Where to Donate Furniture and Household Items in Markham
Whether you are downsizing, moving, clearing an estate or simply decluttering before a sale, you end up with furniture and household items that are too good to throw away but that you no longer need. Markham has several charities, thrift stores and community organizations that accept donations, many with free pickup for larger items. This guide lists every major donation option available to Markham residents, tells you exactly what each organization accepts and explains how to get a tax receipt.
Written by a Markham Real Estate Expert
At Kirby Chan & Co. Real Estate Team, we regularly help Markham families clear a home before a move or a sale. We have seen good furniture and working appliances end up at the curb simply because the owners did not know which charity would take them or which ones offer free pickup. If you are donating furniture and household items in Markham, here is where each thing goes and who will come get it.
Quick takeaway: Donate only items in good, usable condition. If you would not give it to a friend, do not donate it. Stained sofas, broken chairs, non-working appliances and torn clothing cost charities money to dispose of. Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Birchmount Road in Markham is the best single destination for furniture, appliances and building materials. The Salvation Army and Diabetes Canada both offer free home pickup. For a complete sorting system, see our downsizing guide.
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Where to Donate Furniture in Markham
Best Option in Markham Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Birchmount Road)
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.
Tax receipt: Yes. Registered charity.
Free Pickup The Salvation Army
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. Spring and summer are the busiest seasons so book early if you are moving between May and September.
Tax receipt: Yes. Registered charity.
Curbside Pickup Diabetes Canada
Accepts: Clothing, shoes, accessories, household textiles (towels, sheets, curtains), small household items and small furniture pieces.
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.
Tax receipt: Yes. Registered charity.
Drop-Off Goodwill (Markham Location)
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 address.
Tax receipt: Yes. Registered charity.
Where to Donate Clothing and Textiles
Wearable Clothing in Good Condition
The Salvation Army, Goodwill Markham, 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.
Worn-Out Textiles (Not Wearable)
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 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.
Towels and Blankets for Animal Shelters
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.
Where to Donate Kitchen Items and Appliances
Dishes, Cookware and Utensils
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. Chipped, cracked or stained items should not be donated.
Small Working Appliances
Working toasters, blenders, coffee makers, stand mixers, food processors and microwaves are accepted by most charities. Test the appliance before donating. Non-working appliances should go to e-waste recycling at Best Buy or Staples in Markham or the York Region Community Environmental Centre.
Where to Donate Books, Toys and Sporting Goods
Books
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.
Toys, Games and Sporting Goods
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.
Where to Donate Working Electronics
Important Working: Donate. Broken: Dispose at E-Waste.
Working laptops, tablets and phones: Organizations like Computers for Success accept working devices. Wipe all personal data 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.
What Charities in Markham Do Not Accept
Save yourself a wasted trip.
Mattresses and Box Springs
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.
Damaged or Stained Furniture
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.
Hazardous Materials
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. Our keep, donate, dump and dispose guide covers every disposal category.
Expired Car Seats and Safety Equipment
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.
How to Get a Tax Receipt
Tax Benefit Maximizing Your Donation Tax Credit
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 or more in donatable items. The tax credit offsets a meaningful portion of moving costs. Consult your accountant for the specific benefit.
Recognition
Kirby Chan Awards and Achievements
🏆 #1 Individual Producer in Ontario for eXp Realty 2023
🏆 Top 3 Best Rated Real Estate Agent in Richmond Hill
🏆 Toronto Star Platinum Award for Best Real Estate Agent
🏆 Top Real Estate Agent Award in Markham
🏆 2X ICON Agent Award with eXp Realty
🏆 2025 Community Votes Platinum Award, Thornhill
🏆 2024 Community Votes Platinum Award, Thornhill
🏆 2025 Gold Award for Real Estate Brokers in Markham
🏆 2024 Community Votes Bronze Award, Richmond Hill
🏆 2023 Community Votes Platinum Award, Thornhill
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the closest Habitat ReStore to Markham?
7750 Birchmount Road, Markham. They accept furniture, appliances, building materials and tools. Free pickup available for larger items.
Will any charity pick up donations from my Markham home for free?
Yes. Habitat for Humanity ReStore, the Salvation Army and Diabetes Canada all offer free pickup in Markham. Schedule through their websites or by phone.
Can I donate a used mattress in Markham?
Most charities do not accept used mattresses. Use Markham curbside bulk pickup or bring it to a York Region transfer station.
Where can I recycle old electronics in Markham?
Best Buy Markham, Staples Markham and the York Region Community Environmental Centre accept e-waste for free recycling. Wipe personal data before dropping off.
Who can help me coordinate donations when selling my Markham home?
Kirby Chan and the Kirby Chan & Co. Real Estate Team help downsizers in Markham coordinate the entire process: sorting, donating, dumping, disposing, staging and selling. Reach me at (416) 305-8008.
Contact Kirby Chan
Downsizing in Markham?
Clearing a home for a move or a sale is a big project. I help families in Markham plan the entire process: what to keep, where to donate, how to dispose of hazardous items and how to stage the home for maximum sale value once it is cleared.
Book a Consultation
Kirby Chan | Kirby Chan & Co. Real Estate Team
416-305-8008
kirby@kirbychanandco.com
https://kirbychanandco.com
Note: Donation acceptance policies, pickup availability, drop-off locations and tax receipt procedures described in this guide are approximate and subject to change. Confirm current policies with each organization before donating. This guide is for general information only.
