Swap Events & Resources
Swap events are community reuse events that provide 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, swap events are 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, be only gently used, and be able to be carried by one person in one trip.
Items not swapped will be collected by recycling partners or charitable organizations to the maximum extent possible.
The inaugural Swap Day was held in 2014 and has been annual event, hosted by the City of Melrose and Zero Waste Melrose.
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, CDs, and DVDs 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, monitors, 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.
Swaps are not intended as events for operators of consignment shops to re-stock shelves or online merchants to resell donations. The spirit of a swap is a community event to allow people to de-clutter or find items that they need or want for their personal enjoyment.
Below is Zero Waste Melrose’s own guide to plan & host swaps.
Swap Event Planning Guide from Zero Waste Melrose
Here are some helpful pointers and tips by Clever Girl Organizing.
Decluttering and Downsizing Tips (PDF)
How To Get Organized and Stay Organized (PDF)
Try these other REUSE RESOURCES, too!
