Here Are 10 Unexpected Items That Won’t Be Accepted at New York Goodwill in 2025

Goodwill is a beloved nonprofit organization, known for accepting donations to support their mission of providing job training, employment services, and other community-based programs.

However, with the start of 2025, New York Goodwill will no longer accept some items you might be surprised by.

As donation policies evolve and the focus on sustainability and safety increases, some once-accepted items are now on the “no” list.

Let’s take a look at 10 unexpected items that will be excluded from New York Goodwill’s donation list in the coming year.

1. Mattresses

While it’s tempting to donate an old mattress, Goodwill in New York has decided to stop accepting them. These items pose significant health and safety risks due to the difficulty in sanitizing them, and their bulky nature can make them a challenge to transport.

2. Car Seats

Donating used car seats is no longer allowed, and it’s for good reason. Car seats have strict safety standards that change over time, and a used seat might no longer meet the necessary regulations. To ensure children’s safety, New York Goodwill will not take them in 2025.

3. Toxic or Hazardous Materials

Any donation that contains hazardous chemicals, such as cleaning supplies with harmful ingredients, will be refused. Goodwill cannot accept any items that could pose a risk to employees, other donors, or the environment.

4. Used Underwear and Swimsuits

Due to hygiene concerns, Goodwill will no longer accept used underwear or swimsuits. While these items might be in great condition, the risk of contamination or spreading germs makes them unsuitable for donation.

5. Broken or Incomplete Electronics

Old electronics are a popular donation item, but if they’re broken or missing key components, they’re not acceptable. Donating incomplete or nonfunctional electronics can be more harmful than helpful, as they require extra resources to dispose of properly.

6. Large Appliances

Large household appliances, like refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens, will no longer be accepted. These items are difficult to transport, repair, and resell, which is why they’re no longer part of Goodwill’s accepted donation list.

7. Furniture with Bed Bugs or Pests

Any piece of furniture infested with pests, including bed bugs, will be turned away. Goodwill takes great care to ensure donated items are safe for resale, and items with any sign of infestation could pose serious risks to other items and people.

8. Open Food Items

If you have non-perishable food to donate, Goodwill will no longer accept it. This change comes in part due to health and safety guidelines, as open food items could lead to contamination or spoilage.

9. VHS Tapes and Old Media Formats

Though vintage items are often in high demand, outdated media formats like VHS tapes, cassette tapes, and records will no longer be accepted. As technology continues to advance, Goodwill is focusing on accepting items that can easily be used by the current generation.

10. Unfinished Craft Supplies

While crafting supplies are popular donations, Goodwill will no longer accept unfinished or incomplete craft kits. These items typically have missing pieces or require extra time to sort and organize, which makes them difficult to process.

Why the Change?

Goodwill’s decision to stop accepting these items is based on several factors, including safety concerns, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability. By limiting donations to items that can be properly cleaned, repaired, and reused, Goodwill is ensuring that their efforts are focused on the most impactful contributions. The goal is to streamline their operations while also keeping donors, staff, and the community in mind.

What Can You Donate Instead?

While some items are no longer accepted, there are still many valuable donations that Goodwill will gladly take. Gently used clothing, books, small electronics, toys, and household goods in good condition are always in demand. Before you donate, be sure to check the updated guidelines to ensure your items meet the standards.

In conclusion, although New York Goodwill will no longer accept certain items in 2025, there are still plenty of ways you can contribute to the cause. Being mindful of the guidelines and donating responsibly helps keep the mission alive and ensures that donated items benefit those who need them most.