Donating in Alberta

Where to donate used goods in Calgary

10 organizations in and around Calgary that take donated furniture, clothes, appliances, kitchenware and household goods. For each one: what they take, what they refuse, and whether they will come and collect it.

Calgary's distinctive option is the Calgary Drop-In Centre's Free Goods Program on 11a Street NE — donated furniture and household goods are not resold but given free to Calgarians setting up a home, and their accepted-items list explicitly includes beds. WINS is the other place that takes mattresses; its own page says it accepts "new and clean gently-used clothing, household goods, and furniture including mattresses", though only at its Dover, Glenbrook, Macleod, Manchester and Donation Centre sites. For a sofa, Habitat ReStore is the confirmed free-pickup option in Calgary; WINS will refer you to a paid collection firm instead. Goodwill and Salvation Army both refuse furniture outright, and Salvation Army offers no pickup of any kind. Note for the page author: do not describe Diabetes Canada's clothing pickup as "free" — their site never says so.

Verified 2026-09-24 from each organization's own website. Hours, fees, pickup areas and what is accepted change without notice — call or check their site before you load the car. We are not affiliated with any organization listed here and we receive nothing if you donate to them.

If you cannot move it yourself

These 5 will come to you in Calgary. Everyone else on this page is drop-off.

  • Diabetes Canada Declutter Program — Free home collection, but only when they have a scheduled run in your area — enter your postal code on their site to check. Items must be in sealed bags or boxes under 40 lb and left on the doorstep; loose items are not collected.
  • Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) — Drop-offs are "often free of charge", though their site notes fees apply to TVs, microwaves and floor-model copiers and printers. Pickup is charged: "Pickup charges are based on location, the number of items, and service requirements," sometimes waived "during our yearly promotions or for members and high-valued donations." Call first for a quote. Working gear is refurbished — "we will donate them to charities across Canada."
  • Goodwill Industries of Alberta — CORRECTED — Goodwill does offer pickup, contrary to a common claim that it does not. Their site states: "Goodwill has partnered with College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling to offer donation pickup." They also note the hauler "will also pick up donation items that Goodwill cannot accept." Their site does NOT state whether this is free or paid, and does not confirm Calgary coverage — check availability and cost on their Donation Pickup page at goodwill.ab.ca/donation-pickup/ before assuming anything.
  • Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Southern Alberta) — Free pickup confirmed on their donation guidelines page: "You can drop off donations at any Habitat ReStore in Southern Alberta or request a free pickup for larger items." Book via the donation form on their site or call (403) 291-6764 ext. 1. Donation questions also go to calgaryrestore@habitatsouthernab.ca.
  • WINS (Women In Need Society) — No in-house pickup. Their Collector Services page states: "WINS has partnered with select firms that offer professional collection services for a fee." Three firms are named there — The Junk Movement, BE&P Services and Moovez — which you book and pay directly.

Furniture banks in Calgary

They furnish homes for people leaving shelters, resettling, or starting over. They want good furniture and they are the most likely to collect it.

Calgary Drop-In Centre Free Goods Program

Drop off only
TakesFurniture: beds, dressers, kitchen tables and chairs, couches, armchairs, desks, shelving, Lightly used clothing, jackets, coats, footwear and steel-toed boots, Towels, sheets, pillows and linens, Kitchenware, cookware, microwaves and small appliances, Vacuums, Electronics, working or non-working: computers, tablets, monitors, keyboards, mice, cords, TVs, Hygiene supplies
Won't takeDamaged, soiled or broken furniture, Large appliances, Exercise equipment, Outdoor furniture, Building supplies, Stained bedding, towels and pillows, Suitcases and duffel bags, Metal filing cabinets, Car seats, Cribs, Garbage or broken items
CollectionTheir own donation page describes drop-off at the donation centre only; no donor pickup is advertised anywhere on the site. Call 403-264-0856 or email donationcentre@thedi.ca before arriving with a large load. Note they state "we are unable to provide a delivery service" — that refers to delivering goods to recipients, which is a separate matter from donor pickup.
Where3640 11a Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6M7
Visit their site →403-264-0856

Thrift stores in Calgary

The workhorses. Wide range, many locations, and the most predictable place to take a carload.

Goodwill Industries of Alberta

Will collect, conditions apply
TakesNew and gently used clothing, laundered and clean, Footwear, Housewares, Linens, sheets and towels, Sporting equipment, Artwork and collectibles, Jewellery, Toys and games, Books, Bags
Won't takeFurniture over 50 lbs — furniture must go to the Impact Centres or a partner non-profit, not regular stores or donation centres, Upholstered furniture, hide-a-beds, waterbeds, bed frames with springs, Mattresses, Large appliances, Pianos, Halogen lamps, lava lamps, fluorescent and ceiling lights, Console and non-flat-screen TVs, Bicycles, Ski and snowboard equipment with bindings, Guns, replica and play guns, ammunition, fireworks, Aerosols, cleaners, chemicals, paint, Barbeques, gas-powered mowers and snowblowers, Building supplies and car parts, Baby gates, cribs and cradles, strollers, playpens, swings, walkers, bath seats, Toilets and sinks, Wet or soiled furniture, Carpeting and linoleum, Medical supplies and personal care items
CollectionCORRECTED — Goodwill does offer pickup, contrary to a common claim that it does not. Their site states: "Goodwill has partnered with College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling to offer donation pickup." They also note the hauler "will also pick up donation items that Goodwill cannot accept." Their site does NOT state whether this is free or paid, and does not confirm Calgary coverage — check availability and cost on their Donation Pickup page at goodwill.ab.ca/donation-pickup/ before assuming anything.
WhereTheir own donation-centre finder at goodwill.ab.ca/donate/ lists 16 Calgary locations, each with its own phone number and hours — use the finder rather than a fixed list, as hours vary by site. Furniture under 50 lbs is only taken at the Calgary Impact Centre.
Visit their site →1-866-927-1414

WINS (Women In Need Society)

TakesNew and clean gently-used clothing for women, men, children and youth, Household goods, Furniture, including mattresses, Electronics, Books in good condition
Won't takeFirearms, including replicas, Hazardous materials and chemicals, Large appliances, Baby products, Helmets, Large musical instruments, Stained bedding, Large sports equipment
CollectionNo in-house pickup. Their Collector Services page states: "WINS has partnered with select firms that offer professional collection services for a fee." Three firms are named there — The Junk Movement, BE&P Services and Moovez — which you book and pay directly.
WhereSeveral WINS thrift stores across Calgary — see their locations page. Their donation information page states: "Please note that large items such as furniture and housewares are only accepted at Dover, Glenbrook, Macleod, Manchester and the Donation Centre."
Visit their site →(403) 255-5102Tax receipt on some donations

The Salvation Army Thrift Store

Drop off only
TakesClothing and linens, Footwear, Accessories, Housewares and small appliances, Books and media, Toys, Computers and electronics, Antiques, collectibles and valuables
Won't takeFurniture, Beds, mattresses and box springs, Large appliances, Infant equipment, Construction materials, Paint, flammable and hazardous materials, Automobile parts and tires, Pianos
CollectionTheir donations page states plainly: "Please note: We are unable to offer donation pick-up services." Worth knowing before you load a sofa — they do not take furniture at all.
WhereA national chain. Their store locator at thriftstore.ca/locations is an interactive JavaScript tool, so individual Calgary stores could not be read from the site text and NO Calgary count or address is asserted here. Send readers to the locator to find their nearest Calgary drop-off.
Visit their site →1-855-984-8378Tax receipt on some donations

Clothing and textiles in Calgary

Clothes, shoes, linens and soft goods, including items too worn to resell that get recycled as fibre.

Diabetes Canada Declutter Program

Will collect, conditions apply
TakesClothing, shoes and accessories, Bedding and textiles, Laptops, tablets and cell phones, Sporting goods, Books, Cookware and tableware, Small appliances
Won't takeAll furniture, Beds and bedding parts, Large appliances, Televisions and computer monitors, Hazardous materials
CollectionFree home collection, but only when they have a scheduled run in your area — enter your postal code on their site to check. Items must be in sealed bags or boxes under 40 lb and left on the doorstep; loose items are not collected.
WherePickup availability is checked by entering your address on their site. No Calgary-specific coverage or bin locations are stated on their own pages.
Visit their site →1-800-505-5525

Building materials and renovation in Calgary

Doors, cabinets, fixtures, lumber, tools and appliances pulled out of a renovation.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Southern Alberta)

Will collect, free
TakesFurniture, Appliances, small and large, newer than 10 years old, Building materials, Kitchen and bathroom cabinets, Doors and new windows, Unopened flooring, Sinks, faucets, bathtubs, showers, New lighting and electrical supplies, Hardware and tools, Home decor
Won't takeClothing or bedding, Electronics, Anything exposed to cigarette smoke or pet hair, Used windows, Window coverings, Dirty lumber, Residential paint and chemicals, Damaged items, Used flooring, Mattresses, sofa beds, futons, box springs, Used lighting, Used toilets, Infant furniture and car seats, Kitchen utensils
CollectionFree pickup confirmed on their donation guidelines page: "You can drop off donations at any Habitat ReStore in Southern Alberta or request a free pickup for larger items." Book via the donation form on their site or call (403) 291-6764 ext. 1. Donation questions also go to calgaryrestore@habitatsouthernab.ca.
WhereTwo ReStores in Calgary, both confirmed on their own contact page and both open 9 AM to 5 PM daily: Deerfoot Meadows, 7291 11 St SE, (403) 910-2561; and Sunridge Way, 3465 Sunridge Way NE, (403) 291-6764. A third store is in Medicine Hat.
Visit their site →(403) 291-6764

Electronics in Calgary

Working devices for reuse, and dead ones for responsible recycling.

Electronic Recycling Association (ERA)

Will collect, conditions apply
TakesComputers and laptops, Televisions, Printers, Smartphones, Other electronic devices — see their Electronics We Accept page for the full list
CollectionDrop-offs are "often free of charge", though their site notes fees apply to TVs, microwaves and floor-model copiers and printers. Pickup is charged: "Pickup charges are based on location, the number of items, and service requirements," sometimes waived "during our yearly promotions or for members and high-valued donations." Call first for a quote. Working gear is refurbished — "we will donate them to charities across Canada."
Where1315 73 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2H 2X1
Visit their site →403-262-4488

Books and media in Calgary

Books, records and games, which most general thrift stores take only in small quantities.

Little Red Reading House

Drop off only
TakesClean, lightly used children's books with minimal wear, Books with pages intact and free from writing or colouring, Books with secure covers and bindings
Won't takeBooks with torn or missing pages, Books with writing, highlighting or colouring, Water-damaged, mouldy or heavily stained books, Books with broken bindings or loose pages
CollectionDrop-off only. Their site asks: "Please give Dawn a quick heads-up before dropping off your books" — email dawnc@littleredreading.house first.
WhereShedpoint, 1212 34 Ave SE, Bay 120, Calgary
Visit their site →

Specialist in Calgary

Organizations that take one category properly rather than everything badly.

Bicycles for Humanity - Calgary Chapter

Drop off only
TakesUsed bicycles
CollectionDrop-off only; no pickup is mentioned on their site. Two drop-off points are listed: Spyhill Landfill, 2142 47 Ave SW — "Drop off in the alley, Accessed is off 20th St. SW", "Any day of the week between 9AM and 5PM"; and BikeBike, 430b 40 Avenue NE, "during business hours". They publish no bike-condition policy, so email calgary@bicycles-for-humanity.org first if you are unsure whether yours is usable.
WhereTwo drop-off points confirmed on their site. All-volunteer, no storefront.
Visit their site →

Made by Momma

Not stated - ask them
TakesBaby diapers, all sizes — open packs okay, Baby wipes, new and unopened, Formula and baby food, New and unopened hygiene products, Children's clothing, Books and toys in good condition, Non-perishable food hamper items
Won't takePreviously loved stuffed animals and plush toys, Dirty or expired car seats, or car seats expiring within 12 months, Heavily worn or soiled clothing, books or toys
CollectionNo pickup service is mentioned anywhere on their donations page. It describes drop-off only and directs you to their separate Drop Off Days & Times page for current hours — check that before going, as no hours are posted on the donations page itself.
Where66 21 Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4T9
Visit their site →

Before you load the car

  • Phone first if it is bulky. Capacity changes week to week, and a sofa that cannot be accepted is a wasted trip for you and a wasted hour for them.
  • Clean it. Most refusals are about condition, not category. Textiles must be dry and odour-free or they get thrown out at the back door.
  • Take the parts. Bed frames need their hardware, and a dresser without its drawers is scrap to almost everyone.
  • Do not leave it outside after hours. Anything left at a closed door usually gets rained on, and the charity pays to dispose of it.
  • Ask about the receipt before you hand it over, not after.

Not sure it should be donated at all?

Some of what people give away is worth real money, and some of it will cost a charity money to dispose of. Photograph it and we will tell you which — including when the honest answer is that it is worth nothing and a thrift store is exactly the right place for it. We earn nothing when you donate.

See what it's worth Where to sell it in Calgary

Common questions

Will any of them pick it up from my house in Calgary?
5 of the 10 organizations on this page collect from your home: Diabetes Canada Declutter Program, Electronic Recycling Association (ERA), Goodwill Industries of Alberta, Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Southern Alberta), WINS (Women In Need Society). Collection usually depends on what the item is, what condition it is in, and whether you are inside their catchment. Phone first.
Do I get a tax receipt for donated goods?
Registered charities can issue a receipt for the fair market value of a gift in kind, but many thrift operations do not issue receipts for ordinary household donations because valuing them individually is not practical. Ask before you drop off if the receipt matters to you, and do not assume.
What will nobody take?
Stained or torn upholstery, mattresses in most of the country, broken particleboard furniture, exercise equipment, cribs and car seats past their expiry, and anything that has been in a fire or a flood. Most organizations list their refusals on their own site, and the list above repeats them where they do.
Is my stuff worth money instead of donating it?
Sometimes, and it is worth thirty seconds to find out. A dead car, a garage of tools or mid-century teak can be worth real money. A sofa is usually worth nothing, no matter how good it looks. We will tell you which one you have got before you decide.

Other cities

Same guide, different metro.

Calgary10 placesEdmonton11 placesHalifax11 placesHamilton9 placesKitchener–Waterloo13 placesLondon9 placesMontréal10 placesOttawa14 placesQuébec City12 placesSaskatoon9 placesToronto13 placesVancouver13 placesVictoria8 placesWinnipeg13 places