What You Can Actually Donate or Recycle in Denver (And What You Can’t)
Decluttering feels great—until you’re staring at a pile of stuff and asking, “Can I donate this?” or “Is this recyclable?” At Strategic Spaces, we love helping our clients make responsible decisions, but sometimes the truth is...not everything belongs in the donation or recycling bin.
If you’re in the Denver area, here’s a realistic, no-guilt guide to what you can (and can’t) donate or recycle.
Let’s Start with Donations:
Thrift Store-Friendly Donations:
Gently used, clean clothing (seasonally appropriate is best!)
Home goods in good condition (think: working kitchenware, small appliances)
Toys with all parts and batteries (if needed)
Furniture that’s clean and not broken
Books, DVDs, puzzles (with all pieces)
Not Ideal for Donation Centers:
Stained, unwashed, ripped, or worn-out clothing – Most thrift stores (like Goodwill or Arc) will discard these. If it’s not something you’d want to wear, skip it.
Used undergarments or socks – Even if washed.
Broken or dirty items – If it needs repair or cleaning, it’s usually not accepted.
Old electronics – These need special recycling (see below).
Wire or plastic hangers – Most donation centers don’t want them.
Seasonal Tip: Most thrift stores prefer in-season items. Bringing winter coats in July? They might sit in storage or get rejected. Match your donations to the season for a better chance they’ll be accepted and used quickly.
Where to Donate in Denver:
Arc Thrift Stores
Goodwill Denver
Dress for Success (for professional clothing)
Habitat for Humanity ReStore (for furniture, appliances, home improvement items)
What About Recycling?
Items You Can Recycle in Denver Curbside (Blue Bin):
Cardboard boxes (flattened)
Paper (except dark or glossy paper)
Aluminum cans, glass bottles (rinsed)
Plastic containers #1, #2, #5 (check labels!)
Items You Can’t Recycle in Curbside Bin:
Colored paper (like construction paper or dark wrapping paper)
Plastic bags and film – Drop off at grocery store collection bins instead.
Pizza boxes with grease stains – Compost or trash.
Styrofoam – Not recyclable in Denver’s curbside program.
Tanglers (wires, cords, hoses) – Can damage sorting machines.
Specialty Recycling in Denver:
Paint, batteries, electronics: Drop off at Cherry Creek Recycling Drop-Off or other city-approved centers. Staples, Best Buy, and other office supply stores may accept electronics as well. Sherwin Williams paint stores will accept a limited amount of paint.
Textiles: Some fabric recyclers will take unusable clothing for industrial rags. We love the Trashy take back bags if you’re willing to pay for conscious disposal and recycling!
Helpful Resources:
Final Thoughts:
Being intentional about where your items go is a great way to declutter and make a difference. But sometimes, throwing something away is okay too—especially if it’s broken, moldy, or too worn to be useful. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.
Need help sorting donation-worthy from toss-worthy? Strategic Spaces offers judgment-free organizing support with local knowledge of where your items can go. Contact us today.