Reusing lengthens the useful life of goods so they don't become waste.  

• Prevent pollution caused by reducing the need to harvest new raw materials
• Save energy
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change
• Help sustain the environment for future generations
• Save money
• Reduce the amount of waste that will need to be recycled or sent to landfills and incinerators
• Allow products to be used to their fullest extent

• Buy used. You can find everything from clothes to building materials at specialized reuse centers and consignment shops. Often, used items are less expensive and just as functional as new.
• Buy reusable over disposable items. Look for items that can be reused; the little things can add up. For example, you can bring your own silverware and cup to work, rather than using disposable items.
• Maintain and repair products, like clothing, tires and appliances, so that they won't have to be thrown out and replaced as frequently.
• Borrow, rent or share items that are used infrequently, like party decorations, tools or furniture.

Choosing to value convenience over the environment is unsustainable. Since the 1950s, single-use disposable items have become increasingly popular. The result is a throw-away society in which 30% of our waste stream consists of packaging materials – primarily plastics.

Disposable goods make our lives easier in the short term, but ultimately end up littering beaches and oceans world-wide, taking up landfill space, or becoming toxic ash following incineration.

Refusing single use products will lessen the impact these products have on our environment. We should choose instead to purchase durable goods.

The Rethink Disposable campaign, founded by Clean Water, discourages the use of single use products such as shopping bags, plastic water bottles, and food and beverage packaging.

At the Resource Recovery Center, the following services are available for reuse in Newton:

• Swap Shop - Drop off clean, usable items for reuse, or come take something you can use yourself at no cost.
• Newton Book Shed - Drop off clean, gently used books, or come take books at no cost.
• More Than Words - Donate books, CDs, DVDs, games, clothing.
• HELPSY, Red Cross - Donate clothing and textiles
• Latex Paint Exchange - Take it or leave it - usable latex paint at no cost

Don't buy, borrow!

At the Library of Things housed within the Newton Free Library, you can check out physical objects such as tools, equipment, games, and more! You can try before buy or try something new for fun. 

The extensive inventory includes:

Over 200 puzzles and board games, plus 18 Braille games

15 musical instruments

15 miscellaneous items, such as a metal detector

12 STEAM to-go kits

Technology and assistive technology items

Crafting tools, and MUCH more!

Located at the Newton Resource Recovery Center, you may drop off books in good condition (only when a volunteer is present) and shop for new reads!  

Book Shed (Winter hours)

Tuesday 10 - 12

Wednesday 10 - 12

Friday 10 - 12

Saturday 9 - 12

The Book Shed will be closed the week of November 24 and December 24- January 7 to give all the dedicated volunteers time to enjoy the holidays. 

Since the Book Shed is run by a group of dedicated volunteers, it will be closed when no volunteers are available or when there is inclement weather.

2024 dates: April 25 through October 26.

Hours: Thursday- Saturday 7:30am-1:30 pm, weather and staff availability permitting.

Clear out clutter without adding to the waste stream! Newton's Swap Shop is located at the Newton Resource Recovery Center. Drop off clean, usable, working unwanted items for reuse, or come to take usable goods for their personal use.

The Swap Shop is run by volunteers. The Swap Shop may close if no volunteers are available. We are always looking for more volunteers! For more information, contact the DPW Sustainable Materials Management Division.

We do not accept:

• TVs or monitors
• Large or stuffed furniture
• Large appliances
• Hazardous materials
• Building materials

• Child car/booster seats, cribs, strollers

All items must be approved by a volunteer before being dropped off.
View the list of acceptable items- updated for the 2024 season. 

Open to Newton residents only – proof of residency required upon request.

Organizations that accept clothing and textile donations.

Pinpoint Donations is a list of local organizations in need of specific materials and items.

Bikes Not Bombs accepts bicycles. Additionally, the organization operates Bike Shop, where reclaimed bikes are sold. 

Building Material Resource Center accepts building materials (doors, tile, etc.) and resells them at a low cost.

Locations that accept used merchandise, including clothing, furniture, books and more.

The Habitat for Humanity Restore accepts new and gently used household items and resells them at a low cost. 

EcoBuilding Bargins accepts donations of reused, recycled and new home improvement materials and sells them to the public at low prices.

Post usable items for free as a "curb alert" on Craigslist, Freecycle, NextDoor, or Buy Nothing Newton. 

For large items that are not fit for reuse, or no reuse outlet is available -  schedule a bulky item pickup request. No metal or rigid plastic accepted in a bulk pickup - take items made of these materials to the Resource Recovery Center for recycling.