Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about donating to Goodwill? Here are some answers to the most popular queries:

Why won’t Goodwill take my mattress? Refrigerator?
There are several reasons why we do not accept these items. Items such as mattresses cannot be cleaned properly. Some items are too large for our donation station attendants to handle, while other items may be hazardous or recalled by the Consumer Products Safety Commission. If you have a question about what Goodwill can and cannot accept, view our list here.

Will Goodwill accept my television and computer equipment?
Yes! Under the new E-Cycle Washington program, Seattle Goodwill will collect televisions, computer monitors, desktop computers and laptops free of charge. Televisions and monitors donated in good working order will be sold in our stores. All other items will be recycled.
Click here for a complete description of our donation policy regarding these items.

Will you pick up my donation?
Goodwill is not able to do home pickups. Check our list of conveniently located donation centers to find a location near you.

What do you do with the donations you don’t sell?
Goodwill makes every effort to sell the donated merchandise we receive, through affordable pricing and weekly sales in our stores. Merchandise that doesn’t sell in our retail stores is then sent to the Goodwill Outlet stores, which offers merchandise at low or per-pound prices. We recycle what we can’t sell and also partner with other community organizations in need by sharing unsold goods with them.

How much revenue from my donation goes to your programs?
More than 94 percent of proceeds raised from our sales support our job training and education programs.

Tax benefit:
Federal law permits Goodwill® donors to claim tax deductions for many financial contributions and for donated clothing and household items in good, used condition or better.

If you’re unsure whether your item qualifies for a tax deduction, then consider this: if you would give it to a relative or friend, then the item is most likely in good condition and is appropriate to donate.

For more information about the value of your items, please refer to the Goodwill International Industries Valuation Guide.

OOPS! I ACCIDENTALLY DONATED THE WRONG THING!

Sometimes, items that donors intend to keep are accidentally given to Goodwill. By acting quickly, we may be able to help you retrieve the item. Call us at 1-877-GIVE4GOOD for more information.