It’s the start of a new year, so if you take ‘out with the old’ seriously then you’re probably spring cleaning for your life right now. And that’s okay – all the more space for shiny new pretty things, right? But if the stuff you’re getting rid of is still in good condition, you might want to find it a new home or someone who wants it.
Here are some excellent places in Singapore that will help you rehome your old stuff or dispose of junk mindfully.
The Reloved Collective
Get rid of: old clothes, shoes, and accessories in good condition
This store in Chinatown may be small but it aims to do so much in terms of contributing to the circular fashion economy. The store accepts old clothes, accessories, bags and shoes that are still in good condition. Before making a drop, send them a DM letting them know what items you are donating first. Besides retail, The Reloved Collective also holds workshops on upcycling and recycling in-store.
333 Kreta Ayer Rd, #02-27, Singapore 080333
Olio
Get rid of: food, old and unwanted junk
Sometimes you don’t even have to leave the house to get rid of your old stuff. Local sharing app Olio is useful for things you need to get rid of quickly, everything from fruits to old bags to accessories. It’s easy to get started on the app. All you need to do is snap a couple of pics, post it up and set it to your location – now watch the requests come in.
Books Beyond Borders
Get rid of: books
The mission is simple at Books Beyond Borders: they collect and sell gently used books and 100% of the profits are used to fund rural classroom projects. Founder Randall Chong was inspired by a message his friend wrote in a book given to him to start the initiative. If you wish to donate, reach out to the team first with pics and a list of your books before booking an appointment to drop them off. You can also drop by the bookshop, which is open from Fridays to Sundays.
Dignity Mama
Get rid of: books
You’ve probably seen Dignity Mama book booths in local hospitals before – the project is a social enterprise which employs adults with special needs. Books sold at these stalls are generous donations from the public and are affordably priced. Drop off any old books you have at the Ng Teng Fong General Hospital or the National University Hospital (Medical Centre) branch.
1 Jurong East Street 21, Singapore 609606 or 5 Lower Kent Ridge Rd, Singapore 119074
Greensquare
Get rid of: clean clothes, shoes and bed linen
Greensquare deals with all things fabric including bed sheets and (clean!) old clothes. Instead of piling up the trash, Greensquare’s collected recyclables are sold to second-hand textile importers in various developing countries. Plus, they have loads of accessible drop off points around the island too – just look out for the bins!
Visio Optical
Get rid of: glasses
Amassed a collection of glasses and sunnies over the years? Instead of throwing them out every time you get a new pair, you can donate them to this store in Holland Drive. Visio Optical runs a collection programme that provides eyeglasses to the needy.
43 Holland Dr, #01-67, Singapore 270043
Junk To Clear
Get rid of: everything!
Now if you’ve really got a ton of trash to uh, trash, you need to call the big guns. Junk To Clear is a waste removal service that deals with all kinds of trash from bulky appliances and furniture to e-waste and food waste. Contact them with some pics of your junk (as in what you need to throw away) and they’ll get back to you with a quotation.
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