Q. What is NYC Stuff Exchange?
A. NYC Stuff Exchange is a searchable database that allows NYC residents to quickly find organizations or shops in their neighborhood and throughout the City where they can donate, buy, or sell different types of gently used goods. It was created by the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) to encourage the reuse of gently used materials that might otherwise be discarded as trash.

NYC Stuff Exchange allows users to search for local vendors by transaction type (donate, buy, or sell) and item type (clothing, furniture, books, etc.) The site also provides information on the benefits of renting or repairing goods, and links to directories where users can search for vendors offering these types of services.

NYC Stuff Exchange is NOT a materials exchange service that picks up, resells, or gives away materials from a warehouse; nor is it an online materials exchange that allows users to list what they would like to buy, sell, or give away. For information on online materials exchanges that provide this type of service, read material exchange websites.

For more information on vendors listed in the NYC Stuff Exchange database, read General Listing Information.

For more information on events listed in the NYC Stuff Exchange calendar, read Calendar Listings.

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Q. Why is the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) sponsoring NYC Stuff Exchange?
A. DSNY collects 12,000 tons (24 million pounds) of garbage from NYC residents and institutions every day. Collecting and transporting this waste to out-of-city landfills and incinerators is a large financial and environmental burden to the City's taxpayers. The goal of NYC Stuff Exchange is to help lessen the City's waste (and thus DSNY costs) by encouraging the reuse of gently used materials that might otherwise be discarded as trash.

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Q. Are there materials exchange websites where people can sell or exchange stuff themselves?
A. There are a variety of barter and materials exchange websites on the Internet. Some allow you to limit your exchanges to a particular locale or group of members, while others designate specific categories of items. Some offer free exchanges or bulletin boards, others charge each user a processing fee. A few are listed here. Search the Internet for "barter" or "online auction" to find many more

Bookins: Free book swap by mail.

Bookmooch: Give away books you no longer need in exchange for books you really want.

BuyMyTronics.com: Sell used and broken cell phones, game consoles, and iPods.

Craigslist: New York's community website for exchanging services or goods, by borough.

eBay: Buy or sell online.

Freecycle: Give and get stuff for free through these local e-mail groups:

Freecycle New York City

Freecycle Bronx

Brooklyn FreeCycle

Freecycle Queens

Staten Island Freecycle

Gazelle : Sell used phones, digital cameras, MP3 players, computers, external hard drives, more.

GreenPhone: Get paid to recycle used cell phones.

Half.com: Buy or sell online.

MyBoneYard: Sell used desktop computers, phones, laptops/tablets, monitors, digital music players

Neighborrow: Swap items within your building or neighborhood.

ReCellular Trade In:  Receive Best Buy gift card for value of used cell phones.

Reclaimed Home: List your home materials, fixtures and furnishings that can be transformed into functional items through the forum or purchase refurbished items through the online store.

Second Rotation: Get paid to recycle used cell phones and other electronics.

Throwplace: Give stuff away to local and international charities, or list them as "up for grabs" for anyone to take. Register, then search for keywords NEW YORK.

NY WasteMatch: This free materials exchange service is sponsored by the NYC Department of Sanitation. WasteMatch facilitates the exchange of unwanted, surplus, or used supplies, furniture, and equipment from businesses to entities in need of them.  Materials are available for free or a low cost. 

Zunafish: Trade media: paperbacks, CDs, DVDs, VHS, video games, and audiobooks.

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Q. Where can I find or post info on stoop, rummage, or garage sales?
A. Go to the NYC Stuff Exchange Calendar of Events to post or find sales sponsored by nonprofit organizations.

To post or locate other sales, try:

Flyers placed on bulletin boards in local stores, libraries, or community centers. (Please note: It is illegal to place flyers on lampposts, trees, mailboxes, vehicles, or other street furniture; each flyer is subject to a $75 fine. See DSNY regulations for posting on pages 6-8 in the Digest of Codes).

Craigslist - New York: Garage & Moving Sales
Free online exchange for goods and services. Click on your borough.

NY.Com Shopping: Flea Markets
Lists several regular flea market sites.

New York (Manhattan): Apartment Therapy: Sales Events Calendar
Selections of the largest local second-hand sales from craigslist, plus flea markets and store discount sales.

Search the Internet to find local online message boards for your community.
ALSO SEE New York Magazine's "Stoop Sale: Step by Step" for a good outline on how to present and sell your goods.

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Q. What if I’m an individual in need? How can I get stuff?
A. Organizations that receive donations of items often distribute them to people who are enrolled in various assistance programs. Call 311 or the NYC Human Resource Administration’s Infoline at (877) 472-8411 to find out if you are eligible for a broad range of social welfare programs and services.

Also check out materials exchange websites to find stuff that people are giving away or bartering.

Or visit Where to Buy to find vendors that sell used goods, often at discounted prices.

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Q. How can I contact the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) about NYC Stuff Exchange?
A. To contact DSNY about NYC Stuff Exchange, use the Contact NYC Stuff Exchange form. To contact DSNY regarding other issues, call 311 or use the appropriate forms on the DSNY website.

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GENERAL LISTING INFORMATION

 Why can't I find a vendor for the item I would like to donate, buy, or sell?
 Why won't the vendor listed accept, buy, or sell my items?
 Where do these vendor lists come from? How often are listings updated?
 Are there vendors that will pick up my stuff?
 Why does the search for rental and repair services link to other websites?

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Q. Why can't I find a vendor for the item I would like to donate, buy, or sell?
A. Search results will only appear if the search criteria you entered match the transaction and item types of the vendors in our database.

If you know of a vendor that matches your search criteria, and the vendor does not turn up in your search results, please Contact NYC Stuff Exchange.

Get information on how to add vendors to our website.

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Q. Why won't the vendor listed accept, buy, or sell my items?
A. Vendors are listed within general categories of items they accept, buy, or sell. This doesn't mean they necessarily accept, buy, or sell all items within the category. For example, if a vendor is listed as a place to sell clothing, they may only buy certain types or styles of clothing. It is always important to call ahead to make sure they will take or sell your stuff. If a vendor doesn't work out, try another one. If a vendor does not accept the category of items shown here, please let us know.

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Q. Where do these vendor lists come from? How often are listings updated?
A. Our vendor lists are generated through a combination of approved submissions from local organizations (wishing to become part of NYC Stuff Exchange) and pre-existing vendor databases. If your company or organization would like to be listed, go to our Get Listed page.

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Q. Are there vendors that will pick up my stuff?
A. There might be; each vendor has different rules for picking up items. You can find drop-off and pick-up details for each vendor on the search results pages.

If you have large quantities of items or other special circumstances, it may be possible for some vendors to make arrangements to pick up your items; but be sure to call and ask ahead of time.

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Q. Why does the search for rental and repair services link to other websites?
A. Several other websites already offer comprehensive and accurate information about vendors of rental and repair services, and their listings are frequently updated. Rather than try to replicate these listings, we felt it would be more appropriate to send users directly to existing sites for this kind of information, while we concentrate our resources on providing information not easily found elsewhere.

Learn how we obtain our vendor listings for organizations that buy, sell, or accept donations of second-hand goods in New York City.

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INFORMATION FOR VENDORS

 Who can be listed as a vendor on NYC Stuff Exchange?
 How do I list my business or organization on NYC Stuff Exchange?
 How do I remove, update, or correct my business or organization's listing on NYC Stuff Exchange?
 How long does it take for a listing to be added, deleted, or updated once I submit my request?
 How do I indicate that I only accept, buy, or sell specific items within the item categories?
 I don't buy items, but I do offer store credit. Am I eligible to be listed as vendor?
 What if I’m a business interested in donating or selling my surplus equipment, furniture, or materials?
 What if I'm a nonprofit organization interested in periodically receiving donations of goods?
 Is there a forum for vendors and other similar organizations to network and learn from each other?

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Q. Who can be listed as a vendor on NYC Stuff Exchange?
A. Businesses and organizations located in New York City that buy, sell, or accept donations of used goods can be listed as a vendor on the NYC Stuff Exchange. To be listed in "Where to Donate", organizations must be prepared to accept significant quantities of the specified goods on an ongoing basis. They also must provide proof of their tax-exempt status. To learn more, go to Get Listed. 

Learn about opportunities for nonprofit organizations seeking one-time donations of used goods. 

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Q. How do I list my business or organization on NYC Stuff Exchange?
A. Getting your business or organization listed is easy. Simply go to Get Listed to see if your business or organization meets the NYC Stuff Exchange listing criteria, and then fill out our online Vendor Submission Form. If it is determined that your submission meets NYC Stuff Exchange requirements, we'll send you a confirmation email letting you know.

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Q. How do I remove, correct, or update my business or organization’s listing on NYC Stuff Exchange?
A. It's simple; go to Get Listed and then on our Vendor Submission Form. For removals, check the box "Request for removal of listing" and complete the form.  For updates or corrections to your listing, check the box "Update to a current vendor listing" and complete the form with the updated or correct information. Your business or organization’s listing will be removed or updated as soon as possible. To notify us of other errors or updates, please Contact NYC Stuff Exchange.

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Q. How long does it take for a listing to be added, deleted, or updated once I submit my request?
A. It can take up to eight weeks for online requests to add, update, or remove a vendor listing to be processed. All listings are subject to review, and will be processed in a timely manner.

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Q. How do I indicate that I only accept, buy, or sell specific items within the item categories?
A. Most vendors only accept, buy, or sell specific items within a category. We ask that you include information about the specific types of items you accept, buy, or sell in the Organization Description and Pick-up/Drop-off Information fields for your listing. Go to Get Listed to update your listing, including the Organization Description and Pick-up/Drop-off Information.

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Q. I don't buy items, but I do offer store credit. Am I eligible to be listed as a vendor?
A. Yes, you can still be listed as an organization that buys used goods. It is important to state that you only offer store credit in the Pick-up/Drop-off Information field for your listing. Go to Get Listed to update your listing, including the Pick-up/Drop-off Information.

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Q. What if I’m a business interested in donating or selling my surplus equipment, furniture, or materials?
A. Businesses looking to donate, exchange, or sell surplus materials can visit NY WasteMatch. This free business assistance service, funded by the New York City Department of Sanitation Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling, facilitates the exchange of surplus or unwanted goods from NYC businesses to other entities in need of them. NY WasteMatch keeps valuable resources out of the waste stream while offering clients an opportunity to save money on purchase and disposal costs, receive tax-deduction benefits, and lower their environmental impact.

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Q. What if I'm a nonprofit organization interested in periodically receiving donations of goods?
A. Nonprofit organizations who are sponsoring used book fairs, donation drives, rummage sales, and swap meets can list their events on the NYC Stuff Exchange Calendar of Events. For more information, go to the Calendar of Events page.

In addition, there are a number of materials exchange and nonprofit assistance organizations that regularly facilitate the donation of goods to nonprofit organizations on an as needed basis. A sampling of such organizations are listed below:

NY WasteMatch: A materials exchange program sponsored by the NYC Department of Sanitation. NY WasteMatch is a website facilitating the exchange of unwanted goods generated by NYC manufacturing and business sectors.

Materials for the Arts: Redistributes collected items to NYC public schools and nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. Items redistributed include art supplies, electronics, fabric, furniture, musical instruments, industrial discards, paint, office equipment, and supplies.

Gifts In Kind NYC: A program of the United Way of NYC, redistributes items to local nonprofit agencies. Items redistributed include clothing, jewelry, toiletries, toys, and office furniture and equipment.

Institutional Recycling Network: A cooperative, member-led organization that works with institutions on recycling and surplus donation initiatives.

PENCIL (Public Education Needs Civic Involvement in Learning): Redistributes items to NYC public schools. Items redistributed include art supplies, new books, computers & software, office furniture, musical instruments, office equipment, science equipment, sporting goods.

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Q. Is there a forum for vendors and other similar organizations to network and learn from each other?
A. The NYC Materials Exchange Development Program (MEDP), funded by the New York City Department of Sanitation Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling, aims to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of materials exchange activities in New York City, and to increase public access to these innovative waste prevention services. 

MEDP offers a range of assistance programs to local materials exchange organizations including general informational resources, educational and networking opportunities, and research and development services. 

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REUSE AND RECYCLING

 What is the difference between reuse and recycling?
 What else is the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) doing to promote reuse and waste prevention in NYC?
 Does the Department of Sanitation salvage items in good condition that people leave at the curb?
 How can I contact the Department of Sanitation about other Sanitation–related services?
 My stuff is not in great shape. Should I donate it anyway? Or should I just throw it away?
 Is it better to sell my stuff or donate it?

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Q. What is the difference between reuse and recycling?
A. Reuse is using a product again as is. Reuse is a form of waste prevention, because if an item is reused - as opposed to thrown away - there is less waste to discard.

Waste prevention means actually eliminating or reducing the quantity of materials discarded, either as trash or recyclables.

Recycling is reprocessing a product into a new product. Recycling is critical to reducing the quantity of waste that New York City sends to landfills and incinerators; but recycling is not the same as waste prevention or reuse.

Visit the Department of Sanitation's NYCWasteLe$$ website for more information on how to recycle and prevent waste in NYC.

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Q. What else is the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) doing to promote reuse and waste prevention in NYC?
A. DSNY has implemented a wide variety of waste prevention initiatives for NYC residents, businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

In 2004, DSNY launched the NYCWasteLe$$ website to help New Yorkers identify practical ways of reducing waste. Visit the site to learn about other waste prevention projects funded by DSNY.

DSNY also funds the NYC Materials Exchange Development Program (MEDP), which works to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of materials exchange activities and organizations in New York City through a series of networking, research, and educational initiatives.

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Q. Does the Department of Sanitation salvage items in good condition that people leave at the curb?
A. It is not legally or logistically possible for the Department of Sanitation to operate a salvage program for reusable materials. Some reusable goods left at the curb may be taken away by scavengers, but be aware that this practice is, in fact, illegal (go to Unauthorized Removal of Refuse on page 23 in the Digest of Codes). When Sanitation trucks arrive, non-metal bulk items left at the curb are collected as refuse, while metal bulk items are collected for recycling. For more information on recycling regulations, go to Recycling in New York City.

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Q. How can I contact the Department of Sanitation about other Sanitation-related services?
A. The Department of Sanitation collects refuse and recyclables from NYC residents, city agencies, and institutions. For questions regarding Sanitation services or programs, call 311 or visit the Sanitation website.

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Q. My stuff is not in great shape. Should I donate it anyway? Or should I just throw it away?
A. Before making donations to any nonprofit organization, it is best to check with them (by calling or viewing their website) to see what materials they accept. Some organizations will take clothing and linens in any condition because they can sell them to textile recyclers. Animal shelters can often use ripped or worn blankets, sheets, or pillows for animal bedding. Other organizations are more selective in what they accept.

Broken appliances, electronics, and furniture you would not repair yourself are considered waste, and should be set out with your regular trash. However, broken metal items should be recycled. For more information on what to recycle, go to Recycling in New York City.

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Q. Is it better to sell my stuff or donate it?
A. When deciding whether to sell or donate your materials, it comes down to personal preference. While some people like to sell or barter stuff online, others find the process too time-consuming or intimidating. Here are some pros and cons for both:

Donating Pros

• Donated items benefit worthy causes
• Possibility of tax deduction
• Opportunity to get rid of a lot of stuff fairly quickly

Donating Cons

• Will not receive cash for your stuff
• May have to bring stuff during specific hours
• Requires research to find organizations that take your specific stuff

Selling Pros

• Will receive cash for stuff you no longer need
• May be possible to arrange for pick up at your convenience
• You know your stuff goes to someone who wants it

Selling Cons

• Takes time to post item descriptions and photos online and respond to inquiries
• Uncertainty of dealing with strangers
• Must arrange to meet buyers, or package and ship stuff

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CALENDAR LISTINGS

 What types of events are listed on the NYC Stuff Exchange Calendar of Events?
 Who can list events in the NYC Stuff Exchange Calendar of Events?
 How can I list an event on the NYC Stuff Exchange calendar?
 Once I submit an event, how long does it take to get listed in the calendar?
 If I have to make a change to a calendar event I already submitted, what should I do?

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Q. What types of events are listed on the NYC Stuff Exchange Calendar of Events?
A. Used book fairs, donation drives, rummage sales, and swap meets sponsored by nonprofit organizations can be listed in the Calendar of Events. For more information, go to the Calendar of Events page.

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Q. Who can list events in the NYC Stuff Exchange Calendar of Events?
A. Events sponsored by nonprofit organizations are the only type of events listed in the Calendar of Events. Go to the Calendar of Events page for more information.

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Q. How can I list an event on the NYC Stuff Exchange calendar?
A. Go to Calendar of Events and follow the instructions shown.

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Q. Once I submit an event, how long does it take to get listed in the calendar?
A. Our goal is to list events soon after we receive them. This is easier to do when we only have a few events to post, but more difficult when we have many events to list. To make sure your event gets listed, submit it at least two weeks to a month in advance.

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Q. If I have to make a change to a calendar event I already submitted, what should I do?
A. To change a calendar event listing, please complete the Contact NYC Stuff Exchange form. Use the following guidelines when completing the form:

• Under Message Type, select "Request"
• For Message Topic, select "My Listing"
• Complete the necessary contact information
• Detail the change you want to make in the Message box

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