Where to recycle, donate or dispose of unwanted items in Erie County
Where to recycle, donate or dispose of unwanted items in Erie County
Former Mount Carmel School in Millcreek, PA could become new housing
The Erie City Mission wants to transform a shuttered elementary school in Millcreek Township to provide housing for up to 18 months to women and children who need shelter.
Nearly 80% of U.S. households take on a thorough spring cleaning at least once a year, according to the American Cleaning Institute, often going beyond washing and scrubbing to clear out unwanted clothing, electronics and other household clutter.
There are plenty of ways around Erie County to dispose of these items when setting them at the curb isn’t an option.
More: How you can dispose of electronics and hazardous waste in Erie County
City of Erie recycling event
The tire and electronics recycling event takes place on May 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the City of Erie Municipal Garage Complex at 1926 Holland St.
This drive-thru event accepts up to six tires per vehicle and electronics including televisions, computers, monitors, printers, keyboards, mice, speakers, e-readers and microwaves. Construction debris and hazardous materials are not accepted.
Annual Spring Clean events in Millcreek
In Millcreek Township, the Spring Clean events are designed to help residents dispose of household waste, leaves and hazardous materials.
From May 4-8, residents can place bagged leaves in a clear or transparent bag at the curb on regularly scheduled collection dates.
On May 16 from 9 a.m. to noon, Millcreek residents can participate in a free paper shredding event and a $3 unit tire drop off at 2301 Millfair Road. All materials must be in the back seat, trunk or truck bed.
Materials accepted include appliances without Freon, automotive batteries, bicycles without tires, scrap metal, textiles, washers and dryers, sensitive paper documents for shredding and more.
Millcreek Township offers a free doorstep collection of household hazardous waste. The accepted materials include paint, electronics, batteries, and chemicals. This is done through Waste Management’s At-Your-Door program.
Erie County Recycling Program
The Erie County Recycling Program launched its 2026 series of Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Collection events.
The events are operated by Nobel Environmental and are a drive-thru only service with pre-registration required. Erie residents can secure a spot by calling 412-567-6566 or by visiting the Erie County Recycling page at eriecountypa.gov.
This program accepts items that can’t go in the regular trash due to safety risks including computers, monitors, televisions, printers and small appliances. Acceptable hazardous materials include paint, automotive fluids, pesticides and household cleaners.
This program charges 50 cents per pound for electronics and chemicals and $5 per pound for propane cylinders.
The upcoming dates are:
- May 23 at East Middle School at 1001 Atkins St.;
- June 13 at Albion Boro Garage at 36 Bessemer St.;
- Aug. 15 at Greene Township Building at 9333 Tate Road;
- Oct. 17 at Summit Township Municipal Garage at 8900 Old French Road; and
- Nov. 14 at Greene Township Building at 9333 Tate Road.
Trash to Treasure sale
The Trash to Treasure sale returns to Penn State Behrend at the Junker Center at 5013 Station Road on May 16 from 7:30 a.m. to noon. This sale benefits the United Way of Erie County.
The event gives college students, community members and bargain shoppers the opportunity to donate and purchase gently used items.
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Thrift stores around Erie County
There are a variety of thrift stores throughout the county that accept donations of unwanted household items.
Local thrift stores include:
- AMVETS Erie: 3423 Liberty St.
- City Mission Shop and Drop Off: 2064 W. 15th St.
- City Mission Thrifty Shopper: 10081 Ridge Road
- Claudine’s: 2280 W. Eighth St.
- Cobbs Second Time Around Thrift Shop: 1215 Parade St.
- Finders Keepers of Erie: 1250 Brown Ave.
- Goodwill Harborcreek: 4309 Buffalo Road
- Goodwill Summit Towne Center: 7200 Peach St.
- Green Scene Thrift Store: 1301 E. Grandview Blvd.
- Mel and Tees Secondhand and Estate: 4915 Hillsdale Ave.
- NY Discount Store: 1207 State St.
- Once Upon A child: 7200 Peach St.
- Oregon Antiques: 3436 West Lake Road
- Plato’s Closet: 7200 Peach St.
- Purple Peach Thrift: 2416 Peach St.
- Rainbow Connection Thrift Store: 1516 Buffalo Road
- Salvation Army: 1022 Liberty St.
- Salvation Army Thrift Store: 1944 Keystone Drive
- Salvation Army Family Store: 1209 Sassafras St.
- Second Hand Shop: 1508 W. 32nd St.
- The Sassy Peacock: 845 Pittsburgh Ave.
- Thrift Haven: 4455 W. Ridge Road
- 4 N.I.N.E Thrift Store: 49 Smedley St., North East.
Contact Nicholas Sorensen at Nsorensen@usatodayco.com.