You loaded the trunk, drove across town and pulled up to the donation door, only to hear the attendant say, “Sorry, we can’t take that.” It is a frustrating moment, and it is easy to avoid.
We went through the posted guidelines of three Goodwill organizations: Goodwill of Greater Washington, Goodwill of North Georgia and Goodwill of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago. Each runs its own stores, so rules differ by location, and your local Goodwill has the final word. Here are twelve items that show up on these lists.
Goodwill of Greater Washington says it cannot accept these items due to “safety, legal or environmental concerns,” while Goodwill of North Georgia cites “safety, environmental and regulatory requirements.” That is the reason behind most of the list.
1. Mattresses And Box Springs
All three organizations list mattresses and box springs as items they cannot accept. Goodwill of Greater Washington adds bed pillows, air mattresses, mattress toppers and sleeper sofas to its list.
If your bed is on its way out, call your trash service or a local mattress recycler about disposal. Don’t haul it to the donation door.
2. Large Appliances
Goodwill of Greater Washington lists stoves, air conditioners, washers and dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers. Goodwill of North Georgia and the Wisconsin and Chicago organization also name large appliances such as stoves and washers and dryers.
Check with your utility company or a local scrap hauler, since some will pick up working appliances.
3. Older Tube Televisions
Goodwill of Greater Washington says it cannot take non-flat-screen TVs. The Wisconsin and Chicago group lists CRT TVs and CRT computer monitors.
Those bulky sets are a common drop-off mistake. Look for an electronics recycling event in your town instead.
4. Paint And Household Chemicals
Goodwill of Greater Washington lists hazardous materials and paints. The Wisconsin and Chicago group names household chemical products such as pesticides, paint and drain cleaner, and says they are hazardous waste. Goodwill of North Georgia lists chemicals and paint too.
Take these to your local household hazardous waste collection site. Don’t leave them at a donation door.
5. Tires And Auto Parts
Goodwill of Greater Washington says no to auto parts, including tires, wheels, batteries, chemicals, oil and wiper fluid. Goodwill of North Georgia lists tires, and the Wisconsin and Chicago group lists tires, lead acid batteries and gasoline as hazardous waste.
Many auto parts stores and tire shops will take old batteries and tires, sometimes for a small fee.
6. Firearms, Fireworks And Other Weapons
Goodwill of Greater Washington lists firearms and fireworks. Goodwill of North Georgia lists weapons, and the Wisconsin and Chicago group names guns, bows and arrows and ammunition.
Contact your local police department about safe and legal ways to turn in such items. Rules depend on your state.
7. Windows, Doors, Lumber And Building Materials
Goodwill of Greater Washington lists windows, doors, garage doors, sinks, tubs, toilets, fencing, gutters, lumber, concrete and bricks. Goodwill of North Georgia names doors, lumber and wall cabinets, and the Wisconsin and Chicago group names plumbing fixtures and building materials.
Leftovers from a renovation often have a better home with a building materials reuse store, if one is near you.
8. Cosmetics And Personal Care Items
Goodwill of Greater Washington says it cannot take cosmetics and hair care products. The Wisconsin and Chicago group lists personal care items such as shampoo, hairspray and shavers, plus fragrance items.
Check with a local shelter, which may welcome new, sealed toiletries.
9. Food And Beverages
Goodwill of Greater Washington lists food and beverages among items it cannot accept. That pantry clean-out belongs somewhere else.
Take unopened, unexpired food to a food pantry instead. Pantries are usually happy to receive canned goods.
10. Medical Supplies And Crutches
Goodwill of Greater Washington lists medical supplies, crutches and portable toilets as items it cannot take.
Ask your doctor’s office, a church or a local medical equipment loan closet whether they accept used equipment.
11. Bed Pillows And Bean Bag Chairs
Goodwill of Greater Washington lists bed pillows and bean bag chairs, along with mattresses and similar bedding items.
Animal shelters often welcome old, clean towels and blankets, so ask whether they can use your linens instead.
12. Pianos, Organs And Console Stereos
The Wisconsin and Chicago group lists pianos or organs and large console stereos as items it does not accept.
Try a church, school or music teacher, who may be glad to take a piano that still plays.
Turn the trip into a small project. Sort your donations at home into three piles: accepted, not accepted and trash, and you will leave the donation center with a lighter load and a clear conscience.
It also helps to put smaller, valuable items in a clearly labeled bag so the attendant can see you are donating good quality things.
A Quick Plan Before You Load The Car
Call or check the website of your local Goodwill before you go, since the stores set their own lists. Several of the organizations also note that broken, wet, stained or badly damaged items may be refused, so donate only things that are clean and usable.
Keep a separate pile for the items on this list. That way you can plan a second trip to the right place, and you won’t return home with a full trunk.
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