Donations & Recyling

At Organized Oasis of the Carolinas, we believe that letting go of items can be an act of healing and that every item deserves a thoughtful next chapter. Below are trusted donation centers in the Charlotte metropolitan area where you can give your belongings a second life.

Clothing, Furniture & Household Goods

  • Backporch Treasures 119 N Ames St, Matthews, NC 28105. Accepts clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, home décor, housewares, linens & bedding, books, DVDs, CDs, puzzles games, electronics & office supplies. Part of the Matthews Help Center’s mission to provide short-term crisis assistance. 
  • Good Stewart Ministries 1213 W Roosevelt Blvd Suite B Monroe, NC. Accepts clothing, books, furniture, and accessories. Proceeds go to homeless and pregnancy shelters and to Ghana, where GSM has begun various charitable projects.
  • Goodwill Drop-Off Location 700 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204. High-rated location for quick drop-offs.
  • Habitat for Humanity ReStore Wendover 1133 N Wendover Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211. Accepts furniture, appliances, building materials, and home goods. Proceeds support affordable housing.
  • Julia's Cafe & Books 133 N. Wendover Rd. Charlotte, NC 28211. Accepts VHS, vinyl, DVD's, CD's, new greeting cards, puzzles, games, and books.
  • Little Free Library You can find one near you using the Little Free Library World Map - Little Free Library. Just enter your zip code to see registered boxes in your area. Accepts gently used books only (no magazines).
  • Matthews Help Center 119 N Ames St, Matthews, NC 28105. Offers crisis assistance and accepts donations through their Back porch Treasures Thrift Boutique.
  • My Sister’s House 3239 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216. Provides housing and life skills training for women experiencing homelessness or crisis. Interview clothing and household items are welcomed.
  • National Kidney Services (NKS) - Offers free pickup of clothing, small appliances, and household items. Proceeds support the National Kidney Foundation.
  • Safe Alliance Domestic Violence Shelter - Accepts donations of clothing, toiletries, and essentials for survivors rebuilding their lives.
  • Second Chance Stores 1201-B N. Broome St. Waxhaw NC 28173. Accepts clothing, household goods, and furniture. Provides support services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
  • The Salvation Army Thrift Store & Donation Center 1011 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204. Offers drop-off and pickup options for clothing, furniture, and household items.
  • ZABS Place 100 N Trade Street, Matthews, NC 28105 Accepts clothing, shoes, jewelry, purses, hats, luggage, home décor, housewares, furniture (non-upholstered from pet-free homes), and wall art. Trains and employs young adults with disabilities. Promotes inclusion and ability awareness in the community.

Pet Supplies & Animal Support

  • Local Veterinary Clinics & Shelters - Many vets and shelters accept gently used pet beds, unopened food, and supplies. Call ahead to confirm needs.
    • Examples: Charlotte Humane Society, South Charlotte Dog Rescue, Waxhaw Animal Hospital

Electronics, Cell Phones & Batteries

DVDs, VHS Tapes & CDs

  • Gardening: Hang old DVDs from stakes or trees to deter rabbits and birds — the reflection works wonders.
  • Art Studios: Reach out to local art collectives or schools — broken items like CDs, VHS tape ribbon, and old cases are often used in mixed media projects.
  • The ReCollective (Durham, NC): Accepts CDs/DVDs for reuse and resale through community partners
  • Mail-In Programs: GreenDisk and CD Recycling Center offer mail-in recycling for media formats.

Light Bulbs

Fluorescent & CFL Bulbs

These contain mercury and must be recycled properly. The NC Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) encourages residents to use one of the following options:

  • Retail Drop-Offs: Lowe’s (CFLs only), Batteries Plus Bulbs
  • Mail-Back Programs: EASYPAK, Veolia, Waste Management’s Think Green From Home
  • County/Municipal Drop-Offs: Check with your local recycling office for events or permanent sites

Non-Fluorescent Bulbs (Incandescent, LED, Halogen)

These do not contain mercury and are generally not accepted in standard recycling programs. However, here are some creative and responsible alternatives:

  • Art Studios & Makerspaces: Contact local art centers — many accept broken or unusual bulbs for sculpture, mixed media, or upcycled décor
  • School STEM Programs: Some educators use old bulbs for science experiments or display models
  • Craft Projects: Pinterest-worthy ideas include terrariums, ornaments, and hanging vases made from old bulbs

Plastic Bag Recycling

Many grocery stores like Ingles, Harris Teeter, and Walmart offer in-store drop-off bins for plastic shopping bags — usually near the entrance.

For broader recycling options, check out:

  • Global Circle Recycling – Charlotte, NC Accepts a wide range of materials. Call ahead to confirm plastic bag acceptance.

  • Scrap Management Inc – Matthews, NC Known for flexible recycling options. Great for bulk drop-offs.

  • Reedy Creek Park Self-Service Recycling – Charlotte, NC Offers convenient drop-off for household recyclables. Check signage for plastic bag bins.

  • Self Service Recycling Center – Park Rd – Charlotte, NC A clean, well-maintained site with clear sorting instructions.

Creative Reuse Ideas

  • Plastic Bags: Use as stuffing for pet beds, DIY draft stoppers, or donate to animal shelters for cleanup use.

Wine Cork Recycling

For natural corks, you’ve got a few great options:

ReCORK recycling drop-off and retail locations: 

  • Total Wine & More - Promenade 5341 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. S. 100 Charlotte, NC, 28277

  • The Culture Shop 1425 Kennon St Charlotte, NC, 28205. 

  • Biltmore Estate in Asheville accepts corks at their winery and gift shops — no admission required.

Creative Reuse Ideas

  • Wine Corks: Great for garden mulch, DIY trivets, bulletin boards, or even rabbit deterrents when strung in gardens.