Thrift stores: what they’ll take
Thrift stores want clean things in good condition that someone would be happy to buy. The Salvation Army Thrift Store, for example, takes clothing and footwear, kitchenware, home decor, bedding and linens, books and media, toys and electronics. It doesn’t take furniture, mattresses, car seats, cribs, strollers or large appliances, and it doesn’t offer pick-up (Salvation Army Thrift Store). Value Village also takes donations at its stores, paying partner charities for them.
- Drop off during opening hours. Don’t leave bags outside a closed store or a full donation bin. They get rained on and picked through.
- No broken, stained or torn items. If you wouldn’t buy it, the store can’t sell it.
Free pick-ups
- Diabetes Canada picks up used clothing and small household items for free in many areas. Book on its website.
- Habitat for Humanity ReStores take furniture, appliances, cabinets, lighting and building supplies, and many local ReStores offer free pick-up. Check your local ReStore’s list before you book.
- If no charity will take it, your city may collect bulky items. See where to sell furniture if you’d rather try selling it first.
Old phones, tablets and laptops
Even an old phone may be worth something, so check a trade-in price on the phones page first. Whatever you do with it, back it up, sign out of your accounts and wipe it, and take out the SIM.
To recycle a phone, use Recycle My Cell. It’s a free national program that takes any make, brand or condition. Find a drop-off at RecycleMyCell.ca or call 1-888-797-1740. Other electronics can go to a provincial electronics recycling drop-off. Never put phones in the garbage: their batteries can start fires.
Glasses
Many Lions Clubs collect glasses for reuse, and some opticians have a collection box. Ask first. Designer frames can be worth selling on eBay or Poshmark first.
Books
- Thrift stores take most books in good condition.
- Many public libraries have Friends of the Library book sales that accept donations. Ask at your branch.
- Little free libraries are happy to have popular fiction and children’s books.
Bedding, towels and pillows
Animal shelters and humane societies often welcome old towels and blankets for bedding. Ring first, because their needs change.
Give it away locally
- Buy Nothing groups and Freecycle are free local giveaway groups.
- On Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji, list it as free.
- Arrange a pick-up time, and don’t post your full address until you’ve agreed one.
What not to donate
- Medicines: take them back to a pharmacy. Most provinces run free medication return programs.
- Batteries: use a Call2Recycle drop-off, found in many hardware and electronics stores.
- Paint and chemicals: take them to your city’s hazardous waste depot.
- Children’s car seats: charities won’t take them, because nobody can tell if one has been in a collision, and car seats have expiry dates.
Not sure what to sell and what to give away? The declutter list helps you score everything room by room.