Home ReSource accepts donations delivered to the store during business hours only. We generally accept the following materials and items according to the criteria described below, although a good rule of thumb is that if you can find the item at a retail hardware store, we’ll consider the item for donation. Donations are tax deductible. We list items on a receipt and the donor assigns the value, except in cases where the value is likely to exceed $5000. For donations greater than $5000, you’ll need to fill out IRS Form 8283 and our donation acknowledgment letter.
Pickups
We do pickups in the Missoula area by appointment. In order for us to pick up your item, please email a clear photo of your materials to simon@homeresource.org, or text the photo to 406.880.5555. If you ain’t so tech savvy, please call 880-5555 to schedule in advance, and describe in detail the type, quantity, and quality of materials.
When referring to the list below, please keep in mind that the following is a rough guide to our materials acceptance policy, and thus open to change and negotiation. The qualities by which one judges a “good” or “reusable” material are very subjective. One’s junk is another’s treasure, and the criteria by which we select materials can vary with the seasons.
For example, single-pane windows are listed below as unacceptable, however during the spring season we accept them because many folks are looking to build greenhouses to get a start on their garden. Another example would be a sliding glass door, normally unacceptable, but with a super-cool nature scene etched into the glass, thereby acceptable on the basis of aesthetic charm.
On the other side of the coin, sometimes we don’t accept good items because we simply have too many of them. Exceptions are the rule; if you want to donate something really great that is listed below as unacceptable, call or bring the item by and we will definitely consider accepting your “unacceptable” item. Again, the list below is a guideline; softer than a rule, but firmer than a suggestion.
Lumber, Trim and Siding
- For salvaged lumber, minimum length is five feet, unless specialty or vintage trim
- Lumber with nails – accepted at staff discretion and must be de-nailed enough for safe handling
- Hardwood and softwood flooring – preferably de-nailed and reusable
- Less likely: lumber with excessively peeling paint, pest infestations or dry rot
Doors
- All panel doors and vintage styles encouraged (with or without case)
- Hollow core doors with case preferred; without case accepted if in excellent condition and space allows
- Solid core commercial doors
- Aluminum screen doors with complete frame
- Security doors with or without complete frame
- Unacceptable: Sliding glass doors, garage doors, doors with bowing, excessively peeling paint, or doors in major need of repair
Windows
- Double pane vinyl, wood and aluminum (thermal pane seals must be intact)
- Wood frame divided light windows
- Fixed and picture windows – accepted at staff discretion
- Unacceptable: single pane, single lite sashes without casing; windows with crumbling glazing or excessively peeling paint
Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinets
- Free of damage beyond simple repair
- Particle board cabinets must be in very good condition
Sinks
- Free of chips, cracks deep scratches or severe stains (with the exception of rare or vintage models)
- Wall mounted sinks, preferably with wall bracket
- Odd colors accepted at staff discretion
Tubs
- Fairly clean: no heavy caulking, glues, etc.
- Free of chips, peeling finish, deep scratches or severe stains (with the exception of clawfoot tubs or vintage models.)
Toilets
- Must be of "premium" quality
- 1.6 or less gallons/flush, with the exception of rare or vintage models
- Clean and complete with lid
- Lids accepted separately, if toilet is damaged beyond repair
- Free of cracks, chips, etc. with the exception of hairline cracks in vintage porcelain
Carpet
- Preferably less than 5 years old
- At least 8 feet square or suitable as runner
- Unacceptable: carpets with pet odors, stains, excessive tread wear
Furnaces and water heaters
- Must be less than five years old
- Original label
- Prefer mis-tints or surplus in unopened containers
- Cans at least 3/4 full
- All coatings must be less than five years old and never stored outdoors
- Unacceptable: rusted paint cans
Drywall/Sheetrock
- Full sheets accepted at staff discretion
Plywood and OSB
- Larger than 4′x4′ or 2′x8′
Vinyl flooring
- Larger than 6′x6′
Hardware
Stove Pipe / Venting / Ducting
Automobiles
- Cars, trucks, trailers in good working order
- Horse trailers
Fencing
Shingles
Tile
Metal Roofing
Home Resource is less likely to accept the following at this time:
- Single pane window sashes without case unless they are "divided lite" (meaning they contain multiple small panes divided by wooden strips called "mullions"
- Florescent light bulbs unless marked "No PCBs"
- Furniture, with the possible exception of wooden antiques, shelving, etc.
- Asbestos containing materials: old drop ceiling tiles, floor tiles, etc.
- Toxic or flammable products (except some paints and stains, at staff discretion)
- Batteries
Home Resource WILL NOT accept the following at this time:
- Appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, microwaves, etc.
- Materials painted with lead paint
- Pesticides / Poisons / Herbicides
- Florescent lightbulbs
- Asbestos containing materials: old drop ceiling tiles, floor tiles, insulation, etc.
- Toxic or flammable materials (except some paints/stains, at staff discretion)
Please review our donation acceptance policy carefully before before delivering materials or calling for a pickup.
