What to Donate to Op Shops: A Guide to What They Actually Want (2026)

Updated: February 23, 2026

Decluttering your home and want to give your items a second life? Donating to op shops is a way to support charities, help the environment, and free up space. But have you ever wondered what happens to your donations? The truth is, not everything can be sold.

Dumping unusable items at op shops costs charities millions of dollars each year in disposal fees. To ensure your donation helps, it’s important to know what to donate to op shops. This guide breaks down what charities are looking for and what you should leave out.

The golden rule: if you wouldn’t give it to a friend, don’t donate it

Before you bag anything up, ask yourself this simple question: “Would I give this to a friend?” If the item is broken, stained, missing parts, or in poor condition, it’s unlikely someone else will want to buy it. Charities need items that are of good quality and in a saleable condition.

What op shops accept

These are the items that are almost always in demand and make for good donations.

1. Quality clothing and accessories

In-season apparel: Clean, gently-used clothing for men, women, and children is the mainstay of most op shops. Items that are in good condition and current styles sell best.
Shoes: Pairs that are clean and have plenty of life left in them are great. Tie the laces or use a rubber band to keep them together.
Accessories: Handbags, belts, scarves, and jewellery are always popular finds for shoppers.

2. Homewares and bric-a-brac

Kitchenware: Complete sets of dishes, cutlery, pots, pans, and utensils are very welcome. Avoid donating cracked or chipped items.
Home decor: Vases, picture frames, ornaments, and other decorative pieces are great sellers.
Linen: Clean towels, tea towels, tablecloths, and bedding (without stains or tears) are needed.

3. Books, music, and movies

Books are a draw for many op shoppers. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or children’s books, they are sought after. DVDs, CDs, and vinyl records in good condition are also good donations.

4. Furniture

Most op shops that have the floor space, like larger Salvos or Vinnies stores, are grateful for quality furniture. Before you haul a sofa across town, it’s a good idea to call the op shop first. Some even offer a free collection service for large items. Make sure the furniture is clean and structurally sound, not broken or badly stained.

What you should NOT donate

These items often end up in the bin, costing charities money. Please dispose of these thoughtfully instead.

Broken or damaged goods: Anything that is chipped, torn, stained, or doesn’t work.
Old electronics: Most op shops cannot accept old computers, printers, or TVs due to testing, tagging, and safety regulations. See our guide on donating electronics for more info.
Dirty or unhygienic items: This includes used underwear, stained mattresses, and dirty clothes. It’s important to wash clothes before donating.
Safety equipment: Items like baby car seats, high chairs, and bike helmets cannot be resold as their safety cannot be guaranteed.
Weapons and hazardous materials: This includes knives, chemicals, paint, and gas bottles.

How to prepare your donations

Clean everything: Give clothes a wash and wipe down homewares.
Keep sets together: Tie shoes in pairs and keep cutlery or dish sets together.
Don’t overfill bags: Use sturdy bags or boxes that won’t break.
Donate during opening hours: Never leave donations outside a closed shop. They can be stolen, damaged by weather, and create a safety hazard.

By following this guide, you can be confident that your donation will make a real difference. You’ll be helping a cause, supporting sustainable practices, and to ensure your items find a new home.