Goodwill is a well-known organization that relies on donations of gently used items to support its community programs and thrift stores. Donating to Goodwill is a great way to declutter your home, give back to your community, and even receive a tax deduction. But what exactly can you donate to Goodwill? Many people wonder, especially when it comes to larger or more specific items like Goodwill Bikes.
Goodwill gladly accepts a wide variety of items as long as they are in good, resaleable condition. Your donations help fund job training, employment placement services, and other community support programs. Remember, donations to Goodwill are tax-deductible, making it a win-win situation. You can easily find a Goodwill donation site near you to drop off your items. Unfortunately, home pick-up services are not available.
To make your donation process smoother, here’s a comprehensive list of items Goodwill generally accepts in 2025.
Goodwill’s 2025 Acceptable Donations List: From Bikes to Books and Beyond
Goodwill is looking for items that are gently used, clean, and in working order. Think about items you would feel comfortable buying yourself in a thrift store – that’s the kind of quality Goodwill appreciates.
Small Appliances: If it makes your morning easier, Goodwill likely wants it! This includes items like irons, vacuum cleaners, coffee makers, and radios. Dust them off and make sure they are in working order.
Area Rugs: Got a rug you’re ready to replace? As long as it’s clean and in good condition, Goodwill can give it a new home.
Bicycles: Yes, Goodwill Bikes are Welcome! Thinking about donating that bike your kids have outgrown or the one you haven’t ridden in years? Goodwill bikes are a fantastic donation! They are popular items in Goodwill stores, providing affordable transportation and recreation for many people. Make sure your goodwill bike is in reasonably good condition – tires inflated, chain not too rusty, etc.
Books: From novels to cookbooks, books are always welcome. Clear out those bookshelves and donate books in good condition for others to enjoy.
Cars: Looking to donate a vehicle? Goodwill makes it easy! They accept car donations. You can call (866) 829-2918 or donate online at gwnne.org/CarDonation to arrange a car donation.
Clothing: Clean out your closets! Shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, sweaters – Goodwill accepts all types of clothing for men, women, and children. Make sure clothing donations are clean and free of rips or stains.
Computers, Printers, and Accessories: Upgraded your tech? Goodwill accepts computers, printers, and accessories in any condition. This is a great way to responsibly dispose of old electronics.
Dishes, Pots, and Pans: Kitchenware in good condition is a useful donation. If you’re replacing your cookware, consider donating your gently used dishes, pots, and pans.
Small Exercise Equipment: Items like resistance bands, weights, and other small workout items can find a new home at Goodwill.
Household Furniture: Sofas, chairs, kitchen sets, end tables, and coffee tables are all welcome furniture donations. Keep in mind that furniture donations are subject to each location’s floor capacity, so it’s always a good idea to contact your local store for details before donating large furniture items.
Lawn Furniture: Similar to household furniture, lawn furniture in good condition can be donated. Again, check with your local store regarding space limitations.
Lamps: Working lamps are a great donation. Ensure they are in working condition before donating.
Media Items: DVDs, VHS tapes, CDs, vinyl records, and Blu-Rays – these media items can be donated to Goodwill.
Shoes: Donate your gently worn shoes! All types of shoes are accepted.
Sports Equipment: Baseballs, basketballs, fishing poles (excluding tackle), footballs, hockey gear, tennis rackets, and similar sports equipment are accepted.
Televisions: Goodwill accepts flatscreen TVs that are in working order. Unfortunately, they cannot accept old CRT tube-style televisions.
Hand Tools & Lawn and Garden Tools: Got extra tools in the garage? Hand tools and lawn and garden tools are useful donations.
Toys: Donate toys in good, clean condition to bring joy to other children.
Items Goodwill Cannot Accept: Safety and Regulations
While Goodwill accepts a wide range of donations, there are some items they unfortunately cannot take. This is usually due to legal or liability risks, safety concerns, hazardous waste regulations, or the cost of recycling or disposal. Goodwill employees have the discretion to decline a donation if it is not clean, resaleable, or if accepting it poses a risk.
Major Appliances: Large appliances like air conditioners, stoves, ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers cannot be accepted. This is often due to freon content and disposal regulations.
Ammunition or Weapons: For safety reasons, Goodwill cannot accept ammunition or weapons of any kind, including BB guns, pellet guns, and arrows.
Automobile Parts: Used auto parts are not accepted.
Baby Equipment: Due to safety standards and regulations, Goodwill cannot accept baby equipment.
Bed Pillows & Used Bike Helmets: For hygiene and safety reasons, used bed pillows and used bike helmets are not accepted.
Bunk Beds & Futons: These items are often difficult to resell and transport, so they are not accepted.
Chemicals, Construction Debris, Large Copiers: These items pose disposal and safety challenges and are not accepted.
Large Exercise Equipment: Treadmills, Bowflex machines, and elliptical machines are too large and difficult to handle for donation.
Fishing Tackle with Lead & Large Fish Tanks: Due to lead content in some fishing tackle and the difficulty of handling large fish tanks, these are not accepted. Small fish tanks are acceptable.
Flammable Liquids/Gases, Food, Hazardous Wastes, Liquids: These items pose significant safety and environmental risks and are strictly prohibited.
Damaged Furniture, Hospital Beds, Hoverboards, Humidifiers: These items are either unsaleable, pose safety risks, or are difficult to handle and are not accepted.
Used Lightbulbs, Mattresses, Box Springs, Waterbeds, Medical Assistive Devices, Pharmaceuticals, Pianos and Organs, Recalled Items, Smoke Detectors, Swing Sets, Taxidermy, CRT TVs, Vape Accessories, Used Venetian Blinds, Wall-to-Wall Carpeting: These items are not accepted due to a variety of reasons including hygiene, safety regulations, difficulty in resale, or disposal costs. New household lightbulbs in their original sealed boxes and new Venetian blinds are generally acceptable.
Getting a Tax Receipt and Valuing Your Goodwill Donation
Donating to Goodwill is not only good for the community, but it can also benefit you at tax time. All donations to Goodwill NNE are tax-deductible. If you need a receipt for your donation, you can request one online.
The IRS allows you to deduct the fair market value of your gently-used items. If you’re unsure about the value of your donation, Goodwill provides a helpful donation value guide online to assist you.
Support Goodwill Further
Beyond item donations, you can also support Goodwill’s mission with a financial gift. Donating financially helps Goodwill continue its vital community programs.
Donating to Goodwill is a simple and impactful way to support your community and give your gently used items a new life. Whether you are donating clothing, household goods, or even goodwill bikes, your contribution makes a difference.
