Where to Donate Items in Durham Region, Ontario.

/ Simplify with Sheeba/

Decluttering your home feels even better when you know your items are going somewhere useful. If you live in the Durham Region, there are many local organizations that accept donations -but knowing what goes where makes the process easier and more impactful.

This guide breaks down where to donate what in Durham Region, so your gently used items don’t end up in landfill.

Where to donate household items in Durham Region Ontario


General Donations

  • Salvation Army – will accept most household items.

  • Value Village – will accept most household items.

  • Diabetes Canada Donation Bins – clothing and small household donations. Bins around town and can do home pickups as well.

  • Habitat for Humanity ReStore – Oshawa Location – Furniture, lighting, décor, building materials. No clothes, toys, or books. They also offer free curbside pickup from your home, additional fees for pickup INSIDE your home.

  • Women’s Shelters - will gladly take clothing, shoes, and other household items.

  • Post for free in the buy nothing/community facebook groups, do a search to find one in your area.

Tip: If it’s stained, torn, or worn out, donate it as textiles, not clothing. Avoid donating: broken furniture, missing parts, heavily damaged items

Books, Toys & Games

Best for: gently used, complete items

  • Local libraries / Retirement homes– Books (call ahead).

  • Schools & daycares – Toys, games, children’s books

  • Value Village / Goodwill – Books and toys

  • Post for free in the buy nothing/community facebook groups, do a search to find one in your area.

Avoid donating toys with missing pieces or damaged books.

Electronics

Best for: working electronics only

  • Habitat for Humanity ReStore – Small working electronics

  • Municipal e-waste programs – Non-working or outdated electronics

  • Stores like Best buy, Staples - offer electronic recycling for smaller electronics, can call before to confirm.

Tip: Never place electronics in regular donation bins unless accepted.

Linens, Towels & Bedding

Best for: towels, sheets, blankets

  • Animal shelters & rescue organizations – Towels and blankets are always needed

  • Salvation Army / Goodwill – Clean linens

Personal Care & Household Supplies

Best for: new or unopened items

  • Food banks & community care centres – Toiletries, cleaning supplies

  • Women’s shelters – Hygiene products and essentials

Items That Should Not Be Donated

  • Broken or damaged items

  • Expired products

  • Used mattresses or pillows

  • Heavily worn clothing

When in doubt, ask the organization or dispose responsibly.

Decluttering Tip from a Professional Organizer

If you’re unsure where items should go, create donation categories as you declutter (clothing, household, textiles, e-waste). This saves time and prevents donation pile overwhelm.

If you need help decluttering, organizing, or managing donations in the Durham Region, support from a professional organizer can make the process smoother and stress-free. Contact us today.