The Salvation Army is a well-known charitable organization that provides critical support to communities worldwide through its thrift stores, social services, and disaster relief programs. Donating to the Salvation Army is an excellent way to contribute to their mission while promoting sustainability by keeping usable items out of landfills. However, not all items are suitable for donation, and understanding what the Salvation Army accepts—and what they don’t—can streamline the process, reduce waste, and ensure your contributions have the maximum impact. Let’s take a look at the specifics of acceptable and non-acceptable items, so you can be sure your thoughtful donation is welcome and goes on to help the community.
Why Donate to The Salvation Army?
Donating to the Salvation Army is a powerful way to support both people and the planet. Their thrift stores generate revenue to fund programs like homeless shelters, addiction recovery services, and youth initiatives, while also promoting a circular economy. By donating gently used items, you extend their lifecycle, reducing the demand for new products and minimizing waste. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans generate about 4.9 pounds of trash per person per day, much of which could be diverted through donation or recycling. The Salvation Army’s thrift stores play a vital role in this process, but their ability to resell or distribute items depends on the quality and type of donations they receive.
Before donating, however, it’s critical that you check with your local Salvation Army, as acceptance policies can vary by location due to storage space, demand, or regional regulations. Keep reading for some general guidelines of what the Salvation Army typically accepts and what they do not, so your contribution isn’t turned away.
Items The Salvation Army Typically Accepts
The Salvation Army welcomes a wide range of gently used, clean, and functional items that can be resold in their thrift stores or distributed to those in need. Here’s a detailed look at the most commonly accepted categories:
Items The Salvation Army Typically Does Not Accept
While the Salvation Army appreciates all donations, there are some that just don’t work in the long run. To maintain safety, hygiene, and resale value, the Salvation Army has strict guidelines on items it cannot accept. Donating these items is more than a simple mistake: They can burden the organization with disposal costs, diverting resources from their mission. Here’s what to avoid:
Tips for Donating Responsibly
To align your donations with sustainability and waste management goals, follow these best practices:
- Clothing and Accessories
- Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing: This includes shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, coats, and suits. Items should be clean, free of stains, tears, or excessive wear, as damaged clothing often cannot be resold or used.
- Shoes and boots: Functional footwear in good condition, including sneakers, dress shoes, and seasonal boots.
- Accessories: Hats, scarves, belts, purses, backpacks, and jewelry are all welcome, provided they are in good shape.
- Seasonal items: Winter coats, gloves, and holiday-themed clothing are particularly valuable during colder months or specific seasons.
- Furniture
- Tables and chairs: Dining sets, coffee tables, and side tables in good condition.
- Sofas and loveseats: Upholstered furniture must be free of stains, rips, pet hair, or odors.
- Bed frames and mattresses: Some locations accept gently used mattresses, but policies vary due to hygiene concerns; you’ll want to check locally.
- Dressers and cabinets: Functional storage pieces are always in demand.
- Bookshelves and desks: Compact, sturdy pieces are ideal for small homes or offices.
- Household Goods
- Kitchenware: Pots, pans, dishes, glassware, and utensils in good condition.
- Small appliances: Toasters, blenders, microwaves, and coffee makers that are clean and functional.
- Bedding and linens: Clean sheets, blankets, comforters, and towels (no stains or tears).
- Decorative items: Lamps, picture frames, vases, and wall art in good condition.
- Books, CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records: Media items should be free of scratches or damage.
- Electronics
- Televisions: Flat-screen TVs are preferred, as older big box models are often not accepted due to disposal challenges.
- Computers and laptops: Working devices with modern operating systems.
- Stereos and speakers: Functional audio equipment.
- Gaming consoles: Consoles and controllers in good working order.
- Sporting Goods and Toys
- Sporting equipment: Bicycles, golf clubs, tennis rackets, and camping gear in good condition.
- Toys and games: Clean, complete board games, puzzles, and children’s toys (no missing pieces or broken parts).
- Musical instruments: Guitars, keyboards, and other instruments in playable condition.
- Vehicles
- Cars, trucks, and SUVs: Vehicles in running condition or those needing minor repairs.
- Boats and RVs: Some locations accept recreational vehicles or boats (check locally).
- Motorcycles: Functional motorcycles are often accepted.
Items The Salvation Army Typically Does Not Accept
While the Salvation Army appreciates all donations, there are some that just don’t work in the long run. To maintain safety, hygiene, and resale value, the Salvation Army has strict guidelines on items it cannot accept. Donating these items is more than a simple mistake: They can burden the organization with disposal costs, diverting resources from their mission. Here’s what to avoid:
- Damaged or Non-Functional Items
- Broken furniture: Sofas with exposed springs, stained upholstery, or broken frames.
- Non-working appliances or electronics: Items that don’t function or require significant repairs.
- Torn or stained clothing: Items that are not wearable or require extensive cleaning.
- Incomplete items: Puzzles or games with missing pieces, or furniture requiring assembly parts.
- Hazardous Materials
- Chemicals and paints: Cleaning supplies, oil-based paints, or pesticides.
- Batteries: Car batteries or household batteries (these require special recycling).
- Flammable items: Gasoline cans, propane tanks, or fireworks.
- Large Appliances and Building Materials
- Major appliances: Refrigerators, washers, dryers, or stoves are often not accepted due to space constraints or disposal regulations.
- Construction materials: Lumber, pipes, or drywall are typically not accepted.
- Carpeting or tiles: Used flooring materials are rarely taken.
- Mattresses and Bedding (Varies by Location)
- Used mattresses: Many locations do not accept mattresses due to hygiene concerns or state regulations.
- Pillows: Used pillows are rarely accepted for similar reasons.
- Soiled bedding: Stained or damaged sheets and blankets are not suitable.
- Baby Items with Safety Concerns
- Cribs and car seats: Older models may not meet current safety standards.
- Recalled items: Any baby gear subject to safety recalls.
- Medical Equipment
- Used medical devices: Hospital beds, wheelchairs, or mobility aids are often not accepted due to liability and hygiene concerns.
- Medications: Prescription or over-the-counter drugs are never accepted.
- Large Quantities of Low-Value Items
- Magazines or outdated media: Old magazines, VHS tapes, or encyclopedias are rarely accepted due to low demand.
- Bulk low-quality clothing: Large quantities of worn-out or low-value clothing may be rejected.
Tips for Donating Responsibly
To align your donations with sustainability and waste management goals, follow these best practices:
- Check item condition: Ensure items are clean, functional, and gently used. This reduces the Salvation Army’s sorting and disposal costs.
- Call ahead: Policies vary by location, so contact your local Salvation Army to confirm what they accept, especially for large items like furniture or vehicles.
- Clean items thoroughly: Wash clothing and linens and wipe down furniture or appliances to ensure they’re donation-ready.
- Consider alternatives: If the Salvation Army can’t accept an item, explore other donation options like local shelters, recycling programs, or organizations like Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity.
- Schedule pickups for large items: Many Salvation Army locations offer free pickup services for furniture or vehicles, making it easier to donate bulky items responsibly.
- Keep a donation receipt: The Salvation Army provides receipts for tax-deductible donations, which can incentivize sustainable giving.
- Reduce landfill waste: Keeping usable items out of landfills conserves space and reduces methane emissions from decomposing materials.
- Lower resource demand: Reusing goods decreases the need for new production, saving energy, water, and raw materials.
- Support community resilience: The Salvation Army’s programs, funded by thrift store sales, provide essential services, fostering stronger, more sustainable communities.