HONOLULU (KHON2) — Most of us toss out cardboard tubes or old towels without a second thought.
For animal shelters like the Hawaiian Humane Society, these everyday items we throw away can become enrichment puzzles, cozy bedding or even safe hideouts.
By giving shelters your “junk” or “trash,” you’re helping them stretch their limited budgets and improve the lives of animals waiting for homes.
Here’s a guide to common items you can donate to either HHS location in Mōʻiliʻili campus or the Kosasa Family Campus at Hoʻopili instead of throwing away.
So, rather throwing away the items listed below, why not donate them to a shelter? You’ll help solve Oʻahu’s trash problem and receive a tax-deductible receipt. It’s a win-win for you.
You can also give to HHS through their Wish List.
1. Fabric and textile scraps
Fabrics help animals feel safe and comfortable. These types of materials offer warmth, especially for kittens or recovering animals. Just skip anything with stuffing, zippers or hard plastic, since those can be unsafe.
- Old towels and washcloths for bathing or bedding.
- Blankets, sheets, or pillowcases for crates and kennels.
“[Towels, linens and blankets are] actually our highest need item right now.” explained Brandy Shimabukuro, communications manager for the Hawaiian Humane Society. “We’ve seen an influx of puppies and kittens with parvovirus and panleukapenia in our care, which is highly viral.”
She went on to explain further.
“As a precaution to mitigate disease transmission, we cannot reuse any towels or blankets that come into contact with those pets; so, we have an extremely high need right now for clean towels, blankets and bed linens,” she added. “We gladly accept gently used towels, washcloths, blankets, bedsheets, and dog beds (clean, lightly used, no holes).”
2. Cardboard and paper items
Cardboard and paper are some of the easiest materials to reuse, and shelters use them daily. They can be chewed, shredded, stacked or shaped into toys and hideouts. From toilet paper rolls to cardboard boxes, these items give animals a chance to dig, nest and play safely while reducing waste.
- Small to medium cardboard boxes.
- Shoe boxes.
- Cardboard drink boxes.
- Paper egg cartons.
- Clean newspapers.
3. Toys, balls and enrichment
Play keeps animals active, happy and less stressed while waiting for adoption. Simple items that you might think are trash can be washed and reused. Even common household toys, when safe and clean, give animals a chance to chase, chew and stay engaged during long hours in kennels or cages.
- Tennis balls for dogs (good condition).
- Ping pong balls for cats or small pets (good condition).
- Kongs, all sizes.
- Any new toys for cats and/or dogs.
Items to avoid donating
Some items that seem harmless can put animals at risk. Things with mold, chemicals or sharp pieces can cause harm. Strong scents or leftover food attract pests and may make animals sick. Always check donations carefully because safety comes first.
- Anything with mold, mildew or pet waste.
- Rubber bands, twist ties or string that can choke animals.
- Plastic bags except for waste disposal.
- Painted cardboard or treated wood.
- Items with strong food scents or residue.
- Clothing with zippers, buttons or glitter.
Click here to find out more about the Hawaiian Humane Society.
All these items seem like trash to us, but they are reusable for a really good cause.