5 Places to Donate Tools You Have No Use For | Family Handyman

By Elizabeth Heath

Updated on Sep. 19, 2024

Make some extra room in your garage or workshop by donating your unwanted tools and building materials to one of these worthy non-profits.

Duplicate hand tools, older-model power tools, extra boxes of tile from last year’s bathroom renovation, that someday-I’ll-use-it gadget that never actually gets used. Sound familiar?

Get them out of your garage or workshop and into the hands of DIYers who can use them through a non-profit organization. Most often they will be resold, with the proceeds funding charitable works.

And if you donate tools to non-profits before Jan. 1, you’ll get that year-end tax deduction (be sure to request a receipt or tax valuation form). Plus, you’ll set yourself up with a decluttered workspace in the new year. Talk about a win-win situation!

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Habitat for Humanity builds homes for families in need across the U.S. and the world. Their Habitat ReStores sell donated tools, building materials, appliances, furniture and housewares, and proceeds fund Habitat’s work. Simply insert your zip code on their donation page to find the ReStore closest to you — they will also pick up large items. Note: Those ReStores are great places to search for DIY supplies.

If you’re uncertain about where and what you can donate, check the Earth 911 recycling center search page. Simply input your zip code and the types of items you wish to donate. Then the site will give you a list of nearby non-profits that will take them. The website includes smaller, community-based options as well. The search tool also helps locate places that will recycle used tools and materials that aren’t in good enough condition to donate.

Since the early 20th century, Goodwill Industries International, or simply Goodwill, has helped individuals in need. They help people train for and find jobs, providing the support they need to join or re-enter the workforce. There are more than 3,300 Goodwill stores in North America. They sell donated items and put the profits towards the organization’s work in the U.S., Canada and 12 other countries.

Goodwill allows you to donate hand tools, lawn and garden equipment and small and medium-sized power tools. Use their donation site locator tool to find the nearest drop-off point.

Rooted in late-1800s England and active worldwide, The Salvation Army lends a hand to families and individuals in need of a social safety net. It provides homeless shelters and services, elder care and youth programs. Plus it has rehabilitation centers for adults struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. It’s a Christian-based ministry, but its doors are open to all, regardless of background or beliefs.

More than 1,300 Salvation Army Thrift Stores accept donations of tools of all kinds, as well as lawn and garden equipment. Proceeds fund the Army’s efforts worldwide. Check their donation page to find a nearby drop-off location or schedule a pick-up.

Active in cities across 13 states, the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) advocates for U.S. veterans of all age groups and service periods. It particularly focuses on improving veteran health care access, helping homeless and disabled vets and assisting veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

They happily accept used hand and power tools through their Pickup Please donation program, and will come right to your door to pick them up. Items must be light enough for the driver to load into the truck alone. Want to get rid of clutter? Here are a few websites to sell used items.