Springtime is often a time to clear out closets and get rid of unwanted or unworn items. While dropping things at a charity donation center is certainly better than chucking old items in the landfill, Americans generate so much textile waste that it can overrun the capacity of those shops. As much as 11 million tons of textiles end up in the trash each year in the U.S.

Ashley Ingraham Watts, owner of the organization company Home Perspective says, “I think it’s important to donate to locations that you know will be putting items donated to use.” She adds that you should organize your donations and label them with the contents. “The easier you make it for the donation locations to sort and get on the shelves, the better.”

Here are some of Ingraham’s favorite local donation destinations:

Renewal Upscale Resale at Hunt Valley Town Center: A resale boutique that takes clothing, accessories, cookbooks, small housewares, and collectibles. All proceeds benefit Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Ruth’s Closet in Owings Mills: A resale boutique that accepts clothing and accessories. All proceeds benefit House of Ruth.

Maryland SPCA: Will accept old towels, flat sheets, and blankets to use for their animals.

Scrap BMore: Accepts spare craft materials, fabrics, yarn, buttons, and more.

Maryland Book Bank: Perfect for books of all ages and varieties.

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Check out even more tips to take a sustainable approach to spring cleaning, here.