7 Items the Salvation Army Won't Accept

A collection of framed mirrors of various shapes and sizes displayed on a wall — Credit:
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Spring is one of the busiest times of year for Salvation Army donation centers. Many households take this time to organize their homes and drop off unwanted items at local donation sites. While the organization appreciates all donations, it cannot accept everything.

We spoke with the team at the Salvation Army to find out which household items you should dispose of separately rather than donate. Some may surprise you, but they often fail to meet safety, regulatory, or environmental standards and require proper disposal. Ahead, we share seven items that the Salvation Army says it doesn't accept.

What to Know Before You Donate

Before you head to a donation center, review your items to ensure they're fully functional, clean, and odor-free. "Electronics and appliances should turn on and work properly with no missing parts, pieces, or separated sets," says Salvation Army. "For household goods, items should be wiped down and cleaned. Fragile items need to be protected or packaged."

Following these guidelines helps the donation attendants process items more efficiently, get them onto the sales floor faster, and avoid spending time disposing of unusable donations.

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Magazines

Magazines can pile up quickly, and you might consider donating them during a decluttering session. However, the Salvation Army doesn't accept magazine donations unless they're vintage or collectible editions. If you no longer want to keep your collection, recycle it instead.

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Baby Cribs and Car Seats

Donating baby cribs and car seats may seem thoughtful, but the Salvation Army doesn't accept them due to safety and regulatory concerns. Because safety standards and recalls change frequently, the organization cannot resell these items, the team says.

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Mattresses

Replacing your mattress is a big purchase, so donating your old one may seem like a way to pay it forward. Before you bring it to a donation center, check whether your state has specific disposal requirements or if your local Salvation Army accepts it. Acceptance policies vary by state and by donation center.

04 of 07

Paint and Solvents

Opened and unused home improvement items, such as paint and other liquid solvents, must be disposed of properly rather than donated, says the Salvation Army.

Medical Supplies

During the pandemic, many homeowners stocked up on medical supplies such as hand sanitizer and masks. The Salvation Army doesn't accept these items due to capacity limits at its thrift stores, they told us. If you no longer need them, consider safe disposal or look into a local organization that accepts medical supplies.

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Automotive Items

Automotive items such as batteries, car parts, and spare tires require proper disposal and shouldn't be brought to donation centers. These items often contain hazardous materials or require special handling that donation attendants are not equipped to manage.

For example, car batteries contain corrosive acid and lead, which pose health and environmental risks if not handled properly.

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Broken Mirrors

Broken mirrors and other glass items pose a safety risk and shouldn't be brought to donation centers or handled by donation attendants. In addition, items with broken glass are not suitable for resale on the sales floor. Instead, recycle or properly dispose of broken glass.

When donating, make sure your items are in good condition so they can be used by someone else.