Donating unwanted household items is a great way to clear out clutter while giving usable items a second life. But before loading up your car for a trip to Savers, it’s worth knowing that not everything can be accepted.
Savers has a list of items that are turned away at all of its locations. Knowing what those items are can save you time, prevent unnecessary trips, and help ensure your donations actually help someone else.
1. Infant Products
Baby gear is one category Savers won’t accept. Items such as cribs, car seats, strollers, baby walkers, and other infant equipment are prohibited due to safety regulations and product liability concerns.
Many children’s products are subject to recalls and changing safety standards, making them difficult for thrift stores to resell safely.
2. Old CRT Televisions and Monitors
If you still have one of those bulky tube televisions or old computer monitors taking up space, Savers isn’t the place to donate it. The retailer does not accept cabinet-style televisions or CRT monitors.
However, newer flat-screen televisions that use LCD, LED, or plasma technology may still be accepted if they’re in working condition.
3. Mattresses
Mattresses are another item Savers won’t take. Because of hygiene concerns, storage challenges, and resale regulations in many areas, used mattresses are generally prohibited from donation.
If you’re replacing an old mattress, you’ll likely need to explore local recycling programs or municipal bulk-item disposal services instead.
Related: 7 Donations Salvation Army Workers Are Begging You to Stop Dropping Off
4. Damaged Furniture
Furniture can be a great thrift store find, but only if it’s still usable. Savers rejects furniture that is broken, heavily stained, structurally damaged, or no longer safe to use.
If a piece requires significant repairs before someone can use it again, it’s unlikely to make it onto the sales floor.
5. Large Household Appliances
Large appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers are also on Savers’ prohibited list. These bulky items are difficult to transport, store, and resell, making them impractical for most thrift stores to handle.
Why Does Savers Reject These Items?
As reported by The Sun, Savers doesn’t provide detailed explanations for every prohibited item, but many restrictions come down to safety, legal requirements, resale potential, and disposal costs.
Large or unsafe items can be expensive for thrift stores to remove if they don’t sell, taking money away from the programs and nonprofit organizations they support.
