At Goodwill of Greater Washington, we appreciate every donation that you generously provide. However, due to safety, legal, or environmental concerns, we cannot accept some items. You can find the complete list here: https://dcgoodwill.org/donations/donation-guidelines/donations-goodwill-cannot-accept/

There are alternative options for many of the “unacceptable” items to be either donated elsewhere or recycled. Here are a few ideas:

Mattresses—Look for a Mattress Disposal Plus in your area. Mattress Warehouse will also accept a used mattress, but there is a $25 fee. Box springs often contain metal, which can be recycled at either a local landfill or a metal recycler in your area.

Bean bag chairs—a 70s flashback! The prevailing wisdom on these is to separate the material from the filling. You can use the material for a DIY project. The filling is a bit trickier. Place it in a clear plastic bag. The beans are made from expanded polystyrene (EPS). It is technically recyclable, but not all centers will take it. 

Non-flat-screen TVs—Best Buy will take those, but there is a fee attached. They will also take things like old chargers, cables, broken electronics, and some appliances. The chain does have a trade-in program for many items. The full details are on their website.

Building Materials – The Habitat For Humanity ReStore and Community Forklift accept many building materials.

Cribs – Look for a Cribs For Kids location in your area (https://cribsforkids.org/). Also, Google “children’s clothes exchange”. You’ll find many local churches have set up programs to lend items like strollers and car seats. When you no longer need those items, you can return them. This is usually a non-cost service.

Gas-powered tools—If they are in working order, you can check with your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Some manufacturers, like DeWalt and Bosch, will accept old tools for free at their authorized stores. If the tools do not work, be sure to drain any fuel or oil. Then check to see if your local recycling center will take them. Many do, as people who repair small engines will scavenge them for parts. 

Medical supplies—We’re talking things like wheelchairs, walkers, etc. Look up MedShare (https://www.medshare.org/). Many local health facilities, such as nursing homes and community health centers, will also take these items.

Auto Parts—Tire shops will accept used tires for recycling. For other parts, check to see if there is a junkyard in your area. These can also be recycled for scrap metal.

Car Batteries—Take it to Auto Zone, and they will give you a $10 gift card. 

Your donations fuel Goodwill’s local nonprofit mission of transforming lives through the power of education and employment—we cannot do it without you. We also see this as a larger sustainability issue, so we hope you will responsibly handle those unwanted items we are unable to accept.