How to Donate to an Op Shop (2026)

Donating to an op shop is straightforward: you take clean, usable items to the store or a donation bin, and the charity sorts and sells them to fund its work. Doing it the right way makes life easier for staff and means your items are more likely to be sold. This guide explains how to donate to an op shop in practice.

Before you donate, check what they accept. Our guides on what not to donate to op shops and what to donate to op shops spell out what helps and what does not.

Choose what to donate

Give items that are clean, in good condition, and suitable for resale. Clothing should be washed and free of stains, holes, or broken zips. Furniture and homewares should be intact and safe. Op shops generally do not accept items that are broken, heavily stained, recalled, or unsafe (e.g. certain electrical goods). For details, see what not to donate. For electronics, see can I donate electronics to op shops. For underwear and bras, see can you donate underwear to op shops.

Where to take your donation

You can usually donate in one of these ways:

• In store – Take items during opening hours. Some shops have a counter or area for donations; others ask you to leave bags near the entrance. If in doubt, ask a staff member or volunteer.
• Donation bins – Many op shops have bins in car parks or near the store. Use them only when the bin is clearly for that charity and not overflowing. For bin etiquette, see op shop donation bin etiquette.
• Home collection – Some charities offer free pickup for large items (e.g. furniture). Check the charity’s website or call to book. Not all branches offer this.

When to drop off

Drop off during the store’s opening hours so staff can receive the donation properly. Do not leave bags outside a closed shop; they can get damaged, stolen, or become a dumping ground. If the bin is full, do not pile items on the ground; take them to another bin or come back later.

Do you get a tax receipt?

Some op shops give a receipt for donations so you can claim a tax deduction. They often do not set a value—you may need to estimate it. Not all stores offer receipts; ask when you donate. For more on tax and op shops, see can you claim op shop donations on tax.

Summary

To donate to an op shop: give clean, resaleable items; take them in store or to an official donation bin during opening hours; and avoid leaving goods outside when the shop is closed. Check what they accept first and ask for a receipt if you want one for tax.