Location: 7750 Birchmount Road, Markham. This is the closest ReStore location for Markham residents and serves the entire York Region area.

Accepts: Sofas, dining sets, dressers, desks, bookshelves, bed frames, tables, chairs, cabinets, shelving units, working large appliances (fridges, stoves, washers, dryers), building materials, tools, lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, doors, windows and hardware. The broadest acceptance list of any charity in Markham.

Pickup: Free pickup for larger items. Schedule online or by phone. Typical wait: 3 to 7 business days. They send a truck and a crew to load from your home.

Tax receipt: Yes. Habitat for Humanity is a registered charity and issues tax receipts for all accepted donations.

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Accepts: Furniture, clothing, household goods, small appliances, kitchenware, books, toys and sporting goods in good condition. One of the broadest acceptance policies among charities serving Markham.

Pickup: Free pickup for furniture and large items throughout Markham. Schedule through their donation hotline or online portal. Spring and summer are the busiest seasons so book early if you are moving between May and September.

Drop-off: Salvation Army thrift store locations in the broader York Region area. Check their website for the nearest Markham-area drop-off point.

Tax receipt: Yes. Registered charity. Tax receipts issued for donations valued over a minimum threshold.

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Accepts: Clothing, shoes, accessories, household textiles (towels, sheets, curtains), small household items and small furniture pieces. Primarily known for clothing but accepts more than most people realize.

Pickup: Free curbside pickup throughout Markham. Schedule online. They provide donation bags and pick up from your doorstep. One of the most convenient options for clothing and textile donations in Markham.

Tax receipt: Yes. Registered charity. Tax receipts available for qualifying donations.

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Accepts: Clothing, shoes, accessories, books, household goods, small furniture, kitchenware, working electronics, toys, games, CDs, DVDs and home decor.

Pickup: No home pickup. Drop-off only at their Markham store and donation centre. Check their website for current hours and the exact address.

Tax receipt: Yes. Goodwill Industries is a registered charity and issues tax receipts.

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The Salvation Army, Goodwill (Markham location), Diabetes Canada and local shelters all accept clean clothing in wearable condition. Wash and fold items before donating. Designer and high-quality clothing in excellent condition can also be consigned at consignment shops in Markham and Unionville for resale, which puts money back in your pocket while keeping the items out of landfill.

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Stained, torn or worn-out clothing and textiles can go into textile recycling bins found at community centres, grocery store parking lots and retail locations throughout Markham. These textiles are recycled into rags, insulation and industrial materials. Do not put worn-out textiles in a charity donation bin as the charity pays to dispose of them.

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Animal shelters and rescue organizations in York Region accept used towels, blankets, sheets and pet beds for animal bedding. Minor wear is fine but items should be clean. Contact York Region Animal Services or local Markham rescue organizations to confirm what they are currently accepting.

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Complete or partial dish sets, pots, pans, baking dishes, glassware, cutlery, serving platters and kitchen utensils in good condition are always needed. Drop off at Goodwill Markham, the Salvation Army or Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Birchmount. Pack breakable items carefully in boxes with newspaper. Chipped, cracked or stained items should not be donated.

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Working toasters, blenders, coffee makers, stand mixers, food processors and microwaves are accepted by most charities. Test the appliance before donating. Non-working appliances with electronic components should go to e-waste recycling at the Best Buy or Staples in Markham or the York Region Community Environmental Centre.

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Markham Public Library accepts book donations for their annual book sales. Drop off during library hours at any branch. Goodwill Markham and the Salvation Army also accept books. For large collections, list on local Markham buy-nothing groups on Facebook where avid readers will pick up directly from your door.

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Clean toys with all pieces intact are accepted by the Salvation Army, Goodwill Markham and local family shelters. Board games and puzzles must be complete. Sporting goods (bikes, skates, hockey equipment, golf clubs) can go to Play It Again Sports in Markham for consignment or to community sports programs. Schools and community centres in Unionville, Cornell and Wismer Commons sometimes run equipment drives.

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Working laptops, tablets and phones: Organizations like Computers for Success accept working devices. Wipe all personal data (factory reset) before donating. Include chargers.

Working flat-screen TVs: Goodwill Markham and the Salvation Army accept flat-screen TVs in working condition. CRT televisions are not accepted and must go to e-waste.

Non-working electronics: Best Buy Markham, Staples Markham and the York Region Community Environmental Centre accept e-waste for recycling at no charge. Never put electronics in regular garbage.

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Most charities do not accept used mattresses due to bed bug and hygiene concerns. Mattresses go to Markham curbside bulk pickup or the York Region transfer station. Do not leave mattresses at a charity drop-off without confirming they accept them.

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Sofas and chairs with stains, pet damage, tears, broken frames or odours will be rejected. They cost the charity money to dispose of. If the upholstery is damaged, use Markham curbside bulk pickup or bring it to a transfer station.

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Paint, chemicals, cleaning products, motor oil, propane tanks, pesticides, batteries and fluorescent bulbs are never accepted by donation centres. These require disposal at a York Region Household Hazardous Waste Depot. My keep, donate, dump and dispose guide covers every disposal category.

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Expired car seats, cribs that do not meet current safety standards and damaged helmets pose a safety risk and should never be donated. Check expiry dates before donating child safety equipment. Expired car seats can be recycled at some municipal programs or disposed of at a transfer station.

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Registered charities (Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Diabetes Canada, Goodwill) issue tax receipts based on estimated fair market value. Ask for the receipt at the time of donation.

How to document: Photograph items and create a list with descriptions and estimated fair market values (what the item would sell for at a garage sale, not what you paid). Keep this list with your tax records.

A full-house downsizing in Markham can easily produce $2,000 to $5,000+ in donatable items. The tax credit offsets a meaningful portion of moving costs. Consult your accountant for the specific benefit.

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