Melrose Swap Day Event
Spring 2024: Saturday, June 8
Fall 2024: Saturday, October 5
Time: 8am - 12pm
Location: Parking lot behind City Hall / Memorial Hall
Please note: Items will not be accepted for drop-off after 11 a.m. This is to reduce the volume of items that have to be picked up afterwards.
Swap Day is a community reuse event held twice a year (Spring and Fall) that provides an opportunity to save reusable items from being discarded and give them a new life and a new home. You don’t have to bring something to take something. And if you do leave something, don’t feel that you have to take something away.
If you are looking to “de-clutter,” this is a good opportunity to give new life to items that may no longer have a place in your home but that have not outlived their usefulness. If you are moving in to Melrose, or just need certain items, here’s an opportunity to find what you are looking for while sticking to a tight budget.
All items must be clean, only gently used and able to be carried by one person. All items will be inspected and approved before entering the event. Please enter the parking lot in between Memorial Hall and the Fire Station and follow the directions of the staff on site.
Items not swapped will be collected by recycling partners or charitable organizations to the maximum extent possible. Swap Day is hosted by City of Melrose and Zero Waste Melrose, and started in 2014.
Charitable organizations don’t necessarily take all of the different types of items that could be left over, and they face more restrictions than in the recent past. This means that some leftover items might have to be tossed in the trash—something we all would like to avoid!
Although there may be some changes to the lists of acceptable and unacceptable items, for now, please follow the guidelines presented here and set aside items accordingly.
Acceptable items including the following:
• Clean, unstained, gently used clothes and textiles, which in addition to shirts, pants, blouses, etc., may include purses, bags, jewelry, scarves, coats, gloves, hats, backpacks, totes, shoes, and sandals.
• Books, CDs, DVDs: Books can include textbooks. CDs and DVDs should be in their original labelled cases and not scratched. Be advised that there are fewer outlets for books than in the past.
• Sports equipment, including balls, bats, rackets, and roller blades.
• School/office supplies, including notebooks, pens, pencils, markers, staplers, scissors, file folders, and craft items.
• Household items and home décor. This can include kitchen items such as dishware, pots, and pans; small electronics such as blenders and toasters (in working condition); and artwork and décor, such as pictures and picture frames, baskets, vases, and clocks.
• Small electronics, such as DVD players, radios, phones, and computer accessories. NO TVs and monitors. Those can be dropped off at the DPW City Yard during the week and during Saturday events.
Items that are NOT acceptable include:
• NO large appliances/electronics (refrigerators, computers, TVs, etc.)
• NO cassettes or VCR tapes, miscellaneous cords, wires, adapters
• NO upholstered furniture (sofas, chairs, futons, mattresses, carpets, rugs, etc.)
• NO furniture, kid’s car seats, stuffed animals, any type of chemicals, including makeup, soaps, etc.
If you are unable to make it, try these other REUSE RESOURCES
Swap Day is not intended as an event for operators of consignment shops to re-stock their shelves. Swap Day is designed as an event allowing people to de-clutter or to find items that they need or want for their homes.
Here are some helpful pointers and tips by Clever Girl Organizing.
