thousands of usable items from the landfill, please fill out this form to sign up as a volunteer! Questions? Contact racfreestore@gmail.com.

Other resources to reduce waste:

Visit Cambridge DPW’s webpage to use the Get Rid of It Right tool to look up how to properly dispose of waste and check out the City’s Reduce & Reuse webpage for other tips on reducing move-out waste.