Can I Donate Electronics to Local Op Shops? (2026)

You can donate some electronics to op shops, with exceptions. While charity shops accept high-quality donations, they have rules about electrical items to ensure safety and avoid disposal fees for items they cannot sell.

Before you donate your gadgets, it is important to know what is accepted, what is not, and why. This guide breaks down the rules for donating electronics to your local op shop.

The golden rule: it must be working and safe

The condition of a donation is the main factor in whether it is accepted. For electronics, every item must be:

• In full working order: It powers on and functions correctly.
• Clean: It is not covered in dirt or grime. The principles are similar to our guide on how to clean used furniture.
• Safe to use: It has no frayed cords, exposed wires, or physical damage.

A good question to ask yourself is: “Would I give this to a friend?” If the answer is no, it is likely not suitable for donation.

What electronics can I usually donate?

While you should check with your local op shop first, these small electrical items are often accepted if they are in good working condition:

• Small kitchen appliances: Kettles, toasters, blenders, coffee machines, and microwaves.
• Home and personal care: Lamps, heaters, fans, and hair dryers.
• Entertainment: Game consoles, DVD players, and audio equipment like speakers and stereos.
• Phones and tablets: Perform a factory reset to erase all your personal data before donating.

What electronics are generally not accepted?

Op shops usually reject the following items:

• Large whitegoods: Fridges, freezers, washing machines, and dishwashers are usually not accepted unless you have made a special arrangement.
• Old televisions: Especially bulky CRT (cathode ray tube) TVs.
• Computers and printers: Many charities avoid these due to data security and e-waste disposal costs.
• Anything broken or damaged: If it does not work, it costs the charity money to dispose of.

Why are some electronics rejected?

Charities have practical reasons for these rules:

• Safety testing costs: In Australia, electrical items must be tested and tagged by a qualified person to be safe for sale. This is an expense for charities.
• E-waste disposal fees: If an electronic item does not work or sell, the charity has to pay for its disposal as electronic waste.
• Low demand: Older items, like VCRs or analog TVs, often have no resale value.

What to do with electronics you cannot donate

If your electronics are not suitable for donation, do not put them in the bin. Look for an e-waste recycling service. Most local councils offer free e-waste drop-off days or collection points. You can find locations through services like:

• Planet Ark’s Recycling Near You: A database of recycling options across Australia.
• TechCollect: A national e-waste recycling program for computers and accessories.

To answer the question, “can I donate electronics to local op shops?“, yes, if they are small, modern, and in working condition. Before you donate, a call to one of the top-rated op shop chains or your local store is the best way to ensure your donation can be used.