What Items Does Goodwill Accept? Here Is What You Can Donate

Last updated on December 12, 2022

What's An Acceptable Donation?

Gently worn clothing, shoes, accessories, and household items are usually donated to Goodwill. But because they are all independently owned and truly operated by local communities, Goodwill thrift stores and donation centers differ from store to store.

For instance, other Goodwill sites will gladly accept any and all electronics, whereas my local Goodwill donation facility will only accept certain toys and electronics. Additionally, bulk items such as couches and TVs may not be accepted by you local Goodwill. Always confirm by calling the Goodwill donation center near you before your visit.

The following are some examples of things you could donate to Goodwill:

Clothing & Footwear

Almost all clothing items are accepted as donations, including shirts, pants, jackets, backpacks and formal suits.

Toys & Games

Toys are accepted in the form of stuffed animals, board games, action figures, dolls and more.

Sports Equipment

Sports equipment is accepted as long as it’s in useable shape. All types of sports equipment and accessories are accepted as donations, as long as they’re not oversized or bulky. Some examples of larger sports equipment that typically still gets accepted includes gold clubs, boogie boards, snowboards and skis.

Kitchen Items and Home Decor

Home goods and decor such as glass vases, cups, decorations are accepted. In addition, kitchen supplies that are in working condition, such as pots and pans, kettles, toasters, and utensils, are also accepted.

Books and Media

Books of all types and languages are accepted as donations, as well as DVDs and VHS tapes.

Video Games & Electronics

Electronics in working condition (and those that are ‘for parts’) are accepted in the form of video games, printers, TVs, speakers, lamps and more.

Can You Donate Bulky And/Or Oversized Items?

Donating bulky and/or oversized items really comes down to your local Goodwill. Why? Each Goodwill thrift store and donation center is run by your local community, which means every single location operates with different rules and policies.

If you’re moving and trying to donate your washer and dryer, chances are that they won’t accept it.

The best thing to do in a case where you’re trying to donate mattresses, TVs, pianos, computers, furniture, refrigerators, and other bulky items, is to call your local Goodwill first before your visit. Ask them if they’re accept the large items that you’re trying to donate.

If they’re not accepting bulky items, the next best option would be to list it for free on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

What Donations Are Not Accepted?

Goodwill accepts almost everything you can think of. But, there are some items that you can’t donate.

Certain items, including those that are damaged or in poor shape, major appliances, and dangerous chemicals, might not be accepted by Goodwill. Donating items that are hazardous or may be considered trash, will unfortunately give your local thrift store employees and volunteers more work and can put their health at risk.

If you’re wondering what to do with your ‘non-keep’ pile of items as you de-clutter your home, don’t just donate everything.

Learn what items Goodwill does not accept as donations here.

Other Reasons Your Donation May Not Be Accepted

Even when you donate the “correct” types of items to Goodwill, your local Goodwill donation center may not accept them. The reasons for this may include the center being full or at donation capacity. Lots of people donate their used belongings to Goodwill, so it’s not rare for them to experience a high donation volume, or having too many of one type of donation, such as clothing.

For example, at my local Goodwill donation center located in Southern California, there are times where they don’t accept electronics or clothes. Usually, there is a Goodwill employee present at the drop off center that can tell you what is and isn’t accepted at the time.

If this happens to you, it’s recommended that you just come the next day, or the following week. The inventory at Goodwill moves quickly and gets distributed throughout the other thrift stores in your local area.

Additionally, items that are hazardous to handle will be trashed or thrown into a landfill.