This is usually the time of year when people start cleaning out closets, garages, storage bins, and all the random corners of the house that quietly collect stuff over time. Donation centers get flooded with drop-offs, and many people assume almost anything they no longer want can be handed off to Goodwill.

The intention is usually good. Most people are trying to keep usable items out of the trash and pass them along to someone who might need them. But not every donation actually helps.

Some items can’t legally or safely be resold. Others arrive broken, dirty, recalled, or too worn out to put back on the shelves. In some cases, stores end up paying to throw those items away themselves. Employees have even come across hazardous donations that created safety concerns inside the store.

Goodwill accepts a wide range of donations, but there are certain things they really wish people would stop bringing in. Here are the items most locations typically won’t accept, along with why they cause problems in the first place.

1280px Goodwill Industries thrift shop Canton Michigan — Image Credit: Dwight Burdette, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Wet, Moldy, or Mildewed Items

Anything damp, moldy, or mildewed should not be donated. Moisture can spread quickly and ruin other items in the donation stream. These conditions can also pose health risks to employees handling the donations.

If an item smells musty or shows visible signs of mold, it’s better to dispose of it properly.

Broken or Heavily Worn Items

Items that are broken, torn, stained, rusty, or falling apart are not suitable for resale. This includes damaged furniture, heavily worn clothing, or items missing essential parts.

While it may feel wasteful to throw these items away, donating them often creates extra work and disposal costs for the store.

Oversized or Very Heavy Furniture and Equipment

Large furniture and exercise equipment that weigh over 50 pounds are often not accepted. Some Goodwill locations do not take furniture at all due to space and staffing limitations.

It’s best to check with your local store before attempting to donate oversized items.

Mattresses and Bedding

Goodwill typically does not accept mattresses, box springs, mattress toppers, bed pillows, air mattresses, sleeper sofas, water beds, or similar items. Health and sanitation regulations make it difficult or impossible to resell these items safely.

Hazardous or Flammable Items

Hazardous materials should never be donated. This includes chemicals, paint, propane tanks, gasoline-powered tools, fireworks, and other flammable items.

Items that resemble weapons, even if they are novelty or decorative, can cause serious safety concerns. In one recent situation, a donation pile contained a grenade-shaped object, prompting an evacuation because staff could not immediately determine whether it was real.

Firearms, Ammunition, and Explosives

Weapons and related items are strictly prohibited. Even replicas or novelty versions are not acceptable, as donation staff cannot safely assess them.

Anything that could be mistaken for a weapon should not be placed in a donation bin.

Large Appliances and Certain Electronics

Most Goodwill locations do not accept large appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, washers, dryers, air conditioners, or water heaters. Televisions are also commonly refused.

These items are difficult to test, store, and resell, and they often fall under special disposal regulations.

Baby Gear and Children’s Safety Items

Cribs, car seats, highchairs, strollers, bassinets, walkers, and changing tables are usually not accepted. Safety standards and recall risks make it difficult to resell these items responsibly.

Food, Beverages, and Personal Care Products

Food and drinks are not accepted, whether opened or sealed. Cosmetics, hair care products, and similar items are also refused due to contamination and expiration concerns.

Construction and Home Improvement Materials

Goodwill generally does not accept building materials, loose carpet, plumbing fixtures, window blinds, rods, or office cubicles. These items are difficult to store and rarely resell well at thrift stores.

Medical and Sanitation Items

Medical equipment, such as crutches and portable toilets, is not accepted. These items raise sanitation and liability concerns.

Loose Rags and Cleaning Materials

Clean or dirty rags and similar materials are often refused. Once mixed into donations, they are difficult to sort and can be mistaken for contaminated items.