New Bedford Launches Curbside Donation Program for Used Clothing and Household Items

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — The City of New Bedford is launching a new program that will allow residents to donate clothing, sheets, towels, shoes and small household items all without leaving their homes.

The City has partnered with CMRK, Inc. for a new curbside donation program that will allow residents to schedule an appointment to have their gently-used clothing and small household items right at their front door. The items collected will then be reused, repurposed or recycled.

“We are excited to help New Bedford residents give their clothing, sheets, towels, shoes, and other accepted items a new life,” said Jennifer Vieira, Director of Facilities and Fleet Management for the City of New Bedford.

“Donating clothing helps the environment, helps save taxpayers money and helps support the work of Big Brother Big Sister mentoring agencies,” she said. “We look forward to having a great mutually beneficial partnership for years to come.”

When Can You Make Curbside Donations in New Bedford?

The first two pickup dates will be January 3, 2025 and January 31, 2025, with the plan that CMRK will offer pickups monthly on specific dates.

How to Make Curbside Donations in New Bedford

You can schedule the free home pickup by calling (508) 466-4590 or by visiting NewBedfordRecycling.org.

Each bag and box must be clearly marked with “CMRK” and set out by the front door or at the curb.

Can You Make Large Donations?

If you’re doing a cleanout or have more than 10 bags or boxes, you are asked to call (508) 466-4590 to make arrangements.

What Items Can Be Donated?

In a bag: Clothing (all types, sizes, and styles), blankets, towels, curtains, tablecloths, all paired shoes and sneakers, accessories (e.g., purses, backpacks, belts, jewelry, hats, gloves, socks) and more. No wet or moldy items. Make sure bags are clearly labeled with “CMRK.”

In a box: Kitchen accessories (e.g., pots, pans, dishes, glasses), small working appliances (e.g., coffee maker and small toaster oven) and small décor items (e.g., vases, knick-knacks, picture frames, and paintings.) Also, small musical instruments, books, toys, puzzles, and DVDs. Please wrap glassware to keep the items protected. No broken items. Make sure boxes are closed and clearly labeled with “CMRK.”

Bicycles: tape a sign with “CMRK” on the bike and place the bike by the front door or curbside.

Visit https://donatene.org/pickup-info-faqs/ for a full list of acceptable items.

“Clothing, footwear, bedding, curtains, fabric, and similar items are banned from going in the trash by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection because there are plenty of opportunities to reuse or repurpose these materials instead of throwing them away,” said Anthony Novelli, Executive Director of the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District.

“We appreciate this new partnership that helps keep usable clothing and household goods out of the Crapo Hill landfill, which is a valuable asset to our community and should be reserved for materials with no better alternatives,” he said.

For questions about what to donate, please email dispatch@cmrkne.com or call (508) 466-4590.