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10 Items You Should Donate Instead of Tossing in the Trash
Experts share the top items to donate rather than throw away when decluttering your home.
Published on Feb. 7, 2026
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Thrifting has become a popular trend, and donating unwanted items can give them a fresh start. However, not everything is suitable for thrift stores. Experts Lisa Rusyniak of Goodwill Industries and Stacy Savage of Zero Waste Strategies share the top 10 items you should donate instead of throwing away, including clothing, furniture, kitchenware, small appliances, home decor, craft supplies, sporting goods, media, office items, and jewelry.
Why it matters
Donating unwanted items instead of throwing them away helps reduce textile waste, which is one of the fastest-growing contributors to landfills in the United States. It also allows these items to be reused and repurposed, keeping them out of the waste stream longer and supporting more sustainable practices.
The details
Clothing, shoes, furniture, kitchenware, small appliances, home decor, craft supplies, sporting goods, media, and office items are all excellent candidates for donation rather than disposal. These items are often in demand at thrift stores and can be repurposed or resold, extending their useful life and reducing waste. Even items that seem worn or out of style can still have value and be appreciated by someone else.
- The article was published on February 7, 2026.
The players
Lisa Rusyniak
The President & CEO at Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake.
Stacy Savage
The Founder & CEO at Zero Waste Strategies LLC in Austin, Texas.
What they’re saying
“Many people assume that if an item is out of style, no longer fits perfectly, or shows light wear, it isn't useful. In reality, donated clothing supports resale, reuse, and textile recycling efforts. Even items that don't make it to the sales floor can often be repurposed responsibly.”
— Lisa Rusyniak, President & CEO at Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake
“Pots, pans, dishes, glassware, utensils are surprisingly easy for thrift stores to resell as long as they work and aren't missing half their parts. These items take a lot of energy and resources to manufacture, which makes throwing them away especially harmful from a waste perspective, especially electronics and appliances that contain lead and mercury components.”
— Stacy Savage, Founder & CEO at Zero Waste Strategies LLC
The takeaway
Donating unwanted items instead of throwing them away can have a significant impact on reducing waste and supporting more sustainable practices. By giving these items a second chance, they can be repurposed, resold, or recycled, keeping them out of landfills and contributing to a more circular economy.
