What Does Goodwill Take? Complete List of Items You Can Donate | Cake Blog (2025)

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Is it your New Year’s resolution to give back to the community or help others? Going through your belongings and donating them is a great place to start — and it’s also an essential part of end-of-life planning. However, as you filter through your stuff, you may wonder what Goodwill accepts.

We’ll walk you through all of the categories of items Goodwill takes. Some may surprise you, while others will be obvious.

By donating to Goodwill, you’re not only helping the environment by recycling but also your immediate Goodwill facility and community.

Jump ahead to these sections:

  • What Donations Goodwill Accepts
  • What Goodwill Won’t Take

Post-loss tip: If you are the executor of a deceased loved one, handling aspects of their unfinished business like donating personal possessions can be overwhelming. We have a post-loss checklist that will help you ensure that your loved one's family, estate, and other affairs are taken care of.

What Donations Goodwill Accepts

What Does Goodwill Take? Complete List of Items You Can Donate | Cake Blog (3)

It may surprise you that Goodwill only accepts certain items.

However, you have to take into account that Goodwill facilities are limited by space or a smaller staff. If you choose to donate any of the following items organized by category, they’re likely welcome.

Your donations not only provide great bargains for Goodwill shoppers, but you’re also helping the environment a great deal by repurposing rather than throwing away.

Clothing, shoes, boots, and accessories

Goodwill is a great place to find unique clothing items, and you can contribute too. Sorting through your closet each season and donating what you haven’t worn is a great way to help out those in need.

  • Kids and pre-teen clothing: From baby clothes to pre-teen clothing, children grow very quickly, and some families can’t afford or don’t want to purchase new clothing every time it’s needed.
  • Young adult and adult clothing of all sizes: Affordable business clothing can help someone in need feel presentable and confident enough to land a new job.
  • Shoes: Shoes may take up a lot of room in your closet but may be scarce in other homes. Donate accordingly, especially if your child has outgrown them.
  • Boots: Boots are important — even life-saving — to those in need if you live in a particularly wet or cold climate.
  • Jewelry: Did you or even your child go through a costume jewelry phase? Try to pare down your collection.
  • Hats: Winter beanies or ball caps can be crucial in cold, rainy, or sunny climates.
  • Gloves: Gloves are important to anyone working in unheated facilities or outdoor jobs in colder climates.
  • Scarves: Scarves are a simple but valuable accessory.

Housewares, dishes, and collectibles

Updating or redecorating? Going for more of a minimalist look? Goodwill is a great place to send housewares, dishes, and collectibles.

  • Knickknacks: Have a relative who won’t stop gifting you turtle figurines? Goodwill can likely never have enough.
  • Dishes and utensils: If you no longer like your wedding dishes, for example, someone else may enjoy them.
  • Lamps and similar items: If you’re updating your space, new light fixtures are a great start.
  • Collectibles: Some people thrift for specific items to add to their collections.
  • Gifts and trinkets: When a gift doesn’t suit your aesthetic, give it to Goodwill.
  • Small appliances: No longer into your blender? It might be time to donate

Tools and outdoor items

Many people love spending time outdoors or completing home improvement projects but may not want to pay full price for new tools.

  • Hammers, drills, and accessories: Great for builders on a budget as well as nonprofits looking to renovate.
  • Woodworking, sewing, painting, or other hobby-related items: If items like these are taking up space in your home or cabinets, turn them over to Goodwill.
  • Lawn tools or accessories: As long as these outdoor tools aren’t hazardous, they’re great for Goodwill.
  • Outdoor décor: Help others freshen up their outdoor spaces with décor donations.
  • Outdoor furniture: As long as your furniture isn’t filthy or falling apart, it’s suitable for Goodwill. If it’s beyond repair, read our guide on where to get rid of old furniture for free.

Games, toys, books, and other entertainment items

Are you cleaning out an elderly parent’s house and finding excess board games, movies, and music?

  • Board games: As long as the board game isn’t missing too many pieces or elements, this is a great thing to give Goodwill.
  • Electronic games, consoles, and games: Did someone in your household upgrade their gaming system? Goodwill would love any older hardware.
  • Books: Books don’t require batteries, updates, or any additional installation. As long as they’re in decent shape, donate them to Goodwill.
  • Toys for all ages: Some children grow tired of toys quickly. Donating to Goodwill provides opportunities for families to buy “new” toys at better prices.
  • Records, CDs, music players, and more: Recently inherit a house full of stuff? Don’t feel like sifting through old records and CDs? Give them to Goodwill.

Exercise equipment and sporting goods

Donating exercise and sporting equipment is a great way to share health and wellness with others who cannot afford a gym membership.

  • Exercise balls, bands, and weights: Help someone else meet their strength and fitness goals, especially if you have access to a gym’s equipment instead.
  • Bicycles, skateboards, and scooters: As long as these items are in working condition, others can enjoy them for years.
  • Exercise machines and other equipment: There’s a good chance that a machine you’re no longer using can be tuned up and enjoyed by someone else.
  • Sports balls and other equipment: Gently used balls and other equipment can help school programs update their inventory.
  • Jerseys and gear: Outdoor activities and sports gear can be fun for people of all ages.

Small electronics and communication devices

Many of us are guilty of holding onto electronics. We think we’ll fire them up “sometime soon,” when in reality, they just sit unused. While outdated, many electronics can still serve a purpose.

  • Office computers: If you recently upgraded to a new laptop or otherwise have no use for a desktop monitor, send it over to Goodwill.
  • Personal computers: Just make sure you don’t hand over any personal documents or information with the computer.
  • Consumer electronics: Goodwill accepts a wide variety of other electronics, such as camcorders, remote controls, and tape players.
  • Office equipment: Have other office equipment, such as printers, fax machines, or small copiers? Goodwill takes those, too.
  • Telecommunication devices: Old cell phones, pagers, handsets, headsets, or answering machines are great for people looking to start a new business.

Larger electronics and other devices

If you think you own outdated electronics, such as early HD TVs or old monitors, Goodwill would love to have them.

  • Flatscreen TVs: TVs are a great item to donate because they take up a small amount of space compared to other television sets, which are not accepted.
  • Stereos, radios, and speakers: Did you go through a DJ phase? There’s someone out there who would love your old stereos, radios, or speakers.
  • VCRs, DVDs, and streaming devices: Though you may only use the internet to stream shows and movies, many people still enjoy more “old school” options like VHS tapes and DVDs.
  • Projectors and classroom aids: Projectors and other similar devices may help out teachers on a budget.
  • Tablets and ebook readers: Is your iPad so old you can’t update it anymore? It may be valuable to someone who can’t afford a newer model.

Vehicles

Whether you have a vehicle to spare, or you recently inherited one from a relative who has passed away, Goodwill can put it to good use.

The best part is that your vehicle does not have to be running Goodwill can tow it locally for free. Vehicle donations are resold at auction, and the proceeds benefit people with disabilities or disadvantages.

  • Cars and SUVs: Again, the vehicle you’re donating doesn’t even have to be running for it to make a difference.
  • Boats: Have a boat, kayak, or canoe you’re no longer using or can’t store? Give it to Goodwill.
  • RVs and fleet vehicles: Yes, Goodwill takes even the largest vehicles out there.
  • Jet skis and off-road vehicles: Have you grown out of jet skis or other leisure vehicles? Goodwill even accepts these.
  • Motorcycles and bikes: Have you recently become a motorcycle or motorbike owner? They’re not for everyone. Give it to Goodwill and forget about rearranging your garage.

What Goodwill Won’t Take

What Does Goodwill Take? Complete List of Items You Can Donate | Cake Blog (4)

Though you may have the best intentions with your donations, there are some items Goodwill won’t accept including cleaners and chemicals, large appliances, and mattresses.

Here are the items that Goodwill won't take:

  • Personal care items
  • Household cleaners or chemicals
  • Large appliances
  • Mattresses, mattress accessories, and recalled items
  • Miscellaneous home fixtures
  • Weapons
  • Trash or recyclables

Personal care items

While giving others access to items to feel fresh and clean sounds great, it’s not always the best idea to donate personal care items — even unused ones.

In order for personal care items to remain safe for others to use, they have to be well-organized and have their expiration dates checked periodically. Plus, all those shampoo and lotion bottles will take up quite a bit of space and will make a huge mess if they spill during transport or in the facility.

  • Shampoos, conditioners, soaps, or shower gels: Many products contain tons of ingredients, and more natural options have shorter shelf lives.
  • Makeup, lotions, and skincare: Many people are allergic to certain cosmetics and body care products. In addition, opened makeup and personal care items create an opportunity for germs to spread.
  • Toothbrushes and dental care: Many other types of supply drives accept unopened toothbrushes.
  • Hair products and brushes: Even if your products are unopened or you clean your old hairbrushes well, these items are not something Goodwill takes.
  • Baby wipes and other hygiene products: Baby wipes may dry out or expire.

Household cleaners or chemicals

Many of these household products have potentially harmful ingredients that Goodwill’s staff would have to monitor, creating more of a hassle.

  • Indoor cleaners, sprays, and solvents: Even if the cleaners or solvents you’re trying to donate are marked non-toxic, some ingredients, when mixed, can become dangerous.
  • Outdoor cleaners or pest control: Though important, Goodwill can’t accept pest control items as there’s a risk they could come into contact with another item and make someone ill.
  • Lawn fertilizer or plant care products: Goodwill will not accept pesticides, fertilizers, or other similar treatments.
  • Paint or paint thinner: You’re better off visiting a home improvement store to recycle or dispose of old paint responsibly.
  • Home improvement or automotive materials: Goodwill doesn’t accept caulk, polish, and spackle. Automotive materials, such as wiper fluid, antifreeze, old batteries, spare gas cans, and oil are not accepted either.

Large appliances

Some Goodwill facilities are low on space, so bulky, heavy, or oversized appliances are not the best items to keep in stock.

  • Refrigerators and freezers: Besides taking up a lot of space, refrigerators and freezers can be made with hazardous materials.
  • Stoves, ovens, or grills: Since these appliances are made to ignite, they’re not the best to have sitting among other items or in tight spaces.
  • Air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and furnaces: Much like refrigerators and freezers, coolants can be dangerous.
  • Microwaves or freon-based appliances: Microwaves are another item that can become dangerous if damaged.
  • Overly large stereos or water heaters: Items that take up too much space aren’t helpful in the long run for Goodwill facilities.

Mattresses, mattress accessories, and recalled items

Donating a bed frame is a great idea, but mattresses and waterbeds, not so much. The same goes for outdated or unsafe car seats and mobility items.

  • Mattresses or box springs: These items may be the perfect place for bugs, germs, and other pests to hide either in transport or at Goodwill facilities.
  • Waterbeds or waterbed frames: For safety and sanitary reasons, Goodwill doesn’t accept waterbeds and corresponding frames.
  • Cribs: Similarly, for safety and sanitary reasons, cribs are not accepted.
  • Car seats, if recalled or otherwise unsafe: Child car seats and other similar devices must meet additional requirements from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.
  • Mobility devices, if recalled or otherwise unsafe: Mobility devices, such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and more have to meet additional safety standards from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Miscellaneous home fixtures

If you’re completing home renovations, you may have better luck consulting builders or contractors about what to do with your scraps.

Goodwill does not accept the following home materials and fixtures:

  • Wall-to-wall carpet or carpet padding: For sanitary and capacity reasons, Goodwill is not equipped to handle old wall-to-wall carpet or carpet padding.
  • Other old flooring: Like old carpet, you shouldn’t expect Goodwill to take old tiles, laminate, or wood. Consider contacting a home improvement store or flooring specialist for other options.
  • Plumbing fixtures: You cannot donate showerheads, faucets, pipes, toilets, or other plumbing items to Goodwill.
  • Building materials: Goodwill is not the place to donate building materials, even if they’re brand new.

Weapons

The following list of weapons is not exhaustive. Even though Goodwill accepts other household tools and similar items, weapons are excluded.

  • Guns: No matter how small or “harmless,” Goodwill does not accept any type of gun.
  • Bows and arrows: Though some bows and arrows are used for hobbies or sports such as archery, Goodwill does not accept them.
  • Ammunition: As you may expect, Goodwill does not accept bullets.
  • Hunting knives: Goodwill doesn’t accept hunting knives or other large sporting knives.
  • Tasers, pepper spray, and flammable items: In addition to other weapons, Goodwill does not accept tasers, pepper spray, fireworks, or flammable items.

Trash or recyclables

Goodwill not accepting trash or recyclables may sound obvious — but wouldn’t others enjoy reading magazines, even if they’re old? Bring these to your workplace or community center instead.

  • Trash: If you were planning to throw an item away, do so. Do not give it to Goodwill to deal with. If you can safely recycle something, be sure that it fits into an acceptable category and does need to be taken to a special facility.
  • Old magazines: If reading material is printed, date-specific, and otherwise not a book, opt to recycle it.
  • Old newspapers: Though you may enjoy old crossword puzzles or comics, newspapers are likely to get ruined in transport or take up too much space in Goodwill facilities.
  • Advertisements, flyers, or catalogs: There are key differences between advertisements that qualify as art pieces and mailers that should be recycled.
  • Junk mail: If you receive other types of mail than what has been mentioned prior, do not bring it to Goodwill.

If You’re Unsure, Ask

Donating items you no longer need to Goodwill can have an amazing impact on others in your community, even if it’s just a few items at a time. You’ll likely also be happy with the tax credits and extra free space as an added bonus.

Though we’ve shared a comprehensive list, it may benefit you to ask your local Goodwill if you’re unsure if they will accept a certain item. They may make an exception if they have a specific need for that item.

If you're looking for more tips and tricks for getting rid of old items, check out our guides on what to get rid of before moving, how to get rid of clothes, and what to do with old cell phones.

Sources

  1. “Goodwill Donation Guidelines.” Amazing Goodwill. www.amazinggoodwill.com/donating/donor-guidelines
  2. “Acceptable Donations.” Goodwill Northern New England. goodwillnne.org/donate/acceptable-donations/
  3. “Vehicle Donations.” Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. www.goodwillswfl.org/donatevehicles/
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