Shelf-Stable/non-perishable foods

Contact ivette.Garcia@syhealth.org for any food donation inquiries

Please limit your donations at these sites to one or two bags of food. Many of our public donation drop off sites are small, local businesses with limited storage capacity and are not equipped to accept large amounts of donations.

If you would like to drop off larger quantities of food, please do so at our Miramar or Vista distribution centers.

Please limit your donations at these sites to one or two bags of food. Many of our public donation drop off sites are small, local businesses with limited storage capacity and are not equipped to accept large amounts of donations.

Fresh produce (whole fruit and vegetables)

Prepared food, packaged food

Fresh produce (whole fruit & vegetables)
Shelf-stable/ non-perishable
Perishable (meat, dairy, eggs, etc.)
Prepared (hot, cold, or frozen prepared food)
Frozen foods

Fresh produce (whole fruit & vegetables)
Shelf-stable/ non-perishable food
Perishable food (meat, dairy, eggs, etc.)
Frozen Foods
Baked Goods
Prepared foods (hot, cold, or frozen prepared food)

Fresh produce (whole fruit & vegetables)
Shelf-stable/ non-perishable food
Perishable food (meat, dairy, eggs, etc.)
Frozen Foods
Baked Goods
Prepared foods (hot, cold, or frozen prepared food)
Beverages

Fresh produce (whole fruit & vegetables)
Shelf-stable/ non-perishable food
Perishable food (meat, dairy, eggs, etc.)
Baked Goods
Prepared foods (hot, cold, or frozen prepared food)

Fresh produce (whole fruit & vegetables)
Shelf-stable/ non-perishable food
Perishable food (meat, dairy, eggs, etc.)
Baked Goods
Prepared foods (hot, cold, or frozen prepared food)

Fresh produce (whole fruit & vegetables)
Shelf-stable/ non-perishable food
Frozen Foods
Baked Goods
Prepared foods (hot, cold, or frozen prepared food)

Fresh produce (whole fruit & vegetables)
Shelf-stable/ non-perishable
Perishable food (meat, dairy, eggs, etc.)
Prepared foods (hot, cold, or frozen prepared food)

Fresh produce (whole fruit & vegetables)
Shelf-stable/ non-perishable food
Perishable food (meat, dairy, eggs, etc.)
Frozen Foods
Baked Goods
Prepared foods (hot, cold, or frozen prepared food)
Bulk Foods

Fresh produce (whole fruit & vegetables)
Shelf-stable/ non-perishable food
Perishable food (meat, dairy, eggs, etc.)
Frozen Foods
Baked Goods
Beverages

Fresh produce (whole fruit & vegetables)
Shelf-stable/ non-perishable food
Perishable food (meat, dairy, eggs, etc.)
Frozen Foods
Baked Goods
Beverages
Prepared foods (hot, cold, or frozen prepared food)
Bulk Foods

Fresh produce (whole fruit & vegetables)
Shelf-stable/ non-perishable food
Perishable food (meat, dairy, eggs, etc.)
Baked Goods
Beverages

Fresh produce (whole fruit & vegetables)
Shelf-stable/ non-perishable food
Perishable food (meat, dairy, eggs, etc.)
Frozen Foods
Baked Goods
Candy and soda
Prepared foods (hot, cold, or frozen prepared food)

Fresh produce (whole fruit & vegetables)
Shelf-stable/ non-perishable food
Baked Goods
Prepared foods (hot, cold, or frozen prepared food)

Fresh produce, perishables, and
non-perishables.

Monday thru Friday every week

Fresh produce, perishables and
non-perishables.

Primarily Spanish Speaking

u-Tool-ize is a tool lending program intended on providing community members with free access to tools and equipment, with the goal of fostering environmental stewardship, sustainable practices, and personal empowerment. The tool library carries a diverse range of tools for home improvement, gardening, electrical, plumbing, automotive, bicycle, and crafting which can all be borrowed, just like books, by NCPL cardholders. This program launched in July 2024 and is supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

Before borrowing any tools or equipment, users must:

• Verify identity with a government issued photo ID AND National City Public Library card (full privilege and in good standing)
• Read and sign the u-Tool-ize user agreement (signing can be done electronically when you visit u-Tool-ize)
• Read and sign the liability waiver and indemnification form (signing can be done electronically when you visit u-Tool-ize)
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Create a tool library account on MyTurn

After completing those steps users can check out up to five (5) tools at a time for up to seven (7) days. All tools are first come, first served. Tools must be returned clean. View tool inventory

The U-Tool-ize tool library is located on the second floor of the library, down the hall from the Tech Lab and restrooms. Tools can be checked out during the tool library’s designated open hours. Tools can be returned to the tool library’s during its designated open hours and to the Computer Center during all other library hours.

CARE carpet drop-off location

Please note: Area rugs are not covered under the CARE Program and therefore are not accepted.

California Drop-off Site Map

Do you accept carpet directly from the public? Yes
Tip Fee/Discount for Carpet: $0 for homeowners (DIYer’s); $0 per load (Pick-Up Truck/Van); $0 per load (Stake Bed/Box Van); Larger loads please call ahead for pricing (Larger than Stake Bed and Box Van with Trailers)

CARE carpet drop-off location

Please note: Area rugs are not covered under the CARE Program and therefore are not accepted.

California Drop-off Site Map

Do you accept carpet directly from the public? Yes
Kinds of carpet accepted (e.g. nylon only) All Types
Tip Fee: For Homeowners/DIY: $15.00 per load; Pick-Up Truck/Van: $25.00 per load; Stake Bed/Box Van: $50.00 per load. Larger loads call ahead for pricing (larger than stake bed and box van with trailers)

Learn how the City of San Diego will review the trash and recycling collection services it provides and potential new customer fees.

Tell us your preferences.

Complete a brief online survey! This survey will help the City of San Diego better understand your needs and views about trash, recycling and organic waste collection services in the City.

https://cleangreensd.org/questionnaire/

Fresh produce, perishables, and
non-perishables.

Fresh produce (whole fruit & vegetables)
Shelf-stable/ non-perishable
Perishable
Prepared (food prepared in a commercial kitchen but not
served to customers)
Frozen items

Donate your produce to help improve local community health and strengthen the local food system – while reducing food waste! We are partnering with Fresh Food Connect to launch our Homegrown Hunger Relief program in the communities of Encinitas, Carlsbad, Solana Beach and Balboa Park!

Donation Station Locations and times:

• San Diego Botanic Garden – 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas: Sundays 9:30am-5:00pm

• Encinitas Library – 540 Cornish Dr, Encinitas: Sundays 9:30am-5:00pm

• Olivenhain Germania Hotel – 7th & Cole Ranch Rd: Sundays 9:30am-5:00pm

• Healthy Day Partners Harvest Yard – 425 Raphael Ct. Encinitas: Everyday 9:30am-5:00pm

• Encinitas Community Garden – for community gardeners only: Sundays 9:30am-5:00pm

• Village Rock Shop – Carlsbad Village – 2690 State St., Carlsbad Sundays 9:30am-4:00pm

• Jimbo’s – Carlsbad Forum – 1923 Calle Barcelona, Sundays 9:30am-5:00pm

  Contact Mim with any questions: 714-329-1349

Fresh produce (whole fruit & vegetables)
Shelf-stable/ non-perishables
Perishables
Prepared frozen items

In 2021, we began offering collection bins for plastic bags and films in our U.S. stores. Our program is designed to collect these materials and mix them into a bale with other recyclables. We contract with companies to pick up these bales for sorting and recycling. Although our contracts with these companies require these items to be recycled to the maximum extent practicable, in some circumstances, the companies we contract with determine that items placed in our bins cannot be recycled—for example, a plastic bag may be contaminated.

Your items will be sent to Homeboy Recycling & Debrand Services
for upcycling, recycling, donations, or refurbishing.

We accept all Women’s, Men’s, and Kid’s apparel items with the exception of intimates, swimwear, and socks.

We accept apparel in any condition whether that be stained, ripped, or broken. We just ask that you launder everything before sending it our way. Once received, we’ll sort and recycle your items for a second life — from new textiles to new projects, including furniture batting, insulation, & padding — sending nothing to landfill.

Bring in 5+ items of unwanted clothing from your wardrobe &
receive 15% off your purchase.

Your items will be sent to Homeboy Recycling & Debrand Services
for upcycling, recycling, donations, or refurbishing.

We accept all Women’s, Men’s, and Kid’s apparel items with the exception of intimates, swimwear, and socks.

We accept apparel in any condition whether that be stained, ripped, or broken. We just ask that you launder everything before sending it our way. Once received, we’ll sort and recycle your items for a second life — from new textiles to new projects, including furniture batting, insulation, & padding — sending nothing to landfill.

Bring in 5+ items of unwanted clothing from your wardrobe &
receive 15% off your purchase.

Your items will be sent to Homeboy Recycling & Debrand Services
for upcycling, recycling, donations, or refurbishing.

We accept all Women’s, Men’s, and Kid’s apparel items with the exception of intimates, swimwear, and socks.

We accept apparel in any condition whether that be stained, ripped, or broken. We just ask that you launder everything before sending it our way. Once received, we’ll sort and recycle your items for a second life — from new textiles to new projects, including furniture batting, insulation, & padding — sending nothing to landfill.

How it Works

1. Print your pre-paid shipping label
2. Drop off your package at your local USPS
3. Earn GUESS credit to redeem on new styles.

Services are reserved to residents of the the City of Santee and Unincorporated San Diego County only.

Household hazardous waste and electronic waste is accepted.

Did you know that household cleaners are considered hazardous waste? Learn more about it by visiting our Resources page.

Services: 

–Drop off  by appointment only on Saturdays between 9 AM – 1 PM at 925 O’Connor St, El Cajon, CA 92020. This facility is open every Saturday excluding holidays.

– City of Santee residents can get curbside pick-up of motor oil and used oil filters. Call Waste Management to schedule 619-596-5100.

Hours of operation:

-Every Saturday of the month by appointment only.

Please call Waste Management to schedule an appointment, using the following steps:

1. Call Waste Management at 619-596-5100
2. Say “Household Hazardous Waste” when the virtual assistant asks what you want help with. This will bring you to the Haul Away landing zone
3. If you are a WM customer, say your address or account number (City of Santee residents and some County residents are serviced by WM)
4. If you are NOT a WM customer, say “No Address” or “No Account”
5. Say “Residential” when asked if it is a residential, business, or contractor address.
6. You will be connected with an agent who can schedule your HHW drop-off appointment
7. Please note:  If it associates your phone# with an account for a different facility, for example, Temecula, repeat “No Address”

Maximum Transportation Limits: 

-15 gallons of liquid or 125 pounds total volume of household hazardous waste.

Handling instructions:

-Leave products in the existing container, if possible.

-Ensure lids are on tight so containers will no leak.

-Transport containers in the trunk or in the back of the vehicle away from passengers and pets

-Do not transport over 15 gallons or 125 pounds at one time.

-Containers used for transport must be no larger than a 5 gallon bucket.

Other requirements:

-Bring proof of residency in the form of a drivers license or a utility bill.

-Gasoline needs to be in an approved container, commonly found at auto parts stores. Please note, containers are not returned.

-Needles/sharps should be transported in a rigid, puncture-resistant, tightly-sealed container, including: bleach bottles, liquid detergent bottles, or coffee cans with lids.

-Empty containers can be recycled in your blue bin.

Almost every bottle and can you use can be recycled. Look at the label for the universal recycle symbol and the words CA CASH REFUND or CA CRV.* Containers with these markings are good to go in your curbside bin and will be accepted at the recycling center. For more information about the CRV program, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. Other acceptable labels include “California Redemption Value,” “CA Redemption Value” or “California Cash Refund.”

There’s no need to wash or crush your recyclables. Just separate your aluminum, glass, and plastic containers in different bags or bins, and head for the recycling center.

Recycling centers are not owned or operated by the State of California. All recycling center days and hours of operation are determined and overseen by the individual recycling center operator and must be posted at the center. Centers are required to be open a minimum of 30 hours per week, at least five days a week, and at least one weekend day. If you would like to report a recycling center closure or file a formal complaint regarding a certified recycling center, please email CalRecycle or call 1-800-RECYCLE.

Cali Resources primarily recycles for commercial customers.

If you are a resident, please call first to confirm accepted items for recycling.

Products Recycled

Cali Resources is a state-of-the-art full service electronics recycling facility. Cali Resources provides tracking and audit of downstream processing to ensure proper handling. The following is a partial list of electronic items that Cali Resources recycles.

Computer Towers

Servers

Keyboards

Mouse

Cell Phones

Printers

Copiers

Facsimile Machines

Stereo Systems

Calculators

Speakers

Telephones

DVD Players

VCRs

Wires

Cables

Connectors

MP3 Players

Audio Devices

Appliances

Automotive

Electrical and Mechanical parts

Cardboard

Plastics

Ferrous and non-ferrous metals

If you have electrical or electronic equipment to recycle, or mechanical equipment to recycle, even if it is not on this list, please contact Cali Resources to coordinate your recycling needs.

Beverage Container CRV Recycling

Beverage Container CRV Recycling

Beverage Container CRV Recycling

Dirty bins attract unwanted pests, from ants to flies, to maggots!

​Servicing the San Diego area!

​Call or email us for a free estimate on your trashcan cleaning

Email: ScrubbishSD@gmail.com or call 619-523-8135

PakTech beverage handles are made of High Density Polyethylene (#2 HDPE), one of the more commonly accepted plastics in curbside recycling programs. Yet though they’re made of a recyclable material they are rarely picked up or read correctly by the sorting systems at Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs).

Customers can return PakTech beverage toppers to the Jumbo’s Brewery takeback bins. The restaurant will then transport the collected PakTechs to one of our collaborative hubs. At this point, PakTechs will be put through a grinder to turn them into a small, usable size for what is to come next.

For more information please visit: https://sdbrewcycling.org/paktechs

To Serve individuals and families in our community with food and essentials with dignity and compassion

Bring us your food scraps to add to our hot piles and worm tunnel

Call center to verify details and accepted items.

Coupons available on website.

Bye Bye Mattress drop-off location.

Please contact FSD to establish partnership with this Food Recovery Organization

Feeding San Diego: (619) 654-8385 or fooddonation@feedingsandiego.org

Please contact FSD or SDFB to establish partnership with this Food Recovery Organization

Feeding San Diego: (619) 654-8385 or fooddonation@feedingsandiego.org

San Diego Food Bank:  (858) 863-5133 or donatefood@sandiegofoodbank.org

Please contact to partner with this Food Recovery Organization

(619) 478-2384  Ivette.Garcia@syhealth.org

Business Food Recovery Organization Partner. Please contact FSD.

Feeding San Diego – (858) 863-5133 or donatefood@sandiegofoodbank.org

Business Food Recovery Organization Partner. Please contact SDFB or FSD.

San Diego Food Bank – (858) 863-5133 or donatefood@sandiegofoodbank.org

Feeding San Diego – (858) 863-5133 or donatefood@sandiegofoodbank.org

Business Food Recovery Organization Partner. Please contact SDFB or FSD.

San Diego Food Bank – (858) 863-5133 or donatefood@sandiegofoodbank.org

Feeding San Diego – (858) 863-5133 or donatefood@sandiegofoodbank.org

Businesses please contact San Diego Food Bank or Feeding San Diego to partner with this Food Recovery Organization

San Diego Food Bank –  (858) 863-5133 or  donatefood@sandiegofoodbank.org

Feeding San Diego – (619) 654-8385 or fooddonation@feedingsandiego.org

Please contact Feeding San Diego to partner with this Food Recovery Organization at (619) 654-8385 or fooddonation@feedingsandiego.org

The Gleaning Field Foundation is an all volunteer faith based organization that serves poor and low income families and individuals.

For food recovery partnership, please contact Feeding San Diego at (619) 654-8385 or fooddonation@feedingsandiego.org

Business donors – Please contact SDFB or FSD to establish partnership

San Diego Food Bank:  (858) 863-5133 or donatefood@sandiegofoodbank.org

Feeding San Diego: (619) 654-8385 or fooddonation@feedingsandiego.org

Individual donors

FOOD DONATIONS/DROP-OFF HOURS

Food Recovery Organization. Please contact the San Diego Food Bank at (858) 863-5133 or  donatefood@sandiegofoodbank.org

Food Recovery Organization. Please contact the San Diego Food Bank at (858) 863-5133 or donatefood@sandiegofoodbank.org

All brands of air and home cartridges, air and home care plugs, air and home care trigger heads, and air and home care plastic and film packaging. Mr. Clean Deep Cleaning Mist bottles and trigger heads.

 All brands of air and home care trigger heads

All brands of air and home care plugs

 All brands of air and home care cartridges

 

IMPORTANT: Do not send in aerosol containers through this program.

Please recycle locally where possible.

GoGo squeeZ® Free Recycling Program

All brands accepted

Recycle all brands of squeezable snack plastic pouches and caps

 Plastic pouches and caps

We’ve made getting started with the GoGo squeeZ^® Free Recycling Program easy! Simply download a free shipping label to ship your squeezable snack plastic pouches and caps to TerraCycle, and we’ll recycle them.

Once collected, the snack plastic pouches and caps are cleaned and separated by material type. The materials are recycled into raw formats that manufacturers use to make new products. Click here to take a virtual tour of our processing facilities.

For the public:  non-perishable food donations only

Their walk-in donation hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Located in Miramar at 9850 Distribution Ave. San Diego, CA 92121. Please follow signs for Shipping & Receiving.

CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF OUR MOST NEEDED FOOD ITEMS

For businesses: Accepting Perishable and non-perishable foods including produce and prepared meals

This organization partners with a wide range of non-profits and food recovery organizations and can help connect you to organizations in

Please contact Kayla Thomson, kthomson@sandiegofoodbank.org, 858-863-5133

Putting on your own production?  We rent our costumes to schools, organizations and individuals looking for full show costume rentals or partial.  Please contact us for details.

CYT San Diego Costume Rentals focuses our availability to theaters, schools and performance companies. Individual rentals (such as Halloween, special events or parties) are welcome, but on a limited basis.

While you can only see a small selection of their costume rental options online, rest assured that they have thousands of choices in their store.

Gypsy Treasure’s prices and terms are fair, with costume rentals ranging from $45 to $150 for a 24-hour period, with an additional day costing just $15 extra.

(Re-opening early September) This is one of the most expansive costume rental companies near San Diego

STAR Theatrical Costumes and Rentals is located in Escondido, CA, and carries high-end theatrical quality musical theatre production costumes, props, and set pieces for rent!

Costuming on a budget? No worries! Thrifty Threads is the perfect costume rental company in San Diego for the more frugal shoppers and renters. Luckily, you don’t have to skimp on quality here. In fact, this is one of the area’s best-reviewed and highly touted costume rental companies. Doubling as a sprawling vintage thrift store, this company has a truly staggering variety of options for everything from masquerade parties to props and gear worthy of big-budget production studios.

• Pickups within 24-48 hours.
• Items of ANY condition picked up
• Item retrieval from anywhere including within residence or a storage unit.
• Disassembly of items that need it (except doors, cabinets, or lighting).
• Pick-up fee reflects the operating costs and is much smaller than a usual moving company or junk hauler fee (fee is not tax deductible, but donated items are).
• For questions or support, please text (857) 342-4937 or email donorsupport@resupplyme.com

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS

Got Sneakers accepts used footwear in any condition, processes and recycles it through sustainable means. Over 80% of all footwear accepted is shipped to emerging markets & communities in Latin America, the Caribbean and the Middle East, providing consumers in these areas with accessible footwear.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS

Got Sneakers accepts used footwear in any condition, processes and recycles it through sustainable means. Over 80% of all footwear accepted is shipped to emerging markets & communities in Latin America, the Caribbean and the Middle East, providing consumers in these areas with accessible footwear.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS

Got Sneakers accepts used footwear in any condition, processes and recycles it through sustainable means. Over 80% of all footwear accepted is shipped to emerging markets & communities in Latin America, the Caribbean and the Middle East, providing consumers in these areas with accessible footwear.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS

Got Sneakers accepts used footwear in any condition, processes and recycles it through sustainable means. Over 80% of all footwear accepted is shipped to emerging markets & communities in Latin America, the Caribbean and the Middle East, providing consumers in these areas with accessible footwear.

Through Republic Services, there are now two medical sharps drop bins located at Fire Station 1 (1275 Carlsbad Village Drive) and Fire Station 6 (7201 Rancho Santa Fe).  They are open 24/7 for residents to anonymously drop off their medical sharps. These are serviced and properly disposed of by Stericycle via incineration.

Carlsbad residents can dispose of medical needles free of charge at the Palomar Transfer Station Recycling Center:

5960 El Camino Real
Monday – Saturday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Republic Services also offers simple and convenient sharps disposal services for at-home, tattoo and piercing shops, home care providers, nursing homes, small medical facilities, veterinary clinics, and more. Please call 760-332-6464 to make a request.

Through Republic Services, there are now two medical sharps drop bins located at Fire Station 1 (1275 Carlsbad Village Drive) and Fire Station 6 (7201 Rancho Santa Fe).  They are open 24/7 for residents to anonymously drop off their medical sharps. These are serviced and properly disposed of by Stericycle via incineration.

Carlsbad residents can dispose of medical needles free of charge at the Palomar Transfer Station Recycling Center:

5960 El Camino Real
Monday – Saturday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Republic Services also offers simple and convenient sharps disposal services for at-home, tattoo and piercing shops, home care providers, nursing homes, small medical facilities, veterinary clinics, and more. Please call 760-332-6464 to make a request.

Call ahead to confirm the lobby is open.

Medications

Medications in standard containers may be deposited in collection boxes. Loose medication can be put into plastic bags available at the collection box and then deposited. Please ensure any liquid medication is enclosed in secure containers before depositing.

Once collected, evidence staff will ensure the medication is disposed of according to federal standards. Most prescription drug drop-off locations are open weekdays from 8am to 5pm. Call the station’s non-emergency number for hours.

Needles/Sharps

Make sure sharps are stored in a sharps container kit or in a rigid, puncture-resistant, tightly-sealed container, including: bleach bottles, liquid detergent bottles, or coffee cans with lids. To fit into the Police Station kiosks, sharps containers must be 1 gallon or less in size OR have measurements less than 14”H x 8”W x 8”D. All containers must have a tight-fitting lid.

Do not put in: paper or plastic bags, glass containers, cardboard or coated paper containers, plastic bottles that have a CRV (California Redemption Value), or milk jugs.

Ammunition

Call the station’s non-emergency number for instructions.

Station non-emergency number: (858) 538-8000 

Our service is straightforward: your residents and businesses can mail in used inkjet cartridges from their home or office. The public can request a free USPS shipping label on our website, www.planetgreenrecycle.com, for mailing in four or more cartridges. Attached is information and a shareable flyer for your convenience.

A plastic bag collection container is at the front of the store.

Recycling

Since 2010, we have offered front-of-store recycling kiosks that give guests an easy way to recycle cans, glass, plastic bottles, plastic bags, MP3 players, ink cartridges and cell phones right in their local store. The goal of the program is to extend our company recycling efforts, and so far, the program has kept thousands of tons of recycled materials out of landfills.

We endeavor to make recycling simpler and more convenient for our guests with select take-back programs. We have offered front-of-store recycling of plastic bags and some electronics since 2010 and have held car seat trade-in events since 2016.

Donate Books.

Stop by the ALFA Bookstore during normal working hours;
we’re located inside the Alpine Library at:

1752 Alpine Blvd
Alpine, CA 91901

Battery Collection & Recycling Services

Charge up battery recycling with best-in-class recycling solutions that are convenient, compliant and safe. Call2Recycle offers turnkey and flexible options to recycle your rechargeable or single-use batteries by shipping in boxes from your home or office.  For customers with larger volumes, we can also coordinate freight shipments of batteries for recycling.  Contact us at 1-877-723-1297 to learn more about these services or to discuss your recycling needs in more detail.

Did you know you can safely recycle your batteries for free by taking them to 14 San Diego County Library branches?

That’s right, the library. It’s not just for books; it’s for batteries too!

Just bring them to the battery drop-off bins located inside the 14 branches. The libraries primarily collect standard alkaline batteries — Cs, Ds, AAs, AAAs, 9-volts, you name it. But they can also take rechargeable batteries; lithium batteries must be bagged separately.

Please tape positive end of batteries to reduce flammability and place batteries in a resealable bag.

Donated Materials Policy

The San Diego County Library is no longer accepting physical donations of materials for the collection, with the exception of items produced by local authors or musicians.

The Library purchases materials at steep discounts that come with labels, barcodes and covers, ready for customer use. It is more expensive to accept a donation and prepare it for circulation than it is for the Library to purchase a title that comes prepared by our vendors. If you would like to support the Library’s collection, we encourage you to donate funds for the purchase of physical and digital materials for our communities.

If you are looking for an organization to donate your books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, or magazines to, consider contacting one of the organizations below:

Your Branch Friends of the Library
Many branch Friends of the Library groups accept book donations for their book sales. Please check their websites or phone ahead to ensure that your donation can be accepted at this time. Items donated to the Friends of the Library are sold to support San Diego County Library branch collections and events.

Salvation Army (books, DVDs, CDs)
1-800-728-7825

Goodwill (books, DVDs, CDs)
1-800-GOODWILL

Amvets (books, DVDs, CDs)
877-990-8387

Vietnam Veterans of America (books, DVDs, CDs)
877-775-8387

Father Joe’s Villages (books, DVDs, CDs – limit 5 boxes):
1-800-HOMELESS

Kids Need to Read (like new kids’ books)
480-256-0115

Bridge to Asia (books)
510-665-3998

You can also recycle books and magazines in your recycle bins, particularly if they are damaged or outdated.

ALL donations of books in good condition can be brought to the Friends Bookstore. Each donor is limited to four bags/boxes of books per day. We also accept magazine donations at this time.

Friends of the Encinitas Library Bookstore
540 Cornish Dr. Between “D” &  “E” Streets, two blocks east of HWY 101. 
NEW BOOKSTORE HOURS
Sunday 1PM to 4PM
Monday 10AM to 4PM
Tuesday 11AM to 4PM
Wednesday 11AM to 4PM
Thursday 10AM to 4PM
Friday 10AM to 4PM
Saturday 10AM to 4PM

We are delighted to receive your generous donations, without them there would be no bookstore!

• ALL materials should be clean and in good condition. 

  • Magazines should be less than 6 months old
  • NO: torn covers/pages, mold/mildew, insect damage, “chewed” edges, stains, excessive highlighting/underlining or other damage

• Medical/health, textbooks (other than math or science), computer related materials, law/real estate/finance
  

  • 5 years old or less
  • Workbooks should not be completed

• Audio/Visual

  • DVD & DVR – movies, music, instructional (items should be in original cover/packaging)
  • CDs – will accept some music but no instructional or informational tapes (school courses)     

We CANNOT accept: 

• • ENCYCLOPEDIAS  – Most of the information is out of date and correct information can be readily accessed online
  • COLLECTIONS of National Geographic, Smithsonian, ZooNews etc
  • Phonograph records (we can provide the name of a collector)
  • Readers Digest condensed books
  • Time-Life or other “sets” (usually 10-15 volumes)

• Please DO NOT leave materials when store is closed.  We cannot guard against theft, weather or vandalism

Get Started

Participating in this program is easy and FREE! See answers to frequently-asked questions here.

Enrollment limits apply. If the program is full, you will be added to a waitlist.

Food Bank Partner Drop-Off Site

Have nonperishable food items to donate to help local families in need?

Please limit your donations at these sites to one or two bags of food. Many of our public donation drop off sites are small, local businesses with limited storage capacity and are not equipped to accept large amounts of donations. If you would like to drop off larger quantities of food, please do so at our Miramar or Vista distribution centers.

Also, if you are in need of a donation receipt, we ask that you please drop off your food donations with the Food Bank directly either at the San Diego Food Bank in Miramar or our North County Food Bank chapter in Vista. Our public donation drop-off sites are unable to provide receipts.

Drop off at this location:

Tuesday-Thursday

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday – Saturday

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF OUR MOST NEEDED FOOD ITEMS

COSTCO OPTICAL

Donation program

Your old glasses can help someone in need see clearer. Costco and Assist International, a nonprofit organization, offer an eyeglasses donation program. Look for a donation box in the optical center at your local warehouse. Costco sends your used eyewear to Assist International, and the nonprofit works with a team of volunteers and partner organizations to sort and distribute the donations to those in need, both locally and internationally. Members can donate prescription eyeglasses, prescription sunglasses and readers.