CLEAN OUT A LITTLE.
HELP OUT A LOT.
You can donate doors, windows, hardware, lighting, furniture, architectural elements, stair parts, shutters, tools, garden items, antiques, vintage decor, curiosities & oddities, architecture books, and more.
You’d be surprised! Sometimes the most interesting and useful items are hidden in boxes in attics, basements, garages and barns. Please contact us with any questions.
​
You’re welcome to bring donated items to Significant Elements, 212 Center Street, during business hours. Call ahead if you are bringing a large load, heavy items, or will require assistance unloading.
HOW TO DONATE
To make the donation process easier, email pictures to info@historicithaca.org for confirmation that an item is acceptable.
​
If you are unable to transport items, please contact us to discuss pick-up availability.
​
Your donations may be tax-deductible and Significant Elements can provide a donation receipt form for tax purposes.
Significant Elements reserves the right to turn down any items that are not usable, sale-able, or pose a health risk. If your item is not accepted by Significant Elements or other ReUse Trail participants, we recommend visiting Recycling and Materials Management of Tompkins Co. to find out if your item(s) can be disposed of responsibly.
Why donate to Significant Elements?
Your donated items support all of Historic Ithaca’s programs, from historic preservation education to job training for young adults.
​
Significant Elements celebrates that an item’s value isn’t simply monetary, it’s also about the history and patina, embodied energy, beauty and craftsmanship, and stories. We believe that old things that were well made deserve to be preserved, used, and given new life.
Does it have to be antique?
No, we also accept well-made, sturdy, or useful contemporary and modern items, though most of our inventory is from the 1960s and earlier.
You can donate goods and materials from the following categories and more. Contact us if you have any questions and for information about dropping off donations.
​
Antiques, Architectural Elements, Books, Building Materials, Farm & Barn, Furniture, Garden, Hardware, Lighting, Plumbing, Storage Items, Tools, Vintage Decor
Antiques
Architectural Elements: doors, windows, mantels, columns, porch parts, stair parts
Books: subjects of architecture, art, design, tools
Building Materials
Décor: mirrors, vintage kitchen items, frames, pictures or paintings
Farm & Barn: agricultural implements, feeders, barrels, crates
Furniture (antique, midcentury, vintage, contemporary): bookcases, beds, desks, chairs, tables, dressers, chests, stools
Garden: planters & pots, statuary, trellis, benches, gates & fences
Hardware
Lighting
Plumbing: kitchen and bath sinks, tubs, faucets
Storage; shelving, lockers, file cabinets
Tools: hand, power, woodworking, masonry
MORE INFORMATION
Significant Elements appreciates your donation and we make an effort to accept as many usable items as possible. We are limited by space, demand, and the environment hazards posed by certain materials and we must be selective in accepting donations.
​
Things that Significant Elements can not accept:
Materials with mold, mildew, or rot
Materials with peeling or flaking paint
Refrigerators, microwaves, air conditioners and computers
Fluorescent lights, can lights, or track lighting
Electric or gas baseboard heaters
Cement, mortar, drywall compound, grout, etc
Paint
Mini-blinds, louvered blinds, venetian blinds, roller shades
Carpet
Ceiling tiles (unless new in package)
Cabinets with missing drawers and doors
Melamine, laminate, particle board cabinets
Particle board furniture
Laminate countertops: L-shaped or outdated colors
High-flow toilets (we DO ACCEPT new, low-flow toilets and antique toilets)
Fiberglass or cultured marble sinks
Shower doors
Tile with heavy grout or old cement
Lumber or trim that is shorter than 4′, rotten, damaged, heavily painted, or with nails
Treated lumber, unless new and still tagged with ACQ sticker
Fiberglass insulation
Upholstered furniture: couches, love seats, easy chairs, and ottomans (we DO ACCEPT solid wood furniture such as tables, chairs, stools, desks, etc)
Wood burning equipment, unless antique, or new and unused
Thermostats or any item containing mercury
Tires
Most vinyl/plastic items: shutters, cabinets doors, bi-fold doors, etc.
Mattresses
​
​
To dispose of items Significant Elements cannot accept, explore:
Tompkins County's Recycling and Materials Management disposal guide.
​