About the Pilot

• Hotels or hotel groups undergoing renovations or refreshes

• Apartment complexes or property managers with frequent unit turnover

• Property owners seeking landfill diversion alternatives

• Sustainability or operations teams looking to reduce disposal costs and waste

Participation is limited to ensure quality and feasibility during the pilot phase.

1. Partners submit an intake request using the form below.

2. The Elm Project reviews the request to confirm eligibility and capacity.

3. If approved, pickup or drop-off logistics are coordinated.

4. Materials are received, sorted, and redistributed through reuse channels.

5. Diversion outcomes are tracked for impact reporting.

Not all submissions can be accepted due to capacity limitations.

TEP covers item pick up costs for the following pilot conditions:

• 2-3 pick ups per partner within the 90 days 

• 10 mile pick up radius from Downtown Portland, OR

• 1 van load per pickup

• No on-site van loading

• Scheduled pick up windows only

• Drop-offs allowed

Any activity outside of these parameters will incur a small cost.

We currently accept clean, functional, bulk items that can be reused without significant repair.

Commonly accepted items include:

• Furniture (chairs, nightstands, tables, shelving)

• Lamps and lighting

• Mirrors and framed artwork

• Linens (sheets, towels, curtains)

• Small fixtures and household goods

• Storage and organizational items

All items must be:

• Usable and intact

• Free from excessive damage or contamination (a small amount is acceptable)

• Available in bulk (not single one-off items)

To protect the integrity of the pilot, we are unable to accept:

• Mattresses or box springs

• Broken or heavily damaged furniture

• Hazardous materials or chemicals

• Items requiring significant repair or cleaning

• Individual household donations

If you are unsure whether an item qualifies, please include details and photos in the intake form.

Reduced Landfill Disposal & Costs

Diverting usable materials can reduce landfill volume and associated hauling or disposal costs during clean-outs or renovations.

Measurable Impact Reporting

All accepted materials are tracked by category, quantity, and estimated weight, with summary diversion data available for sustainability or ESG reporting.

Donation Acknowledgment (When Applicable)

As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, The Elm Project can provide acknowledgment letters for donated goods when eligible; partners should consult their tax advisor regarding valuation and deductibility.

Operational Support

The Elm Project coordinates intake, sorting, and redistribution, reducing the time and effort required to manage reuse independently.

Sustainability Alignment

Participation demonstrates a tangible commitment to waste reduction through real diversion outcomes rather than estimates or offsets.

Community Reuse Impact

Diverted materials are redistributed through reuse-focused channels that support housing, education, and local reuse networks.

The Elm Project exists because far too many usable materials are discarded every day, even though they still have value, purpose, and life left in them. By participating in this pilot, partners are helping us intercept materials before they reach landfill and take a tangible step toward a cleaner, more responsible relationship with the things we use.

We know participation isn’t required and takes extra intention beyond business as usual. Choosing to take part helps us prove that better systems are possible—and that small shifts in how materials are handled can make a real difference when done at scale.