Here are some questions that we are regularly asked about charity shops. If your question isn’t answered here then please get in touch on info@charityretail.ie
What items do charity shops accept as donations?
Most charity shops will accept donations of the following:
- Clothing: Men’s, Women’s and children’s
- Footwear
- Small home and kitchen items
- Household textiles (but no pillows or duvets)
- Books, CDs, vinyl, videos and games
- Toys (but usually not soft toys)
Sone charity shops also specialise in certain items:
Bridal and special occasion shops will accept donations or pre-loved bridal, debs, evening and special occasion wear.
Book shops will accept all types of books as well as CD’s, vinyl, DVDs and games.
Furniture Shops accept donations of large and small items of furniture. Most will offer a collection and delivery service, sometimes at an extra charge.
Mattresses, duvets and pillows are not accepted by charity shops for health and safety reasons
Mattresses are accepted by some civic amenity sites for recycling Check our mywaste.ie for more information: https://www.mywaste.ie/what-to-do-with/mattress/
How do I donate furniture?
Furniture Shops accept donations of large and small items of furniture. Most will offer a collection and delivery service, sometimes at an extra charge. Contact your local charity shop that specialises in furniture. See next question as to how to find your local furniture shop.
How do I find my local charity shop?
By location
Select the Find a shop button on the home page, select your county, area, and type of shop and a list of shops near you will appear.
By type of shop
Select the shops tab on the home page. The dropdown will show the type of shop, fashion, furniture etc. Select the type and all shops of that type will appear.
Do charity shops take old and worn clothing?
Some charity shops are able to collect clothing that is not fit to be resold, and sell it on to a textile recycler to be recycled or exported to overseas markets. If you have unsaleable clothing it is best to call the shop first and check if they can take clothes for recycling before bringing your donation to the shop. It’s helpful if you put them in a separate bag.
I want to volunteer in my local shop
Volunteering is a great opportunity to meet people, have fun, and help to support your local charity. Shop Volunteers can help in many different ways – preparing goods for sale, helping customers in the shop and helping at the till. They provide a friendly welcome to customers and help the shops to run smoothly. With Charity Retail Ireland member charity shops in every county there is bound to be one near you. Find a shop here.