Donating to a Shaw Trust charity shop

Donating

  1. Ensure items are clean and usable. 
    Please check that your donations are clean and in good working order. Items don’t need to be perfect, but they should be suitable for resale and ready to find a new home.
  2. For large donations or furniture. 
    If you have large items, such as furniture, or a substantial number of bags to donate, it’s a good idea to contact your local Shaw Trust shop in advance. Our larger shops in Glasgow, Sittingbourne, Neath, Ferndown & Stephenson Road in Sailsbury are equipped to accept furniture and may be able to help with arrangements. 
  3. Donating electrical goods. 
    Before bringing in electrical appliances, please check with your chosen shop to confirm they can accept them. Electrical items must undergo safety (PAT) and functionality testing before being sold, and not all locations are able to process these donations. 
  4. Unsure about your donation? 
    If you’re uncertain whether your items are suitable, don’t hesitate to ask. Our staff are happy to advise on what can be accepted at each location. 
  5. Hand donations directly to staff. 
    Please bring your saleable items into the shop and hand them to a team member. Do not leave donations outside, as this can cause damage or lead to items being lost or stolen. 
  6. Boost your gift with Gift Aid. 
    If you are a UK taxpayer, you can sign up for Gift Aid in-store. This allows Shaw Trust to claim an extra 25p from the government for every £1 raised from the sale of your donated goods-at no extra cost to you. 

Your donations help Shaw Trust support people in local communities, providing employment opportunities and vital services. Thank you for choosing to donate! 

Items we cannot accept

Childrens Items

For safety reasons, we cannot accept: 

  • Car seats or booster seats 
  • Cots, carry cots, and mattresses 
  • Highchairs 
  • Inflatable beds, dinghies, or water toys 
  • Playpens 
  • Prams, pushchairs, or buggies 
  • Safety gates 
  • Soft toys that do not have a CE or UKCA label 

We also cannot take bicycles, skateboards, trikes, or go-carts designed for children.

Due to hygiene and safety standards, we are unable to accept: 

  • Children’s clothing with drawstring hoods
  • Nightwear (for adults or children) without fire safety labels
  • Used underwear or swimwear unless it still has a hygiene strip
  • Homemade knitted garments 

We welcome adult fancy dress costumes if they have ‘keep away from fire’ or ‘low flammability’ labels. Children’s costumes must have a CE/UKCA mark or a fire safety label. 

We cannot accept the following: 

  • Built-in kitchen appliances 
  • Candles without safety instructions 
  • Ceiling or wall-mounted lights 
  • Electric blankets, hoists, or showers 
  • Gaming machines 
  • Gas appliances, bottles, or cylinders 
  • Oil-filled radiators without thermostats, oil heaters, oil lamps, or oil/gas AGAs 
  • Ovens with glass doors 
  • Personal care appliances (e.g., electric shavers, foot spas) unless brand new and sealed 
  • Petrol or diesel-powered items (e.g., garden tools) 
  • Power tools without instructions 
  • Certain BEKO fridge/freezer models (see Electrical Safety First for details) 
  • Stair lifts, storage heaters (hardwired), sunbeds, tanning equipment 
  • Tumble dryers, washer dryers, waste disposal units 
  • Whirlpool washing machines from 2019 or 2020 

We are unable to accept: 

  • Items in poor or damaged condition 
  • Upholstered furniture without fire safety labels 
  • Carpet remnants or off-cuts 
  • Cushions, cushion covers, or tailored upholstery covers without fire labels 
  • Used pillows, duvets, or quilts 
  • Furniture painted with lead-based paint 

We cannot accept: 

  • Home-recorded DVDs, videos, or audio tapes 
  • Homemade computer games or software on recordable discs 
  • Used home printers unless they are new, boxed, and include ink 

For legal and ethical reasons, we do not accept: 

  • Any items made from ivory 
  • Real fur or items with real fur trim 

We cannot take: 

  • Personal care appliances (unless new and sealed) 
  • Prescription glasses 

We are unable to accept: 

  • Buoyancy aids, life jackets, inflatable boats, or water toys 
  • Fire extinguishers or other firefighting equipment 
  • Safety helmets (including riding, cycling, or crash helmets) 
  • Safety harnesses 

For legal and safety reasons, we cannot accept: 

  • Cigarette lighters, lighter refills, or ashtrays 
  • Cleaning products, solvents, or adhesives 
  • Cosmetics or toiletries unless sealed and ingredients are listed 
  • Flammable items (e.g., firelighters, BBQ lighters) 
  • Fireworks (please soak in water and bin them) 
  • Firearms, ammunition, or any weapons (including knives, swords, crossbows and realistic toy weapons) 
  • Medicines or vitamins 
  • Petrol/diesel-powered tools or equipment 
  • Perishable goods (e.g., food or drink) 
  • Sharp or pointed items (e.g., kitchen knives, blades) 
  • Toxic, poisonous, or hazardous substances (including paint) 
  • Vaping devices or accessories 

Note: If you need to dispose of any items considered weapons, please take them to your nearest police station. 

Thank you for your understanding and support. If you have any questions about your donation, please contact your local Shaw Trust shop before visiting. Your generosity helps us make a real difference! 

If you’re unsure whether your item can be donated, our team is happy to help-just contact your nearest Shaw Trust shop for guidance. 

We’re passionate about rehoming and repurposing as many items as possible, but if we’re unable to accept your donation, there are other ways to ensure your goods are reused or recycled. For local recycling options, visit recyclenow.com or recycleyourelectricals.org.uk

Alternative donation ideas for unusual items. 

  • Bicycles: While some charity shops do accept bikes, you can also reach out to organisations like Re-cycle, which sends second-hand bikes to communities in Africa. 
  • Computers: Consider donating to groups such as Computer Aid International, Donate a PC, or IT specialists within the Reuse Network. 
  • Non-perishable food: Your local food bank will welcome unopened, in-date items. 
  • Medical equipment: Organisations like Mercy Ships may accept certain medical items. 
  • Spectacles: Many opticians collect used glasses for charitable reuse programmes. 
  • Tools: Tools for Self Reliance welcomes donations of tools for a range of trades, including bicycle repair, carpentry, and mechanics. 

If you have any questions about donating or would like more advice, please get in touch with your local Shaw Trust shop. We’re here to help you find the best home for your items