Donating unused or unwanted items is a great way to help those in need, clear your space, and reduce waste. But not everything should make it to the donation bin. Have you ever tried to donate something, only to be told, “Thanks, but no thanks”? It turns out, not all items are as useful to charities and thrift stores as you might think.
As generous as we may be with our donations, some items are simply better off being recycled, repurposed, or tossed out altogether. There’s also a growing concern among donation centers about how to handle things they can’t sell or redistribute. It costs them time and money to dispose of unusable goods, which isn’t exactly the help they need.
So, before you load up the car with bags of items, here’s a guide to 13 things that just aren’t worth donating. It’s not that donation centers don’t appreciate the gesture, they just need things that are useful, clean, and sellable.
1. Broken Electronics
Donating old electronics might seem like a great idea, but if they’re broken or outdated, it can be more of a burden than a blessing. Most donation centers don’t have the resources to repair electronics, and they end up being e-waste. Items like old TVs, VCRs, or non-functioning computers can’t be resold, and recycling them can be tricky due to hazardous materials.
Instead, look into electronics recycling programs. Many municipalities and retailers, such as Best Buy, offer free drop-offs for recycling old electronics.
2. Stained or Torn Clothing
Everyone loves the idea of giving clothes a second life, but stained, torn, or heavily worn clothing isn’t a gift anyone wants. Donation centers often have to throw these items away because they can’t sell damaged goods. In fact, many charities are overwhelmed with unusable clothing donations, which ends up costing them for disposal.
Rather than donate unusable clothing, consider recycling them. Some companies, like H&M, have fabric recycling programs where your old clothes can be repurposed into new textiles.
3. Used Mattresses
While a new mattress can be a fantastic donation, most places won’t accept used ones. Mattresses can harbor dust mites, bed bugs, or other allergens, making them a health risk. Donation centers don’t have the means to clean or sanitize them, so they often get turned away.
If you have a mattress that’s in good condition but no longer needed, some states have mattress recycling programs.
4. Expired Food
It’s great to donate to food banks, but remember, expired food isn’t going to help anyone. Food banks often have strict guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of the food they provide. If it’s out of date, food banks have to throw it away, which is both a waste of resources and time.
Make sure to check expiration dates before donating and ensure the food is non-perishable and sealed.
5. Recalled Baby Products
While baby items like cribs, strollers, and car seats are always in high demand, donating recalled products can pose a significant safety risk. If a product has been recalled, it’s illegal to resell it, even if it looks fine. Many second-hand stores won’t accept baby items because they can’t guarantee the safety standards.
Before donating baby products, check to see if they’ve been recalled by searching databases like the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
6. Used Underwear
As personal and intimate items, used underwear is not something that thrift stores or donation centers typically accept (bras are a hit or miss, so check with your local donation center). Even if they’ve been washed, there are hygiene concerns that prevent these items from being reused.
Instead, consider recycling old underwear into cleaning rags or finding fabric recycling programs that accept used textiles. For donation guidelines, check out the Salvation Army.
7. Damaged Furniture
If your old couch or dining table is falling apart, it’s not something donation centers want. Furniture that’s broken, heavily scratched, or missing pieces can’t be sold and often ends up costing charities to dispose of.
If your furniture is in decent shape but no longer useful to you, consider listing it for free on community websites like Freecycle or Craigslist.
8. Outdated Appliances
Older appliances, like microwaves or refrigerators, are often difficult to donate, especially if they’re energy-inefficient or broken. Most donation centers won’t take outdated appliances because they’re expensive to repair and hard to resell.
Instead, look into appliance recycling programs that will ensure these items are disposed of properly. The EPA’s Appliance Recycling program is a good place to start.
9. Broken Toys
Toys can bring joy to children, but broken toys are a different story. Donation centers won’t accept toys that are missing parts or can’t be used safely. Additionally, toys that have been recalled should never be donated, as they pose serious safety risks.
Make sure the toys you’re donating are complete and in good condition. Otherwise, recycle them or discard them responsibly.
10. Old Encyclopedias
Encyclopedias may have once been a valuable source of information, but in today’s digital age, they’re largely obsolete. Most libraries and schools don’t have a use for outdated books, especially ones that contain information that has been superseded by modern resources.
If you have old encyclopedias, consider recycling them rather than donating them. Some rare or vintage editions may be of interest to collectors or antique stores.
11. Non-Flat Screen TVs
Older, bulky CRT televisions are almost impossible to donate. They’re heavy, outdated, and consume more energy than newer flat screens, making them undesirable for donation centers. Most people looking for a second-hand TV want modern flat screens that are energy-efficient and lightweight.
If you have an old CRT television, the best course of action is to recycle it through an electronics recycling program. Some cities and retailers, like Best Buy, offer TV recycling services.
12. Used Makeup and Personal Care Products
Even if you have gently used or nearly full bottles of makeup and personal care products, donation centers typically won’t accept them due to hygiene concerns. Once makeup or skincare items have been opened, there’s a risk of contamination, which could lead to infections or allergic reactions.
Unused and unopened personal care products, however, are often accepted by women’s shelters or community centers. For guidance on where to donate these items safely, check out the Beauty Bus Foundation, which provides beauty services to patients with chronic illnesses.
13. Torn or Broken Shoes
Just like damaged clothing, shoes that are torn, broken, or extremely worn aren’t worth donating. Donation centers don’t have the capacity to repair footwear, and heavily worn shoes may not be suitable for resale.
If your shoes are still wearable but no longer your style, consider donating them to specific organizations like Soles4Souls, which repurposes shoes for those in need.
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With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.