Buy and Donate Used Materials

Regift, Receive, Repair

  • Community Networks

    Buy Nothing
    The Buy Nothing Project largely functions through social media pages. Find your local Buy Nothing page on Facebook by searching for “Buy Nothing” followed by your town. Some towns have similar groups on social media named “Everything Free” followed by the town. The site will take you to a Facebook group that you can request to join. Once approved, you will be able to post anything you'd like to give away, lend, or share among neighbors and ask for anything you'd like to receive for free or borrow. Must have a Facebook account to participate.
    Link to all Buy Nothing Groups in Massachusetts

    Freecycle

    On the website, select “browse groups” to see a list of Freecycle groups for individual towns, organized by state. Once you find the group for where you live, the site will take you to a page showing the current offers and requests of that group. Look for the “sign up” button to be able to post offers.

    Craigslist

    Look for the “Free” link in the For Sale section. Items offered are organized by location and will show to users who to search for your area.

    Nextdoor

    Nextdoor is a much more private and expansive online community. On the site, you will be prompted for your residential address and email address. From there, it will locate your neighborhood group. You will be asked to verify your address, as this service is very adamant about keeping these online groups strictly for you and your real neighbors. More than just a place to offer and ask for items, Nextdoor is also used to obtain recommendations for services in the area and to report/hear about community news.

  • Repair

    Boston Building Resources workshops
    100 Terrace Street, Boston, MA 02120
    617-442-2262

    Boston Building Resources offers hands-on home improvement classes throughout the year. Workshop instructors are trade professionals. Co-op members receive discounts on workshop fees.

    Fixit Clinics

    Community volunteers show you how to repair common items, from electronics to umbrellas to clothing that needs mending. A Google search for “Fixit Clinic” plus the name of your community will lead you to upcoming events.

    The Eliot School
    24 Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
    617-524-3313

    Classes for all ages in woodworking, sewing and yarn, fiber arts, book arts, drawing, painting, photography, and other crafts and fine arts. Classes in the spirit of reuse and DIY projects include hand sewing, basic woodworking, upholstery, and more.

    North Bennet Street School
    150 North Street, Boston, MA 02114
    617-227-0155

    Community education programs including woodworking.

    Local continuing education classes

    Check your local community colleges and public libraries for continuing education programs and workshops. Many offer weekend courses related to essential DIY skills such as plumbing, installing sheetrock, woodworking, and more.