REAL gratefully accepts material donations.  Here are a few tips for making sure your donation makes it into someone else’s hands instead of being underpriced, put in the free, or (oh no!) ending up in the garbage:

• Pack items that belong together in the same box.  Sometimes the boxes get separated in processing and may get unpacked at a different time.
• Make sure you include all the necessary parts.  If an item is incomplete we will have a harder time selling it.
• Instruction booklets are helpful, but not essential i.e. don’t worry if you don’t have them.
• If the item has multiple parts, enclose them all in a bag or box.  If it is just small attachments to a large item, try attaching a bag of small items to the large item with tape or string.
• If one donation spans several boxes, label them, e.g. 1 of 2, 2 of 3, 3 of 3 .  E.g.  A set of dishes that won’t fit in one box.
• Please make a reasonable attempt to ensure delicate items are not damaged.  Boxes are preferred.  Garbage bags are or tote bags are not ideal for breakables!
• If it is a truly unusual item, an identifying note would be helpful and increase the likelihood it gets sold.
• Tape or elasticize puzzle or games so pieces won’t get lost.
• If you need your box or bin back, just ask, we can transfer your donation into another container.
• If you are donating light bulbs,  batteries or pens, it would be nice if you indicate if they are usable or are for recycling.  Otherwise we will have to test them all again.  You can also put pens and batteries directly in the labelled blue bins just inside the customer doors.  Please note we do not accept CFL or fluorescent bulbs.  Dead incandescent bulbs can just go in the garbage, CFLs and fluorescent bulbs should be save for your municipality’s Household Hazardous Waste Depot.