Are you looking to donate used clothing or household items, but wondering where, how, and what to donate? This guide will help you make informed choices so that your donations are truly useful.

Since 1994, Entraide Diabétique du Québec (EDQ) has been facilitating the donation of used clothing and second-hand items throughout the province. EDQ collects clothing and small household items in good condition and repurposes them for the benefit of the community.

In this guide, you will learn:

• How to determine if a garment or item can be donated.
• Where and how to drop off your donations to prevent them from being lost.
• What to do with items that EDQ cannot collect.
• And most importantly, why donating to EDQ can help your community.

Before donating: can this be reused?

Before placing an item of clothing in a donation box or drop-off center, ask yourself: would I give this to someone I love? If the answer is “no,” it should not be donated to EDQ.

What EDQ accepts:

• Clean clothing without holes or stains
• Dishes and utensils
• Decorative items
• Small appliances
• Toys and games
• Sports equipment

What EDQ does not accept:

• Damaged, torn, or stained clothing
• Broken or incomplete items
• Non-functional appliances
• Large appliances
• Furniture of any kind
• Computers and phones

See the complete list of accepted and refused items by EDQ.

Why are these criteria important?

Donating items in poor condition creates several challenges, such as an overload for sorting teams and additional costs for the nonprofit organization. Overall, donating inappropriate items leads to a waste of time and resources that could otherwise be used to support EDQ’s mission.

How can you donate your clothes and small household items to the right place?

Did you know that there is more than one way to donate your used clothes and small items in good condition to EDQ? However, each method has its own specificities. For a donation to have an impact, you need to use the appropriate channel depending on what you what you wish to donate.

There are 3 different ways to donate to EDQ:

Donation bins

Accessible at all times, EDQ donation boxes are perfect for donating clothing in good condition. Please note: you cannot deposit household items in donation boxes.

See the list of EDQ donation bins.

Donation centres

Our donation centres accept donations of clothing and small household items. Simply bring your donations directly to one of our drop-off points during opening hours.

See the list of EDQ donation centres.

Home pick-up

Thanks to home pick-up, available in many cities in the province of Quebec, you can schedule a pickup right at your doorstep in just a few clicks.

See the list of cities served by EDQ’s home pick-up service.

Why avoid illegal dumping?

Bags or boxes left in front of a closed donation center or next to a donation box are unfortunately commonplace. This reprehensible act, known as “illegal dumping,” harms not only the organization but also the community.

Consequences of unauthorized drop-offs:

• Donations are exposed to the elements, rendering them unusable.
• Items often have to be thrown away, despite sorting efforts.
• This results in additional costs and detracts from the cleanliness of the premises.

What to do with items that EDQ cannot collect?

Sometimes, certain items, although still in good condition, cannot be donated to EDQ. Fortunately, Quebec has plenty of options for recovering or recycling them responsibly.

Take your items to an eco-center

A broken item doesn’t automatically go in the trash! Municipal eco-centers collect a wide range of items so they can be recycled or stored safely.  

Most of the time, eco-centers can take:

• Household or garden furniture.
• Mattresses and box springs.
• Appliances.
• Broken electronic devices.
• Tires and rims.

Check your municipality’s website for the conditions of access to your local eco-center.

Consult Recyc-Québec  

The Recyc-Québec website (available in French only) helps you better recover your residual materials and better manage your organic materials through simple actions and practical advice. You can also find a practical guide on what to do with each type of material.

Why donate to Entraide Diabétique du Québec?

Entraide Diabétique du Québec is a non-profit organization that has been supporting the mission of Diabète Québec since 1994. Over the years, EDQ has carved out a niche for itself in the recovery and reuse of second-hand items.

EDQ reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, encourages the reuse of clothing and objects, and facilitates the transition to a circular economy in Quebec. With more than 200 donation boxes, drop-off centers, and a home pickup service, EDQ makes donating simple, accessible, and eco-friendly.

In summary: The right donation in the right place and in the right way

Giving responsibly is more than just a gesture of generosity: it is a commitment to your community and the environment.

Before making a donation, ask yourself these 3 simple questions:

• Is the item in good condition?
• Is it one of the items accepted by EDQ?
• Am I dropping it off at the appropriate location?

Thanks to your responsible donations, together we can reduce waste and encourage more sustainable consumption within our community.

FAQ (frequently asked questions)

Where can I donate used clothing in Quebec?

You can bring them to an EDQ donation box, a donation center, or request a home pickup. Clothing must be clean and in good condition.

Does EDQ accept dishes, toys, or small electrical appliances?

Yes, but only at a donation center or during a home pickup. These items should not be placed in donation boxes, which are reserved for clothing.

Can I leave a bag in front of a closed donation center?

No. Illegal dumping exposes donations to the elements, rendering them unusable. Instead, bring your items during opening hours or use a donation box if you only have clothing to donate.

What should I do with a sofa, mattress, or broken microwave?

These items are not accepted by EDQ. You can take them to your municipal eco-center or visit the Recyc-Québec website to find out about recycling options in your area.

Why donate to EDQ rather than another organization?

EDQ directly supports Diabetes Quebec and promotes the circular economy. Donating to EDQ means supporting health, the community, and the environment through a simple and accessible gesture.