Spring Cleaning? Maine Goodwill Stores Will Not Accept These 32 Items

As the fresh scent of spring fills the air, many individuals embrace the tradition of spring cleaning. Goodwill stands as a viable option for those looking to declutter and give back, but it's important to remember that not everything can be donated.

With a mission to empower individuals towards personal stability, Goodwill Northern New England goes beyond just accepting donations. They offer a range of support services, including healthcare, workforce development, and cleaning. While they're grateful for donations that make a difference, it's important to keep in mind that there are certain items they can't accept due to legal, safety, and liability reasons. 

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Here's Goodwill's "Cannot Accept List" in Maine:

1. Air Conditioners or other freon-containing appliances
2. Ammunition or Weapons
3. Large Appliances: Items such as stoves, ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, and other “large appliances.”
4. Automobile Parts
5. Baby Equipment
6. Bed Pillows
7. Used Bike Helmets
8. Bunk Beds
9. Chemicals
10. Construction Debris
11. Large Standing Copiers
12. Large Exercise Equipment: Items like treadmills, Bowflexes, elliptical machines, and other large exercise equipment.
13. Fishing Tackle
14. Flammable Liquids/Gases
15. Food
16. Damaged Furniture
17. Futons
18. Hazardous Wastes: Items such as lead-acid batteries, paints, fuels, solvents, oils, or equipment containing these substances.
19. Hospital Beds
20. Humidifiers
21. Used Lightbulbs
22. Liquids: Goodwill cannot accept any kind of liquid, including lotions, chemicals, lamp oil, or any other liquid substance.
23. Mattresses, Box Springs, Waterbeds
24. Medical Assistive Devices
25. Pharmaceuticals
26. Pianos and Organs
27. Recalled Items
28. Smoke Detectors
29. Swing Sets
30. CRT Televisions
31. Used Venetian Blinds
32. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

While Goodwill Northern New England is committed to accepting donations to support their mission, it is important to be mindful of the items they cannot accept. By adhering to this list, you can ensure that your donations align with Goodwill's guidelines and help them continue their valuable work in providing opportunities for personal stability and growth within the community.