Next to shopping, decluttering seems to be America’s favorite pastime. Goddamn, minimalist gurus like Marie Kondo have built entire careers on helping people tidy up and letting go of belongings that no longer “make them feel joyful.”
All this conscious purge is good news for resellers run by charities like Goodwill and Salvation Army. But messy people beware. Not all unwanted items are welcome at Donation Centers. Below is a list of what most resale shops don’t want and won’t accept.
1. CRT TV
Older CRT (cathode ray tube) televisions have been replaced with flat, wall-mounted LCD, LED, and plasma models. As a result, most American garages have at least one old television in storage. Even at second-hand prices, it’s almost impossible to unload these “modern antiques.” Thrift shops know it.
When it comes to getting rid of your old TV, don’t just put it on the curb. Contact your local recycling center and ask if they host an annual e-waste event. Otherwise, BestBuy’s recycling program Get it for $29.99.
2. Mattress
Most thrift stores don’t accept mattresses. Not only does it take up a lot of retail floor space, but the “unpleasant” factor of used mattresses can make sales difficult.
But there are exceptions.of Saint Vincent de Paul Society Expand resale shops nationwide.The closest location to me (Des Moines, Iowa) accepts Mattresses manufactured before 2017 And still has the original tag.
3. Sleeper sofa
Old-fashioned sofa beds are notoriously heavy. In fact, I nearly broke my hand trying to climb a flight of stairs in his 1990s (fingers bent to prove it).
That weight, combined with the problem of potentially unsanitary mattresses, is part of why they’re near the top List of “donations that cannot be accepted by goodwill”.
4. Cribs and car seats
We’ll discuss the recalled items later in this post, but the crib and car seat deserve special mention.
It is impossible to know if a used child seat has been involved in a crash. Also, many donation centers do not have the resources to track the volume of recalls related to child seats and cribs. The center may decline both items because the child’s safety is paramount.
5. Auto parts
Used tires, wheels and batteries were also on Goodwill’s “unacceptable” list. Probably because it’s hard to judge the safety of most used auto parts (oh, battery acid doesn’t make for a pleasant shopping environment).
Please liquidate these items instead of donating free cycle or via the free page Facebook Marketplace.
6. Large appliances
Most donation centers do not have facilities to handle stoves, ovens and refrigerators. The effort required to move these items and the retail floor space they require make them a losing proposition. harbor unsafe bacteria.
7. Building materials
As with large home appliances, the processing and storage of building materials is labor intensive and requires vast warehouse space. Corner Goodwill can’t handle sheetrock loads and vinyl plank floor pallets.
To keep these items out of landfills, Habitat for Humanity Restore in your area. ReStores accept new and used items building materials, appliances, furniture. Proceeds from sales help the organization provide affordable housing to communities around the world.
8. Torn or dirty clothing
Thrift stores are in the business of reselling clean, wearable clothing. And sadly, there is no huge market for dirty jeans, ripped shirts, and coats with broken zippers.
As a rule of thumb, don’t donate if you don’t want to give it to a friend or neighbor.
So what happens next with piles of clothing that can’t be donated? A Bustle representative can help you decide what to do with clothes you can’t donate.
See also: ‘9 Retailers Rewarding Recycling’
9. Periodicals
Sorry, thrift stores aren’t interested in newspapers and magazines piled next to armchairs. The resale value of a periodical is negligible for its weight.
Instead, deposit recent magazines at your local senior center. Newspapers are also accepted at some animal shelters. When shredded, it becomes soft bedding for homeless pets.
10. Firearms, ammunition or fireworks
Not surprisingly, firearms and fireworks are also on Goodwill’s list of unacceptable items. Do not donate anything that threatens personal or public safety.
Disposing of unwanted firearms can be difficult without a uniform process in place across the United States. Call your nearest police station and ask how to legally surrender a gun or how to “deactivate” a gun and err on the side of safety. (Remember, call first — Do not bring weapons to the police without notice. )
And if the fireworks are not only blinding but nerve-numbing, take them straight to your local landfill. Please keep it in
11. Recall products
The last thing anyone wants to do is keep unsafe items on the market.
If you are unsure of the recall status of your item, please visit: recall.gov before donating.site comprehensive search tool examines recall data from six federal agencies and alerts users to products deemed “unsafe, dangerous, or defective.”
12. Items damaged beyond repair
Before donating anything, ask yourself, “Should I buy this?” If the item is badly damaged or in a non-functioning condition, please don’t pass the headache on to others.
Remember, donating is not the way to get rid of junk. Rather, it’s a way to share quality items, help the environment, and support a worthy cause at the same time.