5 Items Donation Centers Refuse to Accept — No Matter What

Every six months I do a major home purge, closets, décor, all those impulse buys. And while one person’s trash is another person’s treasure, the truth is some donations are just plain junk.

Here are top 5 items most donation will reject.

1. Mattresses – Health risks and risk of bed bugs makes this donation undesirable.

2. Large appliances – Refrigerators, washers, dryers, and stoves are all on the NO list.

3. Carpets and padding – Due to the difficulty cleaning and sanitizing these items, they will likely not be accepted.

4. Furniture with heavy damage – Furniture is accepted however be mindful that items with rips, stains, or pet messes make resale difficult.

5. Personal care items – Used cosmetics, razors, and hairbrushes would be unsanitary to resale. Regardles of where you choose to donate your used items, be sure to know the stores policy for donations.

Common Misconception About Goodwill

Many believe Goodwill always donates directly to those in need but it often operates more as a business than as a hub for helping those less fortunate. If you want your items to directly support your community, please consider donating to local shelters, nonprofit thrift stores, or community centers instead.