Donating in British Columbia

Where to donate used goods in Vancouver

13 organizations in and around Vancouver 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.

Furniture is the real Vancouver problem, and it is worth saying so at the top of the page. Salvation Army, MCC Surrey and the Surrey Community Thrift Store all refuse furniture outright; BC SPCA takes "small furniture items" only and refuses mattresses. A sofa realistically means Habitat ReStore's free pickup, or paying a furniture bank to come and get it - HomeStart (minimum $100; Vancouver, Burnaby west of Royal Oak, and Richmond) or Shelter to Home (minimum $130; North and West Vancouver only, but they do take mattresses, which almost nobody else does). The only genuinely free at-home collections verified are Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver and Diabetes Canada, and both are limited to clothing, books and small household goods - neither will take a couch. Goodwill does not operate in BC; do not list it.

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 6 will come to you in Vancouver. Everyone else on this page is drop-off.

  • Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver — Their page states: "Free service available for clothing, books, and small household goods. Book a pickup online or call 604.526.2447." Note the pickup is limited to clothing, books and small household goods - not furniture. Bagging/labelling instructions and a pickup time were not confirmed on the page read.
  • Diabetes Canada - Declutter clothing donation programme — 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) — Pickup is offered but is NOT automatically free. Their page: pickup charges are "based on location, the number of items, service requirements, etc.", and may be waived during promotions or for members and high-value donations. Dropping standard computer equipment at the Richmond depot is typically free, but processing fees apply to TVs, microwaves and floor-model copiers and printers. Data destruction is quoted at $0.00-$5.00 per item depending on the equipment donated. Get a quote before loading a vehicle.
  • HomeStart Foundation — Pickup for a minimum $100 donation. Drivers accept cash, cheque or credit card, or you can donate online in advance. Service area as written on their page: "Vancouver, Burnaby (west of Royal Oak) and Richmond". Book by emailing coordinator@homestart.ca to arrange pickup days and times. Note: pickup days/hours and a same-day policy were NOT found on the page read - do not publish specific hours.
  • Shelter to Home — Their page states: "Once approved, we can pick up from your location for a minimum $130 donation (to cover moving costs)" and "we are able to pick up furniture only from North and West Vancouver locations." Email Info@sheltertohome.ca or phone 778-653-9669 with photos and dimensions to get approval first.
  • Union Gospel Mission (UGM) — Their page states: "Due to capacity, we are not able to fulfill every request for donation pick-ups." Requests go through the donation coordination form on that page. A pickup is not guaranteed and no terms, area or fee are published.

Furniture banks in Vancouver

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

HomeStart Foundation

TakesNight tables and dressers, Kitchen and dining tables, Chairs and sofas under 80 inches long, Armchairs, Coffee tables, Bookcases, TVs under 5 years old, and radios, Computer desks, Microwaves, Telephones and lamps, Rugs
Won't takeBeds - frames, mattresses, box springs, headboards, Sofa beds and futons, Recliner couches, Large exercise equipment, Oversized office furniture, Entertainment units, China cabinets, Large appliances - stoves, washers, dryers, fridges, Hard-wired lighting fixtures
CollectionPickup for a minimum $100 donation. Drivers accept cash, cheque or credit card, or you can donate online in advance. Service area as written on their page: "Vancouver, Burnaby (west of Royal Oak) and Richmond". Book by emailing coordinator@homestart.ca to arrange pickup days and times. Note: pickup days/hours and a same-day policy were NOT found on the page read - do not publish specific hours.
WhereNo public warehouse address; arrange by email at coordinator@homestart.ca. Charitable registration 872814504RR0001. No phone number appears on their donations page - do not publish one.
Visit their site →Tax receipt available

Shelter to Home

TakesCouches, sofas and love seats, 78 inch maximum, Mattresses, box springs and metal bed frames - twin, double and queen, Bed linen and sheet sets, blankets and comforters - twin, double, queen, Pillows, pillowslips and protective pillowslips, Towel sets, Dishes and cutlery, sets of 4 or 6 preferred
Won't takeTVs - "We are no longer accepting TVs", King-size bedding and king-size mattresses, Coffee tables
CollectionTheir page states: "Once approved, we can pick up from your location for a minimum $130 donation (to cover moving costs)" and "we are able to pick up furniture only from North and West Vancouver locations." Email Info@sheltertohome.ca or phone 778-653-9669 with photos and dimensions to get approval first.
WhereDrop-off is at a North Vancouver storage facility whose address is given once a donation is approved, not published.
Visit their site →778-653-9669

Thrift stores in Vancouver

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

BC SPCA Thrift Stores

Not stated - ask them
TakesClothing and accessories, Housewares and kitchen items, Books, media and toys, Small furniture items, Home decor, Seasonal items, Electronics in working condition
Won't takeBroken or unsafe items, Mattresses or heavily damaged furniture, Hazardous materials, Recalled products, Soiled or heavily worn items, Anything restricted by health or safety regulations
CollectionNo pickup service is mentioned anywhere on their thrift store page. Their own instruction: "Because donation needs, storage space and staffing can vary by location, please call ahead before bringing items to a Thrift Store location." They also ask that items not be left outside locations after hours.
WhereEleven BC SPCA thrift stores province-wide. The Metro Vancouver ones are Vancouver (East), Vancouver (West), North Vancouver, New Westminster, Richmond and Surrey. Each store has its own phone number - get it from the list at spca.bc.ca/thrift-stores and call that store, not a central line.
Visit their site →

MCC Thrift Shop Surrey

Drop off only
TakesSmall appliances - coffee makers, kettles, microwaves, crockpots, mixers, blenders, steamers, toasters, Housewares, Gently used clothing, Linens, Puzzles and games, Decorative items and home decor, Books, Electronics, Jewellery
Won't takeAny furniture, Baby items - car seats, booster seats, strollers, baby gates, Toys and stuffed animals, Damaged textiles, Helmets
CollectionNo pickup service is mentioned anywhere on their site, and they refuse furniture outright. Third-party directories claiming MCC Surrey collects furniture and large appliances across Surrey, White Rock, North Delta, Cloverdale and Langley are NOT supported by their own site - phone 604-583-0465 before relying on that.
Where10653 King George Hwy, Surrey, BC
Visit their site →604-583-0465

Savers / Value Village Community Donation Centre - South Vancouver

Not stated - ask them
TakesUsed clothing, Used household items
CollectionNo pickup service is stated. IMPORTANT for the page author: Savers/Value Village is a FOR-PROFIT retailer. It pays a nonprofit partner for the goods you drop off - at this location the partner is Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver. Donors do not get a charitable tax receipt here. Say so plainly, or readers will assume it is a charity shop.
Where6415 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC V5P 3X5
Not a charity. A for-profit retailer, not a charity. It pays a nonprofit partner for donated goods — the partner differs by store, so ask at the door if that matters to you.
Visit their site →604-327-4434

The Salvation Army Thrift Store (National Recycling Operations)

Drop off only
TakesClothing and linens, Footwear, Accessories, Housewares and small appliances, Books and media, Computers and electronics, Toys, Antiques and collectibles, Valuables
Won't takeFurniture, Beds, mattresses and box springs, Large appliances, Automobile parts and tires, Construction materials, Infant equipment - car seats, cribs, strollers, Paint and flammable/hazardous materials
CollectionTheir own page states plainly: "We are unable to offer donation pick-up services." Drop-off only.
WhereTheir page says "over 120 locations across Canada" - it does NOT give a Metro Vancouver count. Use the store finder at thriftstore.ca to find the nearest one.
Visit their site →1-855-984-8378Tax receipt on some donations

Clothing and textiles in Vancouver

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

Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver

Will collect, free
TakesClothing, all sizes, Accessories - shoes, belts, hats, purses, Books, Toys and games, Kitchenware, Small appliances, Electronics - phones, tablets, speakers, Sports equipment, Household linens and bedding
Won't takeNo refusal list is published on their donation page
CollectionTheir page states: "Free service available for clothing, books, and small household goods. Book a pickup online or call 604.526.2447." Note the pickup is limited to clothing, books and small household goods - not furniture. Bagging/labelling instructions and a pickup time were not confirmed on the page read.
WhereDonation bins and drop-off points across the Lower Mainland - use the donation bin map on their site rather than assuming a count. They are also the paid nonprofit partner at the Savers/Value Village Community Donation Centre at 6415 Victoria Dr, Vancouver.
Visit their site →604-526-2447

Diabetes Canada - Declutter clothing donation programme

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.
WhereDonation bins plus the home pickup service - use the "Find a donation bin" locator on diabetes.ca. No Metro Vancouver bin count is published.
Visit their site →1-800-505-5525

Building materials and renovation in Vancouver

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

Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver ReStore

Not stated - ask them
TakesAppliances, Cabinets, Flooring (unused), Furniture, indoor and outdoor, Insulation (unused), Lawn & garden, Lumber and trim, Framed mirrors, Roofing, Sheet goods (plywood, OSB), Hardware & tools, Home decor, Painting supplies, Heating and ventilation, Lighting & electrical (new), Plumbing, Windows & doors
Won't takeUsed mattresses and box springs, TVs and electronics, Drywall, Paint, Propane tanks, Exercise equipment and basketball hoops, Used clothing and toys, Linens and soft goods, Countertops (bathroom vanity tops are OK with base cabinets), Hazardous materials - all chemicals, grout, mortar, caulk, Household cleaners, Ladders, Cement roof tiles
CollectionTheir site mentions collection but gives no service area, minimum or booking line we could confirm. Ask when you call.
WhereFour ReStores, two of them in Metro Vancouver: Burnaby, 7977 Enterprise St, 604-420-1618, and Langley, 20104 Logan Ave, 604-514-1223. The others are Abbotsford and Chilliwack. Full list: habitatgv.ca/restore-locations
Visit their site →604-681-5618

Electronics in Vancouver

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

Electronic Recycling Association (ERA)

Will collect, conditions apply
TakesLaptops, Desktop computers, Monitors, Servers, Printers, Cell phones, Tablets, TVs, Other unwanted electronic devices, Media - hard drives, tapes, floppy discs, CDs
Won't takeNo refusal list is published
CollectionPickup is offered but is NOT automatically free. Their page: pickup charges are "based on location, the number of items, service requirements, etc.", and may be waived during promotions or for members and high-value donations. Dropping standard computer equipment at the Richmond depot is typically free, but processing fees apply to TVs, microwaves and floor-model copiers and printers. Data destruction is quoted at $0.00-$5.00 per item depending on the equipment donated. Get a quote before loading a vehicle.
WhereUnit 1045 - 11111 Twigg Place, Richmond, BC V6V 3C9
Visit their site →604-215-4483

Books and media in Vancouver

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

Friends of the Vancouver Public Library

Drop off only
TakesBooks in English or French, in good condition, CDs and LPs in good condition, playable and in their original cover, DVDs, Region 1, playable and in their original cover, Advance reading copies
Won't takeMaterials unfit for sale or damaged, Stained, water-damaged, mouldy or dusty items, Ripped, missing pages, highlighted or annotated, Strong odours such as smoke or cigarette, Pests or signs of pest infestation, Foreign-language books other than English and French, VHS tapes and cassettes, Textbooks, Encyclopedias, Magazines, Spiral-bound materials, Stationery
CollectionNo pickup service is mentioned. Small donations of up to three boxes of books can be brought in year-round. Larger volumes are only taken at the special book donation drives listed on their events page.
WhereDrop off at book'mark, the Library Store. Email friends@friendsoftheVPL.ca before bringing a large quantity.
Visit their site →604-331-4036

Shelters and community services in Vancouver

They take specific things for specific people. Call before you load the car — a wasted trip costs them staff time.

Union Gospel Mission (UGM)

Will collect, conditions apply
TakesWeather-appropriate clothing - shirts, sweatshirts, fleece, shorts, pants, jeans, jackets, coats (larger sizes preferred), Socks and underwear, new and unused only, Shoes - sandals, sneakers, boots, work boots, Bags, belts, cold and hot weather accessories, Linens, Pillows and cushions, new and unused only, Small appliances, lamps, knick-knacks, decorations, pictures, wall decor, Small furniture - night tables, coffee tables, small dressers, small bookcases, small dining tables with up to 4 chairs, accent chairs, Books (no textbooks or encyclopedias), Children's toys, new and unused only, Small musical instruments, New, unopened hygiene items, sleeping bags, emergency blankets, rain ponchos, reusable water bottles
Won't takeUsed socks and underwear, Used pillows and cushions, Used children's toys, Baby and children's gear, Large furniture and large appliances, Tools, Fitness equipment, Bicycles, Pianos, organs and record players, Textbooks and encyclopedias, Technology more than 10 years old, Bulk garage-sale or church-sale lots
CollectionTheir page states: "Due to capacity, we are not able to fulfill every request for donation pick-ups." Requests go through the donation coordination form on that page. A pickup is not guaranteed and no terms, area or fee are published.
WhereFour drop-off points, all listed on ugm.ca/donation-items: UGM Distribution Centre, 8346 St. George St, Vancouver V5X 3S7, Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; UGM Vancouver reception, 601 E. Hastings St, 604-253-3323, 8am-7pm daily; UGM Thrift Store, 671 E. Hastings St, 604-254-8721, Mon-Fri 9:30am-4pm; Found Thrift Boutique, 641 Columbia St, New Westminster, 604-553-0604, Mon-Sat 10:30am-5:30pm. Tax receipts via Donor Relations, 778-731-1611.
Visit their site →604-253-3323

Specialist in Vancouver

Organizations that take one category properly rather than everything badly.

Community Thrift Store (Surrey Hospice Society & Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society)

Drop off only
TakesGently-used clothing, Shoes, boots, purses, bags, Books, DVDs, videos, records, Jewelry, china, vases, cookware, lamps, Small kitchen appliances such as toasters, crock pots, kettles, Ornaments, knickknacks, silk flowers, collectibles, artwork, Linen, towels, decorative pillows, pictures, mirrors, Greeting cards, wrapping paper, stationery
Won't takeMattresses, bed frames and large furniture, Large appliances, Baby furniture, cribs and car seats, Exercise and sports-related equipment, Board games, Blinds, curtain rods, large area rugs, Hard-wired lights, National Geographic and school textbooks, Computers, printers, TVs and microwaves - see note, their page contradicts itself on these
CollectionNo pickup service is mentioned. Drop-off at the store or at donation bins located at Surrey fire halls.
Where7138 King George Blvd, Surrey, BC V3W 5A3
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 Vancouver

Common questions

Will any of them pick it up from my house in Vancouver?
6 of the 13 organizations on this page collect from your home: Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver, Diabetes Canada - Declutter clothing donation programme, Electronic Recycling Association (ERA), HomeStart Foundation, Shelter to Home, Union Gospel Mission (UGM). 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