Donating is a wonderful way to help others, but not everything in your home should end up in a donation bin. Some items simply aren’t suited for donation, either because they’re in poor condition or they pose a risk to others.
It’s important to be mindful when choosing what to give away, so you’re not passing along things that could cause harm or create unnecessary clutter for others.
Here are 15 things you should never donate, along with better alternatives for each one.
1. Mattresses
While your old mattress may seem like a good donation, it’s best to avoid passing it along. Mattresses can harbor dust mites, bedbugs, and bacteria, making them unhygienic and unsuitable for donation. Additionally, they’re hard to recycle.
Instead, check with your local recycling center or mattress retailer to see if they offer mattress recycling services. If the mattress is still in decent shape, consider selling it to someone who might need it.
2. Clothing That’s Worn-Out
While donating gently used clothes is always appreciated, don’t donate clothing that’s torn, stained, or too worn out to wear. These items may not be helpful to others and will likely just end up in a landfill.
If your clothing is beyond repair, look into textile recycling programs, or repurpose the fabric for crafts or cleaning rags. Some stores even offer textile recycling programs where you can drop off damaged clothes in exchange for discounts.
3. Expired Medicine
Donating expired medicine is both illegal and unsafe. Medications lose their effectiveness over time, and some can even be harmful after their expiration date.
Instead, dispose of expired medications at a local drug take-back event or pharmacy drop-off. Many communities have safe, designated locations for the proper disposal of medication to ensure it doesn’t end up in the wrong hands or harm the environment.
4. Used Toiletries and Cosmetics
Donating used toiletries and cosmetics, even if they seem barely used, is not a good idea. Opened or used personal care items can pose health risks due to contamination.
Instead, dispose of old toiletries safely in the trash, or if they’re unopened and still good, check with shelters or food banks, as they may accept certain new items. Some beauty brands also accept returned products for recycling.
5. Old Car Seats
Car seats have an expiration date for a reason: they lose their effectiveness over time due to wear and tear or damage, and they might not meet modern safety standards. You should never donate an old car seat as it could be dangerous for the next child who uses it.
Instead, many manufacturers offer trade-in programs where you can exchange an old car seat for a discount on a new one. Alternatively, contact your local recycling center to find out if they accept car seats for safe disposal.
6. Pillows
Like mattresses, pillows can collect dust, bacteria, and allergens, making them unsuitable for donation. Even if your pillow is in decent condition, most donation centers won’t accept them for hygiene reasons.
Instead of donating them, consider repurposing pillows into pet beds, stuffing for other projects, or even donating them to animal shelters where they can be used for bedding.
7. Broken Electronics
While donating working electronics is great, broken or outdated electronics should not be donated. These items might not be usable or repairable, and they can end up in a landfill if improperly disposed of.
Instead, look for electronics recycling programs or check with stores like Best Buy that offer trade-in or recycling options for old electronics. Some communities also hold electronic waste events where you can drop off your items.
8. Old Paint
Old paint can be hazardous and is not something you should donate, as it can pose environmental risks if not disposed of properly. Many local municipalities offer paint recycling or disposal programs, where you can drop off unused or old paint.
Some hardware stores also accept old paint for recycling, and certain nonprofits may take it if it’s still in good condition and you contact them directly to inquire.
9. Used Underwear and Socks
Although used clothing in good condition is always a go-to donation item, underwear and socks should never be donated, even if they appear to be in good shape.
These items are considered personal hygiene items, and they just aren’t appropriate to pass along. Instead, dispose of them responsibly by recycling fabrics where possible, or repurposing the fabric for other uses like rags or craft projects.
10. Toys With Missing Pieces
Toys with missing pieces or broken parts aren’t safe or fun for other kids. Donating incomplete toys can create frustration for others, especially when they receive them only to realize they’re unusable.
Before donating toys, make sure they’re intact and in good condition. If the toys are missing pieces, you can either recycle them or repurpose them for arts and crafts. Alternatively, check if there are any local toy repair services.
11. Old Shoes with Wear and Tear
Just like worn-out clothing, shoes that are too worn out or damaged should not be donated. Shoes with holes, worn-down soles, or excessive scuff marks won’t be useful to others and are often discarded.
Consider repairing them or donating shoes in gently used condition. If your shoes can no longer be worn, recycling them is a great option, or you can repurpose them into unique planters or other craft projects.
12. Open Food Items
Donating open or expired food is unsafe and unsanitary. Shelters and food banks can only accept sealed, unopened food items that are still within their expiration dates. If you have excess food that’s still sealed, consider donating it, but anything that’s been opened or is past its expiration should be discarded properly.
Many areas have food banks or pantries that accept donations on a regular basis, but always check their guidelines first.
13. Furniture That’s Structurally Damaged
Furniture that’s broken or structurally unsound should not be donated, as it could pose safety hazards to others. If your couch or chair has a broken frame, missing legs, or a damaged back, it’s better to dispose of it or recycle it. If it’s still usable but just needs a little TLC, consider fixing it up before passing it along.
Alternatively, some thrift stores may accept furniture for repair or refurbishing if they’re able to restore it to good condition.
14. Heavily Used Luggage
If your luggage is missing zippers, handles, or is covered in rips, it’s probably not something you should donate. While gently used luggage can be a great donation item, items that are heavily worn will likely end up being discarded by donation centers.
You could consider fixing it, recycling the materials, or repurposing it for storage. If the suitcase is still usable, try selling it or giving it to a friend or family member who could make use of it.
15. Mismatched or Worn Bedding
Mismatched bedding or bedding that has significant wear and tear is not ideal for donation. Items like comforters with rips or stained sheets might end up being thrown away or just not used by others.
If you have excess bedding that’s still in good condition, consider donating it. For items that are beyond repair, you can repurpose them for crafts or donate them to animal shelters as bedding for pets.