What charities actually accept in San Diego
Father Joe's, Habitat ReStore, Goodwill, and St. Vincent all have different rules. Here's the short list.
What you'll learn
- Which charities take furniture, appliances, electronics, and clothing
- Why "clean and functional" is the universal rule
- What they won't take (mattresses, broken items, most electronics)
- How to get a tax-deduction receipt for donated items
Step by step
- Furniture: structurally intact, no rips or stains. Father Joe's, Habitat ReStore, St. Vincent.
- Working appliances: most charities take small appliances; Habitat ReStore takes big ones.
- Clothing and housewares: Goodwill and Salvation Army are the volume takers.
- Electronics: most charities do NOT take TVs or printers. E-waste stream instead.
- Always ask for a receipt at drop-off. Item count + approximate value goes on your taxes.
Safety note
We sort and deliver to the right charity before the landfill. If a piece qualifies, we'll get you the donation receipt when we drop off.
Rather have a pro handle it?
Same-day electrical service across San Diego County. A real electrician picks up.
More guides
Keep learning.
Planning · 6 min watch
How to declutter a room before a junk pickup
Sorting in place — keep / donate / recycle / haul — saves money on the pickup and gets more to charity.
Regulation · 4 min watch
City of San Diego bulky-item curbside pickup
The City offers free bulky-item pickup — but only on a schedule, with specific rules.
Regulation · 5 min watch
Where to drop off household hazardous waste
Paint, pesticides, batteries, motor oil, and propane tanks. The County takes them free.