nyc center for materials reuse
reusenyc
nyc wastematch
nyc stuff exchange
resale and donation laws
get donated goods 

NYC Center for Materials Reuse

The NYC Center for Materials Reuse (NYCCMR)* works to strengthen materials reuse activities in New York City by researching, promoting, and advancing the positive environmental, social, and economic impacts of reuse. Created and funded by the Department of Sanitation Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling (BWPRR), and operated out of the Grove School of Engineering of City College of New York , NYC CMR’s programs focus on supporting the nonprofit reuse community, aiding both nonprofit and for-profit organizations in exchanging materials, and researching the impacts of reuse as well as the issues that commonly affect reuse organizations.Two of NYC CMR’s major programs are ReuseNYC and NYC WasteMatch.

*Formerly known as the NYC Materials Exchange Development Program

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ReuseNYC

A support network for the NYC reuse community, ReuseNYC  provides a wide range of free services to nonprofit organizations accepting and redistributing second-hand or “reusable” items. ReuseNYC member organizations receive professional development training, networking opportunities, donation referrals, promotional services, and the benefits of NYC CMR’s research and development projects.

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NYC WasteMatch

A free service for businesses and nonprofits, NYC WasteMatch  is an online materials exchange that facilitates the exchange of used and surplus goods and equipment from organizations that no longer need them to entities that do. NYC WasteMatch keeps valuable resources out of the waste stream while offering clients an opportunity to save money and lower their environmental impact.

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NYC Stuff Exchange

The NYC Stuff Exchange  website, developed by the DSNY Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling, offers a quick and simple online tool to find out where to donate, buy, or sell gently used goods in NYC.

• Hundreds of listings, searchable by zip code, borough, or citywide.
• Nonprofits promote upcoming donation drives, swaps, book drives, and rummage sales through the Calendar of Events .
• Get listed  explains how to request a free listing or submit an event to the calendar.

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Resale and Donation Laws

Organizations participating in the collection and sale of used goods need to be aware of certain rules governing these activities.

NYC LICENSING LAW
With the exception of not-for-profit organizations, every seller of used merchandise in NYC must be licensed under the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Licensing Law for Dealer of Second-hand Articles. To apply for a license, visit DCA's business toolbox .

NYC CONSUMER PROTECTION LAW
The NYC Consumer Protection Law requires a seller of used merchandise to clearly disclose through labels and signage that the items are not new by means of words such as "used," "antique," "floor model," "demonstrator," "rebuilt," in any advertisement or sales transaction. Not-for-profit organizations are exempt from these regulations.

NY STATE BEDDING LAW
The NY State Bedding Law restricts both the refurbishment and the resale of used mattresses and box springs. In order for an establishment to sell used mattresses or box springs, it must register with the State and comply with strict sanitary standards.

CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY INFORMATION ACT
The Consumer Product Safety Information Act (CPSIA) regulates the resale of children's toys containing lead. This law, commissioned by the Consumer Product Stewardship Committee (CPSC), requires resellers of children's toys to prove through lab tests that the children's products they accept and re-sell are lead-free.

COLLECTION BINS FOR DONATIONS

Charities and businesses sometimes use drop-off bins to collect goods from the public. While the placement of bins on private property is by the choice of the owner, the use of collection bins on public property is regulated by Local Law 31 of 2007.

Each bin must display the name, address, and telephone number of the bin's provider. The law also states that these bins cannot be placed on City property, sidewalks, or roadways. If placed on private property, the bin's owner must have written permission from the property owner.

If a publicly accessible collection bin is suspected of being in violation, the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will attempt to notify the owner by certified mail. The notice will state that the bin must be removed within 30 days. Regardless of whether the owner's address is ascertainable, DSNY is required to post a notice on the bin stating that it must be removed within 30 days. Failure to remove the bin within the designated time period will result in the removal and disposal of the bin by DSNY. If the owners of these bins object, they must do so in writing within 20 days. The bin owner must provide proof that the bin is on private property, which may include a survey prepared by a licensed surveyor.

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