Thrift Store Workers Beg You Not to Donate These 8 Things

You do not want to make these mistakes when donating to thrift stores!

The idea that “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure” doesn’t always hold up.

Some stuff you bring to the thrift store is honestly just trash and should be recycled or thrown away instead of becoming a burden for your local thrift shop.

To discover what thrift store and donation center workers really dislike receiving—and what alternatives you can consider instead…

Check out this quick list of the top items thrift stores really don’t want to see come through their doors.

Follow Everything Abode on Pinterest HERE!

Before You Donate, Here Are 8 Items Thrift Stores Hate Sorting Through

1. Outdated Electronics

Certain electronics are perfect for giving to thrift stores or reuse centers. DVD players, phones, and tablets are very popular items that will be grabbed quickly if the price is right.

But old electronics that no one can operate anymore can be a challenge for thrift stores to sell.

Before dropping off electronics and furniture at charity stores, it’s a good idea to check with them first, since some can’t accept those items.

But these definitely shouldn’t be discarded. Many electronics companies will accept old devices for recycling into new products.

YOU’LL ALSO LIKE THIS: 15 Home Cleaning Habits Neat Freaks Can’t Live Without

2. Used underwear, socks, and bras

Most thrift stores won’t sell them, even if they’re “barely worn.” Workers definitely aren’t interested in going through a bag of used underwear. It’s also a cleanliness concern.

Try these suggestions instead:

Get rid of any used underwear and socks.
Check out bra donation programs; some women’s shelters and specialized organizations take clean, gently used bras.
Recycle textiles whenever you can.

3. Dirty Clothing and Bedding

Donating clothing and bedding to thrift stores is great, but make sure to wash them properly first.

Donating dirty clothes or underwear is just not a beneficial idea. The person handling donations shouldn’t have to tolerate that.

Dirty or stained clothes and bedding are often discarded. Many thrift stores lack the resources to clean items before they hit the racks, so ensuring your soft goods are clean before donating makes a difference.

If you have pets, be sure that the items you’re donating aren’t covered in pet hair.

4. Expired beauty products and half-used toiletries

Expired makeup, open lotions, used deodorant, half a bottle of shampoo, and a collection of random hotel minis all stuffed in a bag is a big no no for thrift shops.

They are incredibly offensive if used already and are usually discarded right away because it’s been opened, expired, or isn’t safe for anyone else to use.

Do this instead:

Recycle packaging if your area accepts it
Bring unopened products to a pet shelter or community pantry
Use take-back programs (some brands and stores actually offer them!)

5. Broken Items

If you’re discarding items due to breakage or irreparable damage, they’re likely not suitable for the thrift store either.

Don’t give away damaged items. Only if the clothing is designer, vintage, or truly unique does it make sense to donate it.

Thrift stores usually just discard broken items, like electronics or toys. Thrift stores typically have to pay for disposal bins, so the more damaged items they need to discard, the more they spend to dispose of them.

6. Used Medical Equipment

Donating specialized and customized medical equipment to thrift stores isn’t a good idea either.

A lot of thrift store staff might be clueless about it, and it could be so personalized that it won’t suit anyone else.

If you can’t find a second home for it, it’s probably best to just toss it or recycle it properly.

7. Incomplete Board Games and Craft Kits

Thrift stores often have a good selection of books, but you might want to reconsider donating board games and craft kits. Think about whether they’re really worth it.

If board games are missing a bunch of pieces or if craft kits are incomplete and lack many components, they probably won’t be useful to anyone and will just become trash for the thrift store to deal with.

8. AND… yes, actual garbage!

Honestly, anything you’re thinking about throwing away is just that—trash. Bringing bags of trash to your thrift store doesn’t really help.

Seriously, your local thrift store isn’t a place to dump your unwanted stuff.

If some items can’t go in your regular trash or recycling bins, just take them to your local waste disposal center instead.

A quick “donation rule” that saves everyone

Before you donate, consider: Would I actually want to buy this in a store right now?

If the answer is “no,” just pass on the donation bin and opt for something better, like recycling, proper disposal, or a program that genuinely needs it.

How to Make Self-Discipline So Easy It Feels Like Cheating

6 Habits You Really Should Avoid Doing Early In The Morning

Five Simple Ways to Prepare for a New Side Hustle

How to Remove Negative Energy From Your HOME

15 Home Cleaning Habits Neat Freaks Can't Live Without

Five Health Tips Every Woman Should Know

Subscribe to Get the Tools That Make My Blog Successful!

When you join my newsletter, I'm going to send you insider advice and tools that I use to grow my blog! I only save the BEST for my email list so don't wait!

Thrift Store Workers Beg You Not to Donate These 8 Things