Cambridge Plans Free Store to Reduce Summer Move-Out Waste

The initiative is organized by the Cambridge Recycling Advisory Committee

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Aug 11, 2026 9:35 AM EDT

CAMBRIDGE, MA — Residents will have a new way to give unwanted belongings a second life later this month.

The city has announced plans for a community Free Store, with donations and free shopping scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22 at Reservoir Church on 170 Rindge Ave. The event is intended to reduce summer move-out waste by keeping usable clothing, household goods and other items out of landfills.

The store is organized by the Cambridge Recycling Advisory Committee and includes separate hours for residents to drop off unwanted goods and shop for available items at no cost.

Donations will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by shopping from noon to 2 p.m. Residents may bring clothing, shoes, household goods, small electronics, books and media, and toys. Items must be in a relatively good and usable condition.

Items such as furniture, televisions, computer monitors, hazardous waste, and other large or bulky items will not be accepted.

Parking will be available at Reservoir Church on 15 Notre Dame Avenue, with attendees directed to use the rear entrance and enter the parking lot from Middlesex Street. The Recycling Advisory Committee is also seeking volunteers to help receive, arrange, and distribute donations during the event.

Residents can review the event details and volunteer information online now.