Quick Answer
Goodwill accepts clean, working, gently used items it can resell: clothing, shoes, accessories, linens, housewares, dishes, books, media, toys, small appliances, lamps, decor, sporting goods, bicycles, jewelry and most furniture. It typically refuses mattresses, box springs, cribs, car seats, recalled items, large appliances, tires, paint, chemicals, weapons and anything broken or stained. Rules vary by region, so check your local Goodwill first.
Key Takeaways
- Each Goodwill region is run by an independent local organization, so accepted items differ from place to place.
- The test is simple: would you buy it in its current condition? If not, Goodwill likely cannot sell it.
- Child safety products such as cribs and car seats, plus mattresses, are commonly refused due to safety and hygiene rules.
- Many locations take computers and accessories in any condition through the Dell Reconnect recycling partnership.
- Ask for a receipt; you determine the fair market value for any tax deduction.
Donating to Goodwill keeps usable goods out of landfills and supports job training programs in your community. But dropping off the wrong items costs your local Goodwill money to dispose of them. Use this guide to sort your donations quickly, prepare them properly and know what to do with things Goodwill will not take.
What Items Does Goodwill Accept?
Goodwill’s donation lists center on everyday household goods in sellable condition. Most locations accept the following:
- Clothing and shoes: clean adult and children’s clothing, coats, shoes in pairs, handbags, belts, hats and scarves.
- Household goods: dishes, glassware, cookware, kitchen utensils, small kitchen appliances, home decor, picture frames, candles and vases.
- Linens: bedding, towels, blankets, curtains and tablecloths without stains or holes.
- Furniture: tables, chairs, dressers, desks, bookcases and sofas in good condition, depending on store space.
- Books and media: books, records, CDs, DVDs and video games.
- Toys and games: complete puzzles, board games and toys that are not recalled.
- Sporting goods: bikes, exercise equipment, golf clubs and camping gear.
- Lamps, clocks, radios and small electronics that work.
- Jewelry and accessories: costume and fine jewelry, watches and sunglasses.
Before donating a sofa or chair, quick fixes like tightening a wobbly chair can turn a reject into a sellable item.
What Items Does Goodwill Not Accept?
Local lists vary, but these items are commonly refused across many Goodwill regions:
| Item | Usually Accepted? | Why or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mattresses and box springs | Usually no | Hygiene rules and state regulations on used bedding |
| Cribs and car seats | Usually no | Safety standards and recall risks |
| Recalled or banned products | No | Cannot legally be resold |
| Large appliances (stoves, washers, dryers) | Usually no | Size, weight and testing; some regions accept |
| Air conditioners and humidifiers | Often no | Refrigerants, mold and safety concerns |
| Tires and auto parts | No | Disposal costs and regulations |
| Paint, chemicals and cleaners | No | Hazardous materials |
| Weapons and ammunition | No | Safety and legal restrictions |
| Building materials (doors, lumber, cabinets, carpet) | Usually no | Try Habitat for Humanity ReStore |
| Broken, wet, moldy or stained items | No | Not sellable |
| Old CRT TVs and monitors | Varies | Many sites refuse or route to recycling only |
Tip: Use the store locator on goodwill.org to find your local Goodwill organization, then check its “what we accept” page or call the donation center. Rules can even vary between stores in the same region based on space.
Does Goodwill Take Electronics and Computers?
Goodwill sells working small electronics such as radios, speakers, game consoles and some TVs, depending on the location. For computers, many Goodwill organizations participate in Dell Reconnect, a long-running partnership with Dell that accepts computer equipment of any brand, in any condition, including desktops, laptops, monitors, printers, keyboards, cables and phones. Working items may be refurbished and sold; the rest goes to responsible recycling.
Before you donate any device, back up your files, sign out of accounts and perform a factory reset or wipe the drive. Remove SIM cards and memory cards from phones and cameras.
Does Goodwill Accept Furniture?
Most Goodwill stores accept furniture in good condition with no rips, stains, broken parts, strong odors or pet damage. Upholstered furniture may need a fire safety label in some states. Large pieces depend on store space, so call before hauling a sectional or armoire. Many regions do not offer home pickup; where they do not, look for local charities or furniture banks that pick up.
How Do You Prepare Items for Donation?
Step 1: Check Your Local Goodwill’s List
Find your nearest donation center with the goodwill.org locator and read its accepted items page. Note hours, since many centers stop taking donations before the store closes.
Step 2: Sort and Inspect Every Item
Separate items into keep, donate, sell, recycle and trash piles. Inspect for stains, tears, missing pieces and odors, and set aside anything recalled; you can search recalls at CPSC.gov.
Step 3: Clean and Test
Wash or dry-clean clothing and linens, wipe down housewares and test anything with a plug or batteries. Our guide on cleaning a tote bag is handy for bags, and fleece throws look better after you stop fleece blankets from shedding.
Step 4: Pack Items Securely
Bag clothing and soft goods, box breakables wrapped in newspaper, and tape together sets and game pieces. Keep shoes in pairs by tying laces or rubber-banding them.
Step 5: Drop Off During Donation Hours and Get a Receipt
Drive to the donation door during posted hours and hand items to an attendant. Never leave donations outside a closed center; they get rained on or picked through and often become trash. Ask for a donation receipt.
Can You Deduct Goodwill Donations on Your Taxes?
Goodwill organizations are typically 501(c)(3) nonprofits, so donated goods can be tax-deductible if you itemize, or as otherwise allowed under current federal tax law. Goodwill provides a receipt, but you are responsible for assigning the fair market value, which is roughly what the item would sell for in a thrift store today, not what you paid. Items must be in good used condition or better. IRS Publication 561 explains valuation, and noncash donations totaling more than $500 in a year require Form 8283. Tax rules change, so confirm details with IRS.gov or a tax professional.
Tip: Make a simple list with photos of what you donated and estimated values before you drop off. It makes tax time much easier.
Where Can You Take Items Goodwill Won’t Accept?
- Building materials, doors and cabinets: Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations, where accepted.
- Mattresses: mattress recycling programs; California, Connecticut and Rhode Island run statewide programs through the Mattress Recycling Council.
- Tires: tire shops and transfer stations; see our guide on how to dispose of used tires.
- Paint and chemicals: household hazardous waste collection sites or paint take-back programs in participating states.
- Large appliances: retailer haul-away when buying new, scrap metal recyclers or utility rebate programs.
- Worn-out textiles: textile recycling bins or store take-back programs.
Common Donation Mistakes To Avoid
- Donating items you would not buy yourself.
- Leaving bags outside after hours.
- Forgetting to wipe phones, computers and cameras.
- Dropping off recalled children’s products.
- Mixing trash in with donation bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Goodwill accept mattresses?
Most Goodwill locations do not accept mattresses or box springs because of hygiene concerns and state rules on used bedding. Check mattress recycling programs, retailer haul-away when you buy a new mattress, or your city bulky item pickup instead.
Does Goodwill take TVs?
It depends on the location. Many Goodwill stores accept working flat-screen TVs, while older tube (CRT) TVs are often refused or sent only to recycling. Call your local donation center before bringing a television, and check whether it participates in Dell Reconnect for computer monitors.
Will Goodwill pick up donations from my house?
Some Goodwill regions offer scheduled pickup for large items or bulk donations, but many do not. Check your local Goodwill website or call the nearest store. If pickup is unavailable, other charities, furniture banks or junk removal services that donate items may help.
Can I donate broken electronics to Goodwill?
Broken general electronics are usually not accepted for resale. However, many Goodwill locations take computers and related equipment in any condition through the Dell Reconnect program, which refurbishes or recycles them. Wipe your data before donating any device.
Does Goodwill accept used underwear and socks?
Many Goodwill locations accept new underwear and socks with tags, but policies on used undergarments vary and many stores do not sell them. Check your local guidelines. Worn-out socks and underwear are better suited to textile recycling programs.
Can I donate to Goodwill if the store is closed?
No. Leaving items outside a closed donation center exposes them to weather, theft and damage, and they often end up in the trash. Many Goodwill organizations ask donors not to leave items after hours. Return during posted donation hours instead.
