How We Work: Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Eco Encore system work?

Individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations send us donations of books, CDs, movies and software that are suitable for resale. We catalogue the items and sell them in our online Amazon and eBay stores, and the profits from our sales go to the local environmental organizations we support.

How do I donate to Eco Encore?

1) Please read What To Donate / What NOT To Donate first. We are a very small organization, and it helps us tremendously to only receive items that are likely to be of resale value.

2) Prepare your donation for shipping or drop-off. If you want a receipt or would like to stay in touch with us, download the Donor Form, print it, fill it out and include it with your donation.

3) Get your donation to Eco Encore.

• If you live in Seattle: You have a few options. One, you can drop off smaller donations (50 items or less) at one of our many Donation Bin Locations throughout the city. Two, if you have a large donation, contact us to arrange a pick up; we'll come get it. Or three - you can mail it to us.
  

• If you live outside Seattle:  We receive many donations from all across the country! Pack it up and send it to us. If you use US Postal Service Media Mail, we may partially reimburse you for shipping at your request. Read our shipping page for further instructions.

Will my Eco Encore donation be tax-deductible?

Yes; Eco Encore is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. When you send us your donation, use the Donor Form to indicate that you would like a receipt.

If I donate to Eco Encore, will I receive solicitations?

No; we'd love to keep in touch and provide you with brief, infrequent updates on our work, but will do so only if you send us your email address and request to be placed on our mailing list.

What happens to items that can't be resold?

Eco Encore is committed to reuse and recycling, and we do everything we can to reduce our own waste.

• donations that can't be resold in our online store are either 1) given to literacy charities of our choosing 2) sold to 1/2 Price Books or other discount vendors 3) recycled, if the items are completely outdated or severely damaged.
• All of our packing materials and some of our shipping packages are recycled. Grist Magazine sends us their used padded mailers and envelopes for reuse.
  
• Most of our office furniture - including computer workstations and bookshelves - are secondhand items as well!

"What a great idea!" Who created Eco Encore?

Eco Encore's founder is Jesse Putnam, a Seattle activist, entrepreneur and photographer. Eco Encore began as a tiny project in a spare room in Jesse's home, and became an incorporated non-profit organization in 2002.