Thrift Stores Can’t Use Half the Things They Receive Here’s What Gets Tossed

The Thrifty Apartment

Toiletries and cosmetics

Used shampoo bottles, half-finished makeup, and expired skincare products are almost always thrown out. Even sealed items can be tricky if the dates aren’t clear or the packaging is damaged.

Cribs and baby loungers

Drop-side cribs can’t be sold at all, and many loungers no longer meet current safety guidelines. Because of the risks involved, most thrift shops decline them altogether.

Used toys

Mattresses and futon

Mattresses, box springs, and futons are usually turned away due to health regulations, storage limitations, and pest concerns.

Broken appliance

Thrift stores rarely have the capacity to test, repair, or safely resell broken microwaves, vacuum cleaners, printers, or small appliances.