17 Surprising Things You Should Never Try to Donate

Due to "safety, legal or environmental concerns," Goodwill gives a hard pass to these groovy chairs. But donation guidelines vary by location, so it's always best to check in with your local branch.

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Some organizations accept larger items, like bed frames and exercise equipment. Others have less storage and therefore might pass. The American Red Cross, for example, won't accept anything over 50 pounds.

Due to the frequency of recalls on baby items, many organizations can't take cribs. Even if it's only a few years old, it could already be unsafe, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commissions' standards.

The same recall rule applies to safety equipment, like helmets. Sure, it may seem like it's in great condition, but what if it doesn't meet current safety standards? Instead of donating helmets, it's best to dispose of them.

Anything you can eat is a no-go. Instead, check out food-specific organizations or local soup kitchens if you want to donate canned goods and non-perishable items.

Don't clear out your entire bookcase just yet. According to its website, the American Red Cross is unable to accept large collections of books. But the occasional hardback should be fine.

Donating computer monitors can be tricky. Some Goodwill facilities accept larger electronics, while other organizations, like the American Red Cross, don't. Do your research ahead of time!

Furnaces and other heating devices—including hot water heaters—aren't accepted at many Goodwill locations, as they simply take up too much space. Plumbing fixtures, such as shower heads and pipes, are also not approved.

Gas grills use harmful chemicals and igniters to function and, because it can be hard to tell whether or not a grill is damaged, most places choose to avoid potential injury or harm and don't accept them.

Air conditioners are another big no-no. This is because the cooling device runs on harmful coolants to operate, which can leak if damaged or broken.

Mobility devices, such as walkers and canes, often fall under the recall rule and, due to legal risk, are usually not accepted at donation centers.

Chemicals are dangerous for donation sites to handle, so...they don't! This ban ranges from bleach to gentle everyday cleaners.

Items like tires, wheels, or batteries aren't welcome at many donation facilities—and auto chemicals, like wiper fluid, will likely be turned down, too.

For the same reasons cosmetics aren't accepted, donation sites frequently turn down hair care products—from shampoo to brushes and beyond.

From bricks to shutters and spare doors to extra pipes, building materials aren't accepted at common donation centers. But there are a number of organizations specifically geared toward construction supplies.