Massachusetts is facing a waste crisis. It’s quickly running out of landfill space and no new sites are in the pipeline. Waste incinerators are operating at capacity.
Much of our trash includes items that are still useful. How do we get them into the hands of those who need them?
Two nonprofits working to find a new life for unwanted household goods and building supplies are Household Goods and Boston Building Resources, based in Acton and Roxbury Crossing respectively. MetroWest Climate Solutions recently hosted speakers from these organizations to learn more about the types of donations they can put to use. To listen to a recording of the webinar, visit metrowestclimatesolutions.org.
Household Goods provides a full range of donated furniture and household items, free of charge, to help people in need make a home. The organization keeps thousands of pounds of good quality furniture out of landfills every year, said Brigid Bieber, president of the board of directors.
Their clients are people starting over – include veterans, people who just completed a rehab program and families who have experienced homelessness. They have been referred by social services agencies who know their client’s needs, but who cannot afford furniture and other household items.
Clients make an appointment with a trained volunteer who serves a bit like a personal shopper, as Household Goods believes it is important to give people the dignity of choice.
“We don’t make any judgments on the circumstances that brought them to our door,” said Bieber. Everyone who comes through their door is treated with respect, she said.
Last year, Household Goods furnished 3,100 homes with 90,000 items, fielding referrals from 300 social service agencies. Their work is made possible by over 1,600 dedicated volunteers who contributed 60,000 hours of work.
In closing, Bieber reminded us: “Just remember, your extra may be someone’s only.”
What to donate: In addition to furniture – mattresses, lamps, sheets, towels and kitchenware are accepted. Even artwork and small decorative items in good condition can be donated, as Bieber noted that such items give a home personality. Donation guidelines can be found on the website. Donations are accepted at 530 Main Street in Acton from 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Questions? Call 978-635-1710 or email info@householdgoods.org.
Boston Building Resources (BBR) provides the Boston community with high-value, affordable materials, both new and used, for home maintenance and improvements. The organization aims to inspire, educate and empower homeowners to increase the efficiency and value of their homes.
Assistant Director of Partnerships Andrew Thompson noted that BBR’s work carries environmental benefits as well. Since Massachusetts landfills no longer accept construction and demolition debris, the state exported 1.8 million tons of it in 2022, according to data from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection) – roughly 30% of all waste generated by the state. Building materials account for 11% of global carbon emissions.
Beyond benefiting the planet, salvaged and donated building materials help address housing equity and the affordable housing crisis. BBR can sell items at a fraction of the market rate, enabling people on tight budgets to maintain stable homes in good repair. Thompson explained this is a basic requisite for families to sustain good physical and mental health, for kids to thrive in school and for communities to build neighborhood pride.
To empower users, BBR offers skills workshops on topics including use of power tools, bathroom and kitchen design, basic wall framing, drywalling, window rehab and tiling. The organization also offers a construction service, through which a team will come to your home, do the work for you, and haul away the debris. BBR then resells the salvageable materials. Fees charged for this service help underwrite BBR and the staffers learn great skills.
BBR is the only nonprofit building material reuse center in New England. The organization resold approximately 225 tons of materials valued at around $2 million in 2024, serving 5,000 customers and workshop attendees. It is open to the public – customers include homeowners, landlords, renters and contractors. Customers who meet the requirements of an income qualification program can shop at a steep discount.
What to donate: Doors, windows, kitchen cabinets, vanities, appliances, flooring, clean lumber, lighting fixtures, fencing, tools, gardening equipment, and more. While building material donations are currently on pause until April 28, financial donations and volunteers are still needed. See the donation guidelines on the website. Questions? Email donations@bostonbuildingresources.com.
