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Written by Living Green Technology
on January 13, 2023

Best Reuse Centers in Seattle - Donate & Pick-Up

Seattle is a city known for its eco-consciousness and commitment to sustainability.

One way that residents can contribute to this goal is by shopping at reuse centers, which sell gently used or surplus building materials, appliances, and other household items. These centers not only offer affordable options for home improvement projects but also reduce waste by giving new life to items that might otherwise end up in landfills.

In this article, we will highlight some of the best reuse centers in the Seattle area. These centers have been chosen for their selection of items, reputation, and overall shopping experience.

What is a “Reuse” Center?

A reuse center, also known as a reuse store or reuse shop, is a retail store that sells gently used or surplus building materials, appliances, and other household items. These centers provide an affordable alternative to buying new items and also help to reduce waste by giving new life to items that might otherwise end up in landfills. 

Reuse centers are often run by non-profit organizations and may also offer educational workshops, job training programs, and other community resources. Some reuse centers specialize in salvaging materials from demolition or remodeling projects, while others may offer a more diverse selection of items.

Why Buy Things at a Reuse Center?

Buying items or materials at a reuse center versus buying them brand new brings many benefits.

There are several reasons why someone might choose to shop at a reuse center:

  • Affordability: Reuse centers often offer gently used or surplus items at significantly lower prices than what you would find at a traditional retail store. This can be especially useful for those on a budget or looking to save money on home improvement projects.
  • Sustainability: Reuse centers help to reduce waste by giving new life to items that might otherwise end up in landfills. By shopping at a reuse center, you can contribute to sustainability efforts and help to conserve natural resources.
  • Selection: Reuse centers often have a wide selection of items, including building materials, appliances, and home goods. This can be a great resource for those looking for unique or hard-to-find items.
  • Community support: Many reuse centers are operated by non-profit organizations that use the proceeds from sales to support their mission and provide community resources. By shopping at a reuse center, you can support a good cause and give back to your community.
  • Educational opportunities: Some reuse centers offer educational workshops and tours, which can be a great way to learn about building materials, home improvement, and sustainability.

What Items Can You Find at Reuse Centers?

Reuse centers can be a great resource for those looking to save money on home improvement projects or find unique or hard-to-find items.

Here are some of the most common items or materials you can find at a reuse center:

  • Building materials (e.g. lumber, drywall, roofing materials)
  • Appliances (e.g. refrigerators, ovens, washers and dryers)
  • Furniture (e.g. sofas, tables, chairs)
  • Home decor and accessories (e.g. mirrors, light fixtures, rugs)
  • Tools and hardware (e.g. power tools, hand tools, nails and screws)
  • Kitchen and bathroom fixtures (e.g. sinks, faucets, countertops)
  • Windows and doors
  • Cabinets and countertops
  • Lighting (e.g. ceiling fixtures, floor lamps, wall sconces)
  • Plumbing supplies (e.g. pipes, fittings, water heaters)
  • Electrical supplies (e.g. wires, outlets, switches)
  • Paint and other finishes (e.g. stains, varnishes, sealers)
  • Landscaping materials (e.g. plants, mulch, pavers)

1. Second Use Building Materials

Address: 3223 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
Phone: (206) 763-6929
Website: https://www.seconduse.com/
Hours:
Sunday    9 AM–5:30 PM
Monday    9 AM–5:30 PM
Tuesday    9 AM–5:30 PM
Wednesday    9 AM–5:30 PM
Thursday    9 AM–5:30 PM
Friday        9 AM–5:30 PM
Saturday    9 AM–5:30 PM

First on our list is Second Use Building Materials. This center, located in the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle, is a for-profit organization that specializes in salvaging building materials from demolition and remodeling projects. 

The center has a large showroom with a wide variety of items, including doors, windows, cabinets, and appliances. Second Use also offers delivery services and has a professional installation team for larger items.

2. Habitat for Humanity ReStore - Southcenter

Address: 1185 Andover Park W, Tukwila, WA 98188
Phone: (888) 507-7078
Website: habitatstoreskc.org
Hours:
Sunday    Closed
Monday    10 AM–6 PM
Tuesday    10 AM–6 PM
Wednesday    10 AM–6 PM
Thursday    10 AM–6 PM
Friday        10 AM–6 PM
Saturday    10 AM–6 PM

Habitat for Humanity ReStore is another great reuse center in Seattle. This non-profit organization operates a chain of home improvement stores that sell gently used building materials, appliances, and home goods.

The proceeds from these sales go towards supporting Habitat for Humanity's mission of building affordable housing for low-income families. The ReStore in the Rainier Valley neighborhood of Seattle has a wide selection of items and is known for its friendly and helpful staff.

3. Ballard Reuse

Address: 1440 NW 52nd St, Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: (206) 297-9119
Website: http://ballardreuse.com/ 
Hours:
Sunday    9 AM–6 PM
Monday    9 AM–6 PM
Tuesday    9 AM–6 PM
Wednesday    9 AM–6 PM
Thursday    9 AM–6 PM
Friday        9 AM–6 PM
Saturday    9 AM–6 PM
(Materials accepted until 5 pm)

Ballard Reuse is a used and salvaged building materials store located in Ballard, WA. Their goal is to keep “cool stuff” out of landfills and encourage people to get creative. They carry a wide range of items, including but not limited to: doors, cabinets, appliances, lighting, flooring, lumber, fasteners, tools, bathtubs, and so much more.

4. Seattle ReCreative

Address: 8408 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: (206) 297-1528
Website: http://www.seattlerecreative.org/ 
Hours:
Sunday    11 AM–5 PM
Monday    10 AM–6 PM
Tuesday    10 AM–6 PM
Wednesday    10 AM–6 PM
Thursday    10 AM–6 PM
Friday        10 AM–6 PM
Saturday    10 AM–6 PM

Seattle ReCreative is a non-profit that collects donations of used art materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill. These items are then redistributed to the community, and the proceeds are then used to fund the org’s arts program and community workshops.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – the Seattle Way!

Seattle has a number of excellent reuse centers that offer affordable home improvement items and support sustainability efforts by diverting usable materials from landfills.

Whether you're looking for building materials, appliances, or other home goods, these centers are a great resource for finding what you need.

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