What you donate to Goodwill matters. While this nonprofit organization supports communities across the United States by reselling donated goods, not every item is suitable — or even safe — for resale. Whether you’re decluttering your home or making room for new belongings, it’s important to know what *not* to include in your donation box. Donating restricted or unsuitable items not only creates safety hazards but also causes additional costs for Goodwill in disposal and transportation.
TLDR: Though Goodwill appreciates your generosity, there are certain items they can’t accept due to safety, legal, or practical reasons. These range from broken electronics to hazardous materials and recalled goods. If you’re donating in 2025, double-check your items before loading up your car. A few extra minutes can help protect workers, save resources, and support Goodwill’s mission more effectively.
Why Certain Items Are Not Accepted
Goodwill is committed to selling donated goods that are clean, safe, and reusable. Unfortunately, some donations don’t meet these criteria. Items may be rejected due to:
- Health or safety hazards
- Lack of resale value
- Excessive handling or disposal costs
- Federal regulations or recalls
Bringing these items to a donation center not only makes work harder for the team but also delays the processing of usable donations. Let’s take a closer look at the full list of what not to bring to Goodwill in 2025.
Full List of Items Goodwill Does Not Accept in 2025
1. Hazardous Materials
These include chemicals or anything flammable. Goodwill locations are not equipped to safely store or dispose of these items.
- Paint, paint thinner, or varnish
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Cleaning products, solvents
- Automotive fluids (antifreeze, motor oil, etc.)
- Batteries (car, lithium, or other industrial types)
2. Large Appliances
Goodwill does not accept several large household items due to space and safety concerns. These items also often require significant resources to recycle.
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Air conditioners
- Washers and dryers
- Water heaters
- Stoves, ovens, or ranges
3. Furniture in Poor Condition
If your furniture is broken, torn, stained, or missing parts, it cannot be accepted.
- Sofas with structural damage
- Infested or dirty mattresses
- Water-damaged wooden furniture
- Chairs with missing legs or loose joints
broken furniture, torn couch, donation center
4. Items Recalled or Banned by the Government
Goodwill does not accept any item that has been recalled, banned, or deemed unsafe. It’s illegal to sell these items, even if donated with good intentions.
- Cribs manufactured before June 2011
- Drop-side cribs (all styles)
- Infant bath seats or walkers recalled by the CPSC
- Damaged child car seats or those older than six years
5. Weapons and Ammunition
Absolutely no firearms, knives designed as weapons, or ammunition are allowed. This helps ensure the safety of employees and shoppers.
- Guns (real or replica)
- Bows and arrows
- BB guns and air rifles
- Hunting knives or switchblades
- Explosives or fireworks
6. Building Materials and Fixtures
These items are often difficult to handle, pose safety risks, or require specialized markets for resale.
- Lumber and plywood
- Plumbing fixtures like toilets or sinks
- Lighting fixtures with exposed wiring
- Windows and doors — especially if made of glass
7. Electronics That Don’t Work
Though Goodwill accepts many usable electronics, they cannot take any broken or outdated ones.
- CRT televisions or monitors
- VCRs and tape decks that no longer function
- Printers with missing parts
- Devices lacking power cords or essential components
If your item still has value but needs repair, consider donating it to a specialized electronic recycling center instead.
8. Perishable and Opened Food Items
Goodwill does not accept any food items meant for human or pet consumption.
- Perishable foods like produce or dairy
- Expired canned or boxed goods
- Open food containers
- Pet food of any kind, open or sealed
9. Personal Hygiene and Medical Supplies
Even if unused or sealed, many personal health items cannot legally be resold.
- Prescription medications
- Open bottles of vitamins or supplements
- Used CPAP machines or oxygen tanks
- Diabetic test strips, syringes, or EpiPens
medical supplies, hygiene, disposal
10. Automotive Parts
Larger vehicle parts are bulky, potentially hazardous, and difficult to resell through retail locations.
- Tires, rims, or wheels
- Engines or transmissions
- Used motor oil containers
- Brake fluid or system parts
Special Considerations in 2025
Some donation restrictions have evolved due to environmental and public health concerns. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many Goodwill branches stopped accepting certain soft goods temporarily. In 2025, while most of those policies have eased, Goodwill continues to enforce stricter cleanliness standards.
If your clothing or linens are moldy, excessively dirty, or ripped beyond repair, they cannot be accepted. It’s recommended that all clothing donations be laundered prior to drop-off.
Tips for Preparing Donations
To ensure your items make a positive impact, follow these best practices before donating:
- Inspect each item for cleanliness, function, and resale condition
- Call your local Goodwill to ask about specific item restrictions
- Don’t leave items outside donation bins — they can be ruined by weather
- Sort items into “clothing,” “electronics,” “toys,” and “housewares” for easier processing
What to Do With Items Goodwill Won’t Take
So what should you do with those unaccepted items? Here are some responsible alternatives:
- Hazardous waste: Take them to your city’s hazardous waste facility
- Used electronics: Many electronic retailers offer trade-in or recycling programs
- Medical equipment: Donate items to local clinics, or organizations that refurbish and redistribute supplies globally
- Broken furniture: Contact a local junk removal or recycling service
Your commitment to responsible donation helps nonprofit organizations like Goodwill operate more efficiently. It also supports environmental sustainability and protects communities from hazardous waste exposure.
Conclusion
Understanding what items Goodwill does not accept is a vital part of being a considerate and effective donor. When in doubt, ask your local donation center or check with official Goodwill resources online. Smart donating ensures your contributions make a real difference, without creating unnecessary burden or waste. Thank you for considering what not to donate — and for being part of a responsible community in 2025.