As San Jose encourages residents to report an estimated 300 illegal donation bins across the city, readers ask: Where, then, should they donate their used clothes and goods?
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Some residents told this news organization these bins often provide the most hassle-free option. And, while they want to support good causes, their primary goal is to clear out used, but still usable, items from their homes.
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Earlier this month, city officials and local nonprofits raised concerns about unauthorized donation bins operating without city permits or clear labels – often diverting goods away and siphoning off potentially millions of dollars in revenue from legitimate charitable causes. Although San Jose does not restrict collection box permits strictly to nonprofits, state law requires operators to clearly label whether a box is run by a for-profit or nonprofit organization.
Unlike brick-and-mortar nonprofit stores, donation bins are open 24/7, and locations are abundant – not only across San Jose, but in cities and suburbs across the state.
John Galbreath, a reader from Los Gatos, shared his experience trying to donate to a nonprofit site in San Jose.
“When people get old, they discover they are running low on space and have unnecessary items that are too good to trash,” he said.
He tried donating coffee mugs, but because “they were dusty, my generous donation was rejected.”
“It was broad daylight – not wise or legal to abandon,” he said. “Those unauthorized, rogue donation boxes serve a useful purpose – prevent dumping and to recycle something useful. Of all problems in San Jose, this is low on the list.”
Christopher Baker, CEO of Goodwill of Silicon Valley, acknowledged that turned-away donations may deter residents from patronizing nonprofit stores when trying to do the right thing.
“It’s understandably frustrating to have a donation turned away,” Baker told this news organization. “Goodwill welcomes the same items typically placed in the rogue bins, and with a few safety exceptions, we’re happy to take what people bring us.”
Councilmember Michael Mulcahy recognized the convenience these bins provide residents and said any solution is not about reducing options for residents.
“We recognize these bins are often conveniently located and any long-term solution should preserve the convenience residents value while ensuring transparency and accountability of who they are donating to,” Mulcahy said. “My concern is not with donation bins themselves or with legitimate organizations that want to provide them. Our priority is addressing bins that fail to comply with state disclosure requirements, are placed without property owner permission, obstruct the public realm and sidewalks, and serve as a source for illegal dumping and vandalism.”
Goodwill is also working on expanding its own drop-off options.
“Removing these bins clears the way for trusted charities to establish legal, well-maintained collection sites where they are most needed,” Baker said. “Goodwill of Silicon Valley is working through the proper permitting process for our own bins, and we’re pleased to see the city holding every organization, including ours, to that same standard.”
“The solution isn’t fewer donation options,” Baker added. “It’s more accessible options operated by legitimate local nonprofits.”
While Goodwill and the Salvation Army are two of the most widely known nonprofits that take used items, they are not the only options.
For residents looking to donate locally, several area organizations offer physical drop-off sites, and most partner with third-party logistics services like ReSupply to offer fee-based home pickups for larger items:
Goodwill of Silicon Valley
Goodwill accepts a wide variety of household goods – including clothing, shoes, housewares, artwork, books, and jewelry, as well as working and non-working electronics, printers, vacuums, bicycles, scooters, and furniture, among other items. If an item is deemed unsellable and requires disposal, Goodwill may offer to dispose of it for a fee between $25 and $35.
Proceeds directly fund local community programs. Goodwill notes that 86 cents of every dollar spent goes toward job training, career coaching, and housing support for local veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, unhoused residents, and people with developmental disabilities.
Key San Jose drop-off locations include:
— Central / Midtown: 1691 W. San Carlos St.
— East San Jose: 3020 Alum Rock Ave.
— Willow Glen: 1579 Meridian Ave.
— South San Jose: 3060 Almaden Expwy.
— West San Jose: 1125 S. De Anza Blvd.
The Salvation Army of Silicon Valley
The Salvation Army accepts gently used clothing, shoes, furniture, household goods, books, appliances, and electronics, as well as vehicles. Donations directly support local adult rehabilitation centers, which provide housing, meals, and social services for individuals recovering from substance abuse.
Key San Jose drop-off locations include:
— Midtown / Central: 702 W. Taylor St.
— Cambrian Drop-off Site: 14900 Camden Ave.
— 1339 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Habitat ReStore accepts new and gently used furniture, appliances, building materials, tools, cabinetry, doors, dual-pane windows, home decor, and working or non-working e-waste for recycling. All donated goods must be clean, operational, and in ready-to-sell condition. ReStore does not accept baby equipment, futons, unframed mirrors, or linoleum. Proceeds directly support Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build affordable housing across the Bay Area.
— Location: 1608 Las Plumas Ave., San Jose
Hope Services / HopeTHRIFT
Hope Services accepts clothing, accessories, footwear, toys, kitchenware, small appliances, media, electronics, tools, bikes, and non-running motor vehicles. Furniture acceptance is at the store’s discretion, so donors should call ahead. Hope Services does not accept large appliances or mattresses. Proceeds support programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges.
Key San Jose drop-off locations include:
— Almaden / South San Jose Store and Donation Center: 2306 Almaden Rd.
— Cupertino / West San Jose Drop-off Site: 6150 Bollinger Rd.
Donation sites generally do not accept hazardous waste, weapons, or dangerous materials. Visit the Santa Clara County Household Hazardous Waste Program website or call (408) 299-7300 to schedule a free drop-off appointment for hazardous materials, and check recyclestuff.org for information on how to dispose of specialty or hard-to-recycle items.
Operating hours, accepted items, and drop-off policies can vary by location. Readers are encouraged to check individual organization websites for contact information and current hours before dropping off items, and ask respective organizations about receipts for possible tax deductions.
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