Last reviewed October 2026
Match the item to the right kind of place
Different organizations take different things. Rather than treating every drop-off the same, think in categories:
| What you have | Where to look |
|---|---|
| Clothes, kitchenware, books, small household goods | Thrift stores and charity resale shops |
| Furniture in good shape | Charities with furniture programs, some of which offer pickup |
| Building materials, cabinets, fixtures, leftover tile | Building-material resale stores run by housing nonprofits, where they exist near you |
| Coats, blankets, toiletries, and household basics | Local shelters and community aid groups |
| Tools and sports gear | Thrift stores, youth programs, and community groups |
| Working electronics | Some charities, and many recycling programs |
Programs change what they take from season to season, so treat this as a starting point and confirm each one directly.
Check before you load the car
- Look at the website or call. Ask what they accept, what they refuse, their drop-off hours, and whether a donation limit applies.
- Ask about pickup. Some organizations pick up larger items, usually with a wait and a few requirements.
- Ask for a receipt. Get it at the time of drop-off. For questions about taxes, talk to a tax professional, since we cannot advise on that.
What donation centers often turn away
These items are commonly refused. Check with the specific place before assuming either way:
- Mattresses and box springs
- Cribs, car seats, and other items with safety recalls or expiration dates
- Large appliances that are not in working order
- Stained, torn, or damp clothing and bedding
- Broken furniture and anything with missing pieces
- Older tube TVs and some electronics
- Opened chemicals, paint, and fuel
Anything that cannot be donated lands in the Sweep pile, or in a household hazardous waste program if it is a chemical.
Houston-area options worth knowing
Rules and hours change, so confirm with each one before you go.
- Houston Habitat ReStore (6161 S. Loop East) takes building materials and household items such as cabinets, doors, lighting, working tools, and clean, undamaged furniture. Working appliances are accepted if they are under 10 years old, not gas, and donated in groups of three or more. It does not take leftover paint, gas appliances, or items from flooded structures. Residential pickups are screened, and items need to be outside the home or in a garage.
- City of Houston heavy trash collection picks up furniture, mattresses and box springs, bikes, and many appliances at the curb for eligible City addresses. It runs every other month, so check your collection day on the City's lookup tool or in the HTX Collects app. It does not take electronics, paint, or chemicals. Refrigerators and freezers need a technician's tag showing the refrigerant was removed.
- City of Houston Environmental Service Centers (ESC South at 11500 S. Post Oak Rd. and ESC North at 5614 Neches St.) take electronics, household chemicals, paint, and some other items that should not go in curbside trash. ESC North is open on limited days, so check the schedule first. Bring a Texas ID and proof of address as asked.
- Harris County's household hazardous waste facility (6900 Hahl Road) is for Harris County residents who live outside the City of Houston. It is by appointment only.
If you live outside the City of Houston, your own city, MUD, or county may have different bulk pickup and drop-off rules, so check with them.
Prepare the load
- Wash and wipe. Clean items get accepted more readily and sell better for the charity.
- Keep sets together. Put cords with tools, pieces with games, and lids with containers.
- Box small items. Use sturdy boxes or bins and label them on the side so a volunteer can sort them quickly.
- Take photos of big items. Some places ask for a photo before they will schedule a pickup.
- Load in order. Put the last stop's items in first, so you can unload each stop without shuffling.
Handling hazardous items
Don't drop these at a thrift store
Paint, solvents, pesticides, propane, batteries, and similar items need special handling. In the City of Houston, the Environmental Service Centers take many of them. Harris County residents outside the city can use the county's facility by appointment. Check each program's current hours and accepted items before you go.
If you would rather not make the trip
Our Share service handles the delivery. We load up, deliver to the charity you choose, and bring you the receipt. Your first filled minivan load is included on 4- and 6-hour garage jobs, and each extra load is $50. A trip on a 2-hour block or a packing job is $50. Heavy furniture and appliances are outside what we can handle, so mention them in your quote request. See pricing or send us a few photos to get started.