What not to donate (and where it can go instead).

Our golden rule is simple: if you’d hand it to a friend, it’s ready to donate. The tricky part is everything that doesn’t pass the test.

Organizations can only use what’s clean, complete and safe, and anything else becomes their problem to sort and dispose of. So here’s the no-list, why each item is on it, and where it can go instead.

The no-list at a glance

1. Stained, torn or worn-out clothes

If a piece is past wearing, a donation bag isn’t the place for it, but the trash isn’t either. Try these instead:

• Textile collection bins. StopWaste, Alameda County’s waste agency, notes that textile collection bins accept clothing in any condition. Its RE:Source directory can help you find one.
• Brand take-back programs. Madewell accepts denim from any brand, in any condition, for recycling (it needs to be at least 90% cotton). The North Face and Patagonia take back their own well-worn gear.
• Not the blue cart. In San Francisco, Recology doesn’t accept clothing or fabric in the recycling cart.

A bigger fix is on the way. Under SB 707, California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act, the apparel and textile industry will be responsible for making sure clothing gets collected, repaired, reused and recycled, with the program due to be fully in place by 2031.

2. Single shoes and shoes with broken soles

A lone sneaker can’t do much on its own, and neither can a boot with a split sole. Keep pairs together with the laces tied or a rubber band, and send the rest to textile recycling – StopWaste lists shoes among the items collection bins take even in poor condition.

3. Used underwear and socks

For hygiene reasons, used underwear and socks aren’t something we can take. Worn-out pairs can go to textile recycling. New, still-packaged socks and underwear are a different story: some shelters and community organizations ask for them, so check with one near you.

4. Car seats

Car seats are one of the most common well-meant donations that can’t be reused. They have expiration dates, and a seat that has been in a moderate or severe crash shouldn’t be used again – something nobody can check at the door. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against using a seat if you don’t know its history, and NHTSA’s used car seat checklist also asks about labels, missing parts and recalls.

Instead: Target runs a car seat trade-in twice a year. Bring any old car seat to a participating store and you’ll get a 20% Target Circle bonus on new baby gear. The fall 2026 event runs September 20 to October 3.

5. Older cribs

Crib safety rules changed in 2011. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, cribs sold or resold since June 28, 2011 must meet federal safety standards, drop-side cribs can’t meet them, and people who give away used products can’t donate ones that don’t comply. CPSC tells resellers to destroy older cribs unless there’s written proof they meet the standard. Cribs aren’t part of our pickups, but baby clothes, shoes, books and toys are always welcome.

6. Mattresses

Mattresses aren’t part of our pickups. In California, the Bye Bye Mattress program lets you drop off used mattresses at no additional cost at participating locations (many sites serve local residents only, so check before you go). Buying a new one? California law requires your retailer to offer to take back your old mattress at no additional cost, though delivery fees may still apply.

7. Bedding, towels and curtains

Household textiles like sheets, towels and curtains aren’t part of our pickups at the moment. Animal shelters often welcome old towels and blankets, so call yours first. Textile collection bins take linens too.

8. Broken, incomplete or recalled toys

A puzzle with three missing pieces is a disappointment nobody needs. Toys should be complete, working and wiped down, and stuffed animals freshly washed with no rips or loose parts. If you’re unsure about an older toy, search the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s list at cpsc.gov/Recalls. It’s illegal to sell recalled products, so they’re a no for donation too – follow the recall instructions instead. More in our guide to old toys.

9. Damaged books, encyclopedias and old textbooks

Water damage, mold, torn pages and heavy highlighting make a book hard to pass on. Many library Friends groups also skip encyclopedias and magazines, and we take textbooks only if they’re under 10 years old. For books that can’t be reused, check your local recycling rules. For the rest, here’s where to donate books in the Bay Area.

10. Electronics and batteries

In California, household batteries and electronic waste can’t go in the trash, and batteries can’t go in your curbside recycling either – it’s against the law. Take them to an e-waste or household hazardous waste drop-off; your local lookup tool (below) will show the nearest one.

11. Paint, cleaners and other chemicals

These belong at a household hazardous waste facility, never in the garbage or down the drain. San Francisco residents can use the free drop-off at 501 Tunnel Avenue, Alameda County has four free drop-off facilities (in Oakland, Hayward, Livermore and Fremont), and Santa Clara County offers free drop-offs by appointment.

12. Opened toiletries, makeup and food

Once opened, personal care products and food can’t be passed on safely, and they aren’t part of our pickups. Unopened, in-date food is best given directly to a local food bank.

And one “not yet”: furniture and appliances

Furniture and appliances are coming soon to our Bay Area pickups. Raise a request on our bulk donation page and we’ll let you know when they open.

Still not sure? Ask your local lookup tool

• San Francisco: Recology WhatBin
• East Bay and Palo Alto: StopWaste RE:Source
• San José: San José Recycles
• Santa Clara and San Mateo counties: RecycleStuff.org

So what can you donate?

Clothes, shoes, bags, toys, books and school supplies – clean, complete and working. See the full what we take list, or our round-up of 10 things hiding in your closet, then book a pickup when your bag is ready.

Frequently asked questions