Options for Used Clothing

In 2022 the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) enacted a Waste Ban prohibiting textiles* from the trash, as part of their strategy of reducing waste by 30% by 2030. This effort is saving an estimated 230,000 tons of textiles collectively each year from trash disposal sites across the state of Massachusetts.

*Textiles, as defined in the waste ban regulations, include clothing, footwear, bedding, towels, curtains, fabric, and similar products.

Exceptions include textiles contaminated with mold, bodily fluids, insects, oil, or hazardous substances. These contaminated textiles should go in the trash.

Curbside Donation Program

The City of New Bedford and CMRK Inc. have partnered in this program where residents easily donate clothing, sheets, towels, shoes, and small household items. Click here for flyer. Donation Centers of New England is a division of CMRK Inc., a private used goods collection, up-cycling and recycling company. A portion of their revenue benefits the Big Brother Big Sister Foundation.

All residents can schedule a free home pickup by calling (508) 466-4590.
Residents can also schedule online at  https://donation-form.donatene.org.

Before you set your items out on your scheduled day, each bag and box must be clearly marked with CMRK.
Do NOT place items curbside without a scheduled appointment – this may result in a violation.

Set the bags and/or boxes by your front door or curbside.

CMRK Inc. will pick up the following items:

In a bag: Clothing (all types, sizes, and styles), blankets, towels, curtains, tablecloths, all paired shoes and sneakers, accessories (e.g., purses, backpacks, belts, jewelry, hats, gloves, socks) and more.
No wet or moldy items. Make sure bags are clearly labeled with CMRK.

In a box: Kitchen accessories (e.g., pots, pans, dishes, glasses), small working appliances (e.g., coffee maker and small toaster oven) and small décor items (e.g., vases, knick-knacks, picture frames, and paintings.) Also, small musical instruments, books, and DVDs. Please wrap glassware to keep the items protected. No broken items. Make sure boxes are closed and clearly labeled with CMRK.

Bicycles are accepted – tape sign with CMRK on bike and place bike by front door or curbside.

For a full list of acceptable items, please visit https://donatene.org/pickup-info-faqs/

Clearing out a residence? For donations of more than ten bags or boxes, please call (508) 466-4590.

Clothing Drop-off Options

There are also many clothing bins around the area that accept clothing, shoes, sheets, towels, bags, belts, and purses. It is okay if they are ripped or stained; they can be turned into wiping clothes, insulation or carpet padding. The items must be clean, dry and not smelly or moldy.

Click here for the Map of Clothing Drop-off Boxes in New Bedford

Consider donating to a local thrift store, charity, or someone in the neighborhood!

Repair By Choice

Try your hand at repairing or mending your clothing. Simple DIY repairs can help keep items in circulation longer and out of the landfill.

Don’t have time to repair it yourself? Give your clothes a second chance by taking them to be mended and repaired at a local tailor shop.
Not only are you reducing waste that goes to the landfill, but you’re also supporting a local business!