Donation Guide

Howard County
Donation Map

Before you toss it, check if someone nearby could use it. We mapped out 12 verified drop-off spots across Howard County—what they take, when they're open, and who offers free pickup.

12 Verified Locations
7 Offer Free Pickup
8 Item Categories

What Are You Donating?

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Showing 10 donation locations

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Howard County Locations

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Building Appliances
Free Pickup

About

Sells donated building materials, appliances, and furniture to the public. Proceeds fund local Habitat home-building projects in Howard County.

Contact

(410) 366-1250
8909 McGaw Ct, Columbia, MD 21045
habitatchesapeake.org

Accepts

  • Working Appliances
  • Cabinets
  • Doors & Windows
  • Flooring
  • Light Fixtures
  • Furniture

Home Of Our Own Howard

Furniture Small Appliances
In-Home Pickup

About

100% volunteer-run charity providing furniture and household items to Howard County families transitioning out of homelessness. They pick up from inside your home—even basements and upper floors!

Contact

donate@homeofourownhoward.org
Howard County, MD (pickup only, no drop-off)
Email with photos to schedule

Accepts

  • Beds & Mattresses
  • Sofas (up to 82")
  • Dressers & Tables
  • Dining Sets
  • Small Appliances
  • Household Items

HopeWorks of Howard County

Personal Items Small Appliances
Call First

About

Supports survivors of domestic violence. They often need smaller household items and personal care products for their emergency shelter.

Contact

(410) 997-0304
9770 Patuxent Woods Dr., Suite 300, Columbia, MD 21046
hopeworksofhc.org

Accepts

  • New Linens
  • Small Kitchen Appliances
  • Gift Cards
  • Toiletries (new)

Grassroots Crisis Intervention

Food Linens & Toiletries
Drop-off

About

Provides 24-hour crisis intervention, shelter, and outreach. They often need specific pantry items and small essentials for residents.

Contact

(410) 531-6006
6700 Freetown Rd, Columbia, MD 21044

Accepts

  • Non-perishable Food
  • New Toiletries
  • Twin-sized Linens
  • Laundry Detergent

The Mustard Seed Thrift Shop

Clothing Furniture Home Goods
Drop-off Only

About

A volunteer-run thrift shop supporting local community outreach programs. Curated selection of high-quality clothing and home items. No pickup available.

Contact

(410) 796-3270
6725 Montgomery Rd, Elkridge, MD 21075
Thu–Sat, 10 AM+

Accepts

  • Gently Used Clothing
  • Small Furniture
  • Kitchenware
  • Home Decor
  • Books & Games

Goodwill Industries

General Clothing
Drive-thru

About

Convenient drive-thru drop-offs for general clothing and household goods. Accepts a wide variety of items. Multiple locations in Howard County.

Contact

9097 Snowden River Pkwy, Columbia
10150 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City

Accepts

  • Clothing & Shoes
  • Furniture
  • Household Items
  • Small Appliances
  • Toys
  • Books

2nd Avenue

General Clothing
Drop-off

About

Large thrift store accepting a wide variety of donations. Convenient Columbia location with easy drop-off access.

Contact

(443) 542-5140
6515 Dobbin Rd, Columbia, MD 21045

Accepts

  • Clothing & Shoes
  • Furniture
  • Household Items
  • Electronics
  • Toys

GreenDrop

Clothing Furniture
Pickup Available

About

Donation collection service benefiting nonprofits like the American Red Cross and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Drop-off and home pickup available!

Contact

(888) 944-3767
9411 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042
info@gogreendrop.com

Accepts

  • Clothing & Shoes
  • Furniture
  • Household Items
  • Small Appliances

Salvation Army

General Furniture
Pickup Available

About

Accepts a wide range of items including appliances, automobiles, clothing, and furniture. Free pickup available for large items—great for bulky furniture!

Contact

1-800-728-7825
3267 Pine Orchard Ln, Ellicott City, MD 21042

Accepts

  • Furniture
  • Appliances
  • Clothing
  • Household Goods
  • Automobiles
Nearby — Serves Howard County

A Wider Circle

Furniture Home Goods
Drop-off

About

Provides furniture and home essentials to families transitioning out of homelessness. High quality standards—items must be in good, usable condition.

Contact

(301) 608-3504
9159 Brookville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910
contact@awidercircle.org

Accepts

  • Beds & Mattresses
  • Dressers
  • Dining Sets
  • End Tables
  • Sofas (good condition)

The Loading Dock

Building Materials Tools
Drop-off

About

Nonprofit reuse center accepting building materials, furniture, and gardening tools. Great for leftover renovation supplies that would otherwise go to the landfill.

Contact

(410) 558-3625
2 N Kresson St, Baltimore, MD 21224
donate@secondchanceinc.org

Accepts

  • Doors & Windows
  • Cabinets
  • Lumber
  • Tools
  • Gardening Supplies

Planet Aid Collection Bins

Clothing Only
24/7

About

Yellow collection bins located throughout Howard County for used clothing and shoes. Proceeds fund development programs worldwide. Drop off anytime!

Contact

Bins at grocery stores and parking lots countywide
Available 24/7

Accepts

  • Used Clothing
  • Shoes
  • Belts
  • Purses
  • Hats

AMVETS / Prime Thrift

General Clothing
Pickup Available

About

American Veterans charity thrift store. Your donations support veteran programs and services. Free home pickup available!

Contact

1-800-526-8387
9800 Washington Blvd, Laurel, MD 20723
info@amvetspickup.org

Accepts

  • Clothing & Shoes
  • Furniture
  • Household Items
  • Small Appliances

Second Chance

Building Materials Furniture
Pickup Available

About

Nonprofit that deconstructs buildings to salvage reusable materials, providing job training while diverting waste from landfills. Great for renovation leftovers!

Contact

(410) 385-1700
1700 Ridgely St, Baltimore, MD 21230
donate@secondchanceinc.org

Accepts

  • Cabinets & Countertops
  • Doors & Windows
  • Appliances
  • Furniture
  • Light Fixtures

Vietnam Veterans of America

General Clothing
Free Pickup

About

Veteran charity offering free home pickup for donations. Your items support programs for Vietnam-era veterans and their families.

Contact

1-888-518-VETS (8387)
Free home pickup throughout Howard County

Accepts

  • Clothing & Shoes
  • Furniture
  • Household Items
  • Small Appliances

Before You Donate

Does it work?

Appliances and electronics must be in working order. Test before donating—broken items cost charities money to dispose of.

Is it clean?

No major stains, pet hair, or odors on furniture. A quick wipe-down or wash goes a long way toward acceptance.

Is it safe?

No recalled items (check CPSC.gov), broken glass, or sharp edges. Cribs and car seats have strict safety standards.

Common Questions

Do these charities pick up for free?

Many organizations like Habitat ReStore, Salvation Army, and Vietnam Veterans of America offer free pickup for large items. However, some may have a waiting list or specific geographic limits. Always call or check their website first.

What condition should items be in?

Items should be "gently used," meaning they are clean, functional, and free of major damage, stains, or pet odors. Charities have to pay to dispose of unusable items, which takes away from their mission.

Do I get a tax receipt?

Yes, most registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits will provide a tax-deductible receipt upon request. If you use a pickup service, they usually leave a receipt at your door.

Too Much to Donate Yourself?

We'll do the heavy lifting. When we handle cleanouts, we sort through items to find those that can be donated. For every item we donate, we provide you with a receipt.

Schedule a Donation-First Cleanout

Based on Howard County's official "Know Before You Throw" resource.