After having volunteered at the CAFB Thrift Store for the past two semesters, I and the other volunteers have, while going through donations, found some repeat items that we do not want and cannot sell. So if you’re moving out or just going through your things and are considering donating to a thrift store, here are some things you should just move to the trash bin instead.
1. Undergarments
No, we don’t want your bras and panties. Even if they’re name-brand, and cost you $120 when you originally bought them. And no, we don’t want your boxers, your briefs, and we absolutely DO NOT want your stained jock strap.
Thank you very much, but we don’t even want to see that, much less sort through it. And as far as I know, our customers don’t want them either.
2. Adult Toys
Speaking of things involving butts, do not send us your adult toys. Even if they’re “washed” or “unopened in the original packaging”. Just put it in a biohazard container and throw it away.
Please, for the love of God, do not send it to a thrift store.
3. Socks
There are some exceptions to this. If they’re unopened and unused, some places will take them,
However, generally speaking, no thrift shop will take in socks.
4. Broken Things
If your television monitor is broken or your table is missing a leg, thrift stores can’t use it.
Thrift stores can’t sell broken things because who would buy it?
5. Trash
Another thing that is unsellable is trash
I get why you keep the extra ketchup packets that Burger King gives you, but I don’t get why you think it’d be sellable at a thrift store.
6. Chemicals
Makeup, aerosols, industrial paint, and just about anything with chemicals (including cleaning supplies) won’t be accepted at many thrift stores because of safety issues, and possibly odors leaking from the chemicals.
If you can’t keep track of all this, there’s a fairly good rule of thumb on donating which is, if you wouldn’t buy it, then don’t donate it.
So next time, please do not take these to a thrift store and to those who have the common sense to know not to take these things to a thrift store thank you and keep it up!
