Donating in Ontario

Where to donate used goods in Kitchener–Waterloo

13 organizations in and around Kitchener–Waterloo 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.

The most useful local fact is MCC Picks Up (mccpicksup.com, 226-220-0088), a home pickup service run by Mennonite Central Committee that books online and covers, in their words, "the Region of Waterloo and some outlier communities." Two hard limits: it will NOT take furniture, and nothing may exceed 50 lb per container. Their FAQ does not state a price, so ask when you book. For furniture that genuinely needs collecting, the free option is St Vincent de Paul in Cambridge (one week's notice, main-floor access only, pickups Monday to Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.); Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington advertises free pickup outright; Habitat Waterloo Region takes pickup requests but warns that not all will qualify; and Mission Thrift Store Kitchener charges a flat $30 and collects from your curb. One trap catches people here: the Salvation Army thrift chain in Canada accepts neither furniture nor mattresses and states plainly that it offers no pickup at all, despite being most people's first guess. Mattresses are refused nearly everywhere - Worth A Second Look, run by The Working Centre at 37 Market Lane in downtown Kitchener, is the notable exception that lists mattresses and beds among what it accepts.

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 10 will come to you in Kitchener–Waterloo. Everyone else on this page is drop-off.

  • Computer Recycling (The Working Centre) — "For large amounts of usable items we may be able to come pick it up. However, most items we ask you to drop off at our Computer Recycling location." Contact cr@theworkingcentre.org first.
  • Diabetes Canada (Declutter for Diabetes) — 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.
  • Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington ReStore — The page is headed "Free Donation Pickup" and recommends the service for large or multi-item donations. Donations must be easily accessible and outside the home - "utilizing porches, driveways, lobbies and garages whenever possible." They request an optional monetary donation on completion to help cover costs.
  • Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region ReStore — Request a pickup (garage or driveway) through their online donation form, recommended for larger or multi-item donations. Their page states: "We receive a high number of requests for donation pick-ups and therefore not all will qualify for the service." No fee is stated anywhere on their donations or salvage pages - a testimonial on the salvage page describes a removal as free of charge. Confirm cost when you book.
  • MCC Picks Up — Home pickup of household goods, booked online. Their FAQ states they are "currently operating MCC Picks Up within the Region of Waterloo and some outlier communities" and invites suggestions for expansion by email. The FAQ does NOT state whether the pickup is free - confirm when booking. Nothing may exceed 50 lb per container, and furniture is excluded.
  • MCC Thrift on Kent — Household items only, via MCC Picks Up (mccpicksup.com or 226-220-0088), which "offers household item pickup throughout the Waterloo region." The page states: "Please note that we no longer pick up furniture." The page also carries a furniture pick-up section, but the contact details in it are the New Hamburg shop's ((519) 662-2867, nhthrift@mcco.ca) - it appears to be shared template content, so phone the Kent store first to ask whether furniture collection applies to this location.
  • Mission Thrift Store Kitchener — Furniture pickup costs $30.00 (taxes included) - their wording is "furniture donation pickup for just $30.00 (taxes included)." Book by calling (519) 579-4116 ext. 2 or emailing kitchener_furniture@missionthriftstore.com. Pickup window is Monday to Saturday 12:00pm-2:00pm, closed Sunday.
  • St Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, Cambridge — "Yes! We are happy to pick up donations of large items such as furniture-and for FREE! We require at least 1 week notice." Book via their furniture pickup request form, by email, in store, or by phoning 519-629-0103. Pickups are made Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. "All items must be easily accessible from a main floor entrance. We do not carry anything that requires going up or down flights of stairs inside a house. A few steps are ok."
  • The Food Bank of Waterloo Region — Not a general household pickup service. For frozen food donations they ask you to "Call 519.743.5576 or email info@thefoodbank.ca to discuss pickup options and make arrangements."
  • Worth A Second Look Furniture and Housewares (The Working Centre) — "If you have a large number of items and are not able to bring them to the store, please send us a photo and description of the items and we may be able to come pick them up." No fee is stated. Email wasl@theworkingcentre.org or phone the store.

Furniture banks in Kitchener–Waterloo

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

Worth A Second Look Furniture and Housewares (The Working Centre)

Will collect, conditions apply
TakesFurniture and small appliances, Housewares, Jewelry, Electronics, Linens, Mattresses and beds, Books, Toys, Tools
Collection"If you have a large number of items and are not able to bring them to the store, please send us a photo and description of the items and we may be able to come pick them up." No fee is stated. Email wasl@theworkingcentre.org or phone the store.
Where37 Market Lane, Kitchener
Visit their site →519-569-7566

Thrift stores in Kitchener–Waterloo

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

MCC Thrift on Kent

Will collect, conditions apply
TakesQuality clothing, Quality household items
Won't takeRenovation materials, Helmets, Hangers and binders, Blinds, Hazardous materials, Baby items
CollectionHousehold items only, via MCC Picks Up (mccpicksup.com or 226-220-0088), which "offers household item pickup throughout the Waterloo region." The page states: "Please note that we no longer pick up furniture." The page also carries a furniture pick-up section, but the contact details in it are the New Hamburg shop's ((519) 662-2867, nhthrift@mcco.ca) - it appears to be shared template content, so phone the Kent store first to ask whether furniture collection applies to this location.
Where50 Kent Avenue, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 3R1
Visit their site →519-886-6226

Mission Thrift Store Kitchener

TakesCouches, Chairs and recliners, Dining tables and chairs, Dressers and nightstands, Wardrobes, Bookshelves and storage units, Coffee tables and end tables
Won't takeBedframes, headboards, footboards and box springs, Furniture that is heavily stained, torn, broken or unsafe
CollectionFurniture pickup costs $30.00 (taxes included) - their wording is "furniture donation pickup for just $30.00 (taxes included)." Book by calling (519) 579-4116 ext. 2 or emailing kitchener_furniture@missionthriftstore.com. Pickup window is Monday to Saturday 12:00pm-2:00pm, closed Sunday.
WhereOne Kitchener store, part of the national Mission Thrift Store chain. No street address is published on their furniture pickup page - check the store's own site for the address and drop-off door before you go.
Visit their site →(519) 579-4116

Goodwill, Ontario Great Lakes

Not stated - ask them
TakesClothing, outerwear, shoes and accessories, Books and media, Computers, laptops and printers, Housewares and linens, Small furniture under 50 lbs, Games and toys, Phones and small electronics
Won't takeMattresses and box springs, Large furniture and any item over 50 lbs, Hazardous, recalled or banned items, or items that do not meet current safety standards, Food, Paint and chemicals, Pianos, Swimming pools, Weapons
CollectionNo home pickup service is mentioned anywhere on their donation page. Treat this as drop-off only unless you confirm otherwise with a local donation centre.
WhereTheir locator page states that "Goodwill, Ontario Great Lakes operates over 45 Donation Centres across Southern Ontario." Use the locator at goodwillindustries.ca/donation-centre-locator/ to find the nearest one - the locator is loaded by script and publishes no fetchable address list, so no specific Kitchener-Waterloo address could be confirmed from their own site.
Visit their site →

The Salvation Army Thrift Store

Drop off only
TakesAccessories, Antiques and collectibles, Books and media, Clothing and linens, Computers and electronics, Footwear, Housewares and small appliances, Toys, Valuables
Won't takeFurniture, Beds, mattresses and box springs, Large appliances, Construction materials, Automobile parts and tires, Infant equipment, Paint and hazardous materials, Pianos
Collection"We are unable to offer donation pick-up services." Everything must be dropped off in person at a Donor Welcome Centre.
WhereTheir page states they operate over 120 locations across Canada with Donor Welcome Centres for drop-offs. Use the store finder on thriftstore.ca to confirm the nearest location and its donation hours - no Kitchener-Waterloo address is published on the national donations page. Charitable tax receipts are issued for valuables with a fair market value over $500.
Visit their site →Tax receipt on some donations

Clothing and textiles in Kitchener–Waterloo

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

Diabetes Canada (Declutter for Diabetes)

Will collect, conditions apply
TakesGently used clothing, Household items
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.
WhereA national bin-and-pickup programme rather than a store. Use the bin finder on declutterfordiabetes.ca for local drop-off points; no bin count is published on either page. The 1-800-505-5525 number is on the declutterfordiabetes.ca pickup page; diabetes.ca lists 1.800.226.8464 as its general information and support line.
Visit their site →1-800-505-5525

Building materials and renovation in Kitchener–Waterloo

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

Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington ReStore

Will collect, free
TakesClean, functional furniture, Working appliances, Kitchen and bathroom cabinets, Plumbing fixtures, Hardwood and laminate flooring (minimum 3 boxes of the same type), Tools, Doors, Windows not exceeding 10 years old or 4 feet wide, Lighting, New, unused shingles in package, Drywall and insulation, Wall art, framed mirrors and home decor, Electronic recycling
Won't takeMattresses and box springs, Pianos, Adjustable and hospital beds, Bathtubs, including corner and Jacuzzi-style tubs, Glass shower doors and shower stalls of any type, Cribs, Housewares - dishes, utensils, pots, Unframed mirrors, glass and mirrored closet doors, Flat hollow-core slab doors, Toilets with a capacity of more than 6L, Exercise equipment, Used clothing, Used blinds and blinds with cords, Non-working appliances containing Freon, Automotive parts, Pool tables, Most entertainment units, Paint (accepted from corporate partners only)
CollectionThe page is headed "Free Donation Pickup" and recommends the service for large or multi-item donations. Donations must be easily accessible and outside the home - "utilizing porches, driveways, lobbies and garages whenever possible." They request an optional monetary donation on completion to help cover costs.
WhereTwo ReStores, in Guelph and in Fergus. The address printed on the donation page is the organisation's office at Suite 100B - 104 Dawson Road, Guelph ON N1H 1A6, not a ReStore receiving door. No store hours are given on this page - check habitatgw.ca for each ReStore's address and hours before going.
Visit their site →519-767-9752

Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region ReStore

Will collect, conditions apply
TakesFurniture: upholstered sofas and chairs, cabinets, dining sets, office desks under 48", bedroom furniture, home accents, Kitchen cabinets and countertops, Electrical appliances in working condition and not older than 7 years, Building materials: lumber (minimum 8'), drywall, insulation, Flooring: new, minimum 100 sq ft, Hardware, lighting, plumbing fixtures, windows and doors, tools, Seasonal outdoor items (April to September)
Won't takeGas appliances, Small household appliances such as coffee makers, toasters and blenders, Mattresses, Hutches and buffets, Slab doors, Brass door hardware
CollectionRequest a pickup (garage or driveway) through their online donation form, recommended for larger or multi-item donations. Their page states: "We receive a high number of requests for donation pick-ups and therefore not all will qualify for the service." No fee is stated anywhere on their donations or salvage pages - a testimonial on the salvage page describes a removal as free of charge. Confirm cost when you book.
WhereTwo ReStores, both listed on habitatwr.ca/site/restore-locations-habitat-for-humanity-waterloo: Waterloo at 120 Northfield Drive East, Waterloo ON N2J 4G8 (519-747-0664 Ext. 221) and Cambridge at 200 Preston Parkway, Cambridge ON N3H 5N1 (519-653-5666). Both Monday-Friday 9:00am-6:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm, closed Sunday.
Visit their site →519-747-0664

Electronics in Kitchener–Waterloo

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

Computer Recycling (The Working Centre)

Will collect, conditions apply
TakesComputers, Printers, Monitors, Phones, Other electronics, Fourth generation Intel i-series or newer equipment is the most useful to them
Collection"For large amounts of usable items we may be able to come pick it up. However, most items we ask you to drop off at our Computer Recycling location." Contact cr@theworkingcentre.org first.
WhereOne drop-off point, described on their own site as around the corner on Charles St from 66 Queen St. South, Kitchener. Donation hours Tuesday 10:00AM-12:00PM and Wednesday 1:00PM-4:00PM.
Visit their site →519-743-1151 ext. 225

Books and media in Kitchener–Waterloo

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

CFUW Kitchener-Waterloo Annual Used Book Sale

Drop off only
TakesHard and soft cover books for adults, youth and children, Coffee table books, cookbooks and crafting books, Anime, manga and comic books, Pre-recorded CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays, Audiobooks on CD or DVD, Sheet music and vinyl records, Jigsaw puzzles with no missing pieces, Large print editions
Won't takeDamaged materials, Library discards, Textbooks, Magazines and periodicals, Cassettes, VHS and Beta tapes, Encyclopedias, dictionaries and reference materials, Maps and atlases, Reader's Digest condensed novels, Outdated travel, business, computer and tax guides
CollectionDrop-off only, during the advertised donation window before the sale. No home collection is offered.
WhereA once-a-year volunteer-run sale, NOT a permanent drop-off point. Held at First United Church, 16 William St. W at King St. S in Uptown Waterloo. Their site currently advertises the sale for Friday April 16, 2027 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday April 17, 2027 9 a.m.-1 p.m., with donation drop-off on Wednesday April 14, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Thursday April 15, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Confirm on their site before loading the car. Contact office@cfuwkw.org.
Visit their site →

Food banks in Kitchener–Waterloo

Food first, but several also run household-goods programmes.

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region

Will collect, conditions apply
TakesCanned fruits and vegetables, Canned meats and fish, Dry beans, pasta and rice, Cereal, Individually packaged snacks, Jam, pasta sauce and peanut butter, Items past their best-before date are accepted - a best-before date is not an expiry date
Won't takeFood that has passed its expiry date, Opened or unsealed products, Homemade food
CollectionNot a general household pickup service. For frozen food donations they ask you to "Call 519.743.5576 or email info@thefoodbank.ca to discuss pickup options and make arrangements."
Where50 Alpine Court, Kitchener
Visit their site →519.743.5576

Specialist in Kitchener–Waterloo

Organizations that take one category properly rather than everything badly.

MCC Picks Up

Will collect, conditions apply
TakesQuality used household items and clothing, suitable for resale at MCC Thrift Shops
Won't takeFurniture - the service no longer picks up furniture, Anything over 50 pounds per container, Mattresses and box springs, Items on Health Canada's restricted list, including car seats, helmets and recalled items, Items with excessive pet hair or that smell of smoke, Damaged items needing repair, or items that are ripped or stained
CollectionHome pickup of household goods, booked online. Their FAQ states they are "currently operating MCC Picks Up within the Region of Waterloo and some outlier communities" and invites suggestions for expansion by email. The FAQ does NOT state whether the pickup is free - confirm when booking. Nothing may exceed 50 lb per container, and furniture is excluded.
WhereA pickup service, not a storefront - donations go to MCC Thrift Shops in the region. Email mccpicksup@mcco.ca. The 226-220-0088 number is published on the MCC Thrift on Kent donation page (mccthriftontario.com/kent/donate/), not on the mccpicksup.com FAQ itself.
Visit their site →226-220-0088

St Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, Cambridge

Will collect, free
TakesFurniture: dressers, kitchen tables with chairs, couches, recliners, coffee, end and night tables, Other large items in clean, good condition
Won't takeUsed mattresses, box springs, futons and sofa beds, Large heavy items such as pianos
Collection"Yes! We are happy to pick up donations of large items such as furniture-and for FREE! We require at least 1 week notice." Book via their furniture pickup request form, by email, in store, or by phoning 519-629-0103. Pickups are made Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. "All items must be easily accessible from a main floor entrance. We do not carry anything that requires going up or down flights of stairs inside a house. A few steps are ok."
Where6B - 75 Dundas St. N., Cambridge ON N1R 6G5
Visit their site →519-629-0103

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 Kitchener–Waterloo

Common questions

Will any of them pick it up from my house in Kitchener–Waterloo?
10 of the 13 organizations on this page collect from your home: Computer Recycling (The Working Centre), Diabetes Canada (Declutter for Diabetes), Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington ReStore, Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region ReStore, MCC Picks Up, MCC Thrift on Kent, Mission Thrift Store Kitchener, St Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, Cambridge, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, Worth A Second Look Furniture and Housewares (The Working Centre). 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