Where to Donate Old Appliances That Still Work

Organizations That Accept Appliance Donations

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

ReStores are the gold standard for appliance donations. They accept refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and microwaves in working condition. Revenue from ReStore sales funds Habitat's home-building mission in Oregon.

• Locations: Portland, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Bend, and other Oregon cities
• Pickup: Free for qualifying donations. Schedule through your local ReStore.
• Age limit: Generally accept appliances less than 15 years old
• Testing: All appliances are tested before going on the sales floor

Community Warehouse (Portland)

Community Warehouse gives appliances directly to families in need — no purchase required. This is the highest-impact donation option for Portland metro residents. They particularly need refrigerators, stoves, and microwaves.

• Pickup: Free in the Portland metro area
• Priority needs: Refrigerators, ranges, and microwaves
• Condition: Must be clean, working, and in good cosmetic condition

St. Vincent de Paul

SVdP accepts appliances at their thrift stores throughout the Willamette Valley. The Eugene operation is particularly strong, with dedicated appliance sales areas.

• Locations: Portland, Salem, Eugene, Springfield, Cottage Grove, Albany
• Pickup: Available for large appliances in most service areas
• What they take: Refrigerators, ranges, washers, dryers in working condition

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army accepts large appliances and offers pickup service in Portland, Salem, and Eugene. They are sometimes more flexible on cosmetic condition than other organizations.

Goodwill

Goodwill accepts small appliances (microwaves, toaster ovens, blenders) at their donation centers but generally does not take large appliances like refrigerators or washers. Drop-off only — no pickup for appliances.

Condition Requirements

Every organization has standards for what they will accept. Meeting these requirements before scheduling pickup saves everyone time:

Your Appliance Must:

• Work properly — all functions operate correctly. A refrigerator must cool, a stove must heat, a washer must complete a full cycle.
• Be clean — inside and out. A quick wipe-down with all-purpose cleaner makes a big difference.
• Be free of major cosmetic damage — minor scratches are fine, but large dents, rust, or cracked panels may result in rejection.
• Have no missing parts — all shelves, knobs, racks, and drawers should be present.
• Be disconnected and ready for pickup — the donation crew should not need to unhook plumbing or gas lines.

Common Deal-Breakers

• Appliance does not turn on or has intermittent power issues
• Visible mold or mildew (especially in washers and refrigerators)
• Broken door seals on refrigerators or ovens
• Rust on washer drums or dishwasher interiors
• Missing critical components (shelves, burner grates, lint traps)

Pickup vs Drop-Off Options

Pro tip: If you need the appliance gone sooner than a donation pickup allows, professional appliance removal can usually schedule within 1-3 days. Many junk removal companies will donate qualifying items on your behalf.

Donation Guide by Appliance Type

Refrigerators and Freezers

The most needed donation appliance. Clean thoroughly (including behind and underneath), ensure all shelves and drawers are in place, and confirm it holds temperature properly. Disconnect water lines for ice makers before pickup.

Washers and Dryers

Run an empty cycle with hot water and vinegar before donating to clean the drum and hoses. Remove any personal items from pockets and lint traps. Front-loaders should be wiped around the rubber door gasket where mold accumulates.

Ranges and Stoves

Gas ranges must be disconnected from the gas line by a qualified person before donation pickup. Clean the oven interior, remove foil liners, and ensure all burners light properly. Electric ranges should be unplugged and cleaned.

Dishwashers

Run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner. Check that all racks roll smoothly and spray arms spin freely. The door must latch securely and the seal must be intact.

Small Appliances

Microwaves, toaster ovens, blenders, mixers, and coffee makers are widely accepted at Goodwill and thrift stores. Clean them, verify they work, and drop them off. No pickup needed for items this size.

Tax Deduction Information

Donating appliances to a 501(c)(3) organization qualifies you for a charitable tax deduction at fair market value. Typical deduction ranges:

Always get a receipt from the donation center. For total non-cash donations over $500, file IRS Form 8283 with your tax return.

When Donation Is Not an Option

If your appliance does not meet donation requirements — it is broken, too old, or in poor condition — you still have responsible disposal options:

• Professional appliance removal: Junk removal crews handle non-working appliances and ensure proper recycling, including certified refrigerant recovery.
• Utility rebate programs: Oregon utilities like Portland General Electric offer rebates for recycling old, inefficient refrigerators and freezers. See our guide on the best way to get rid of old appliances.
• Scrap metal recycling: Non-working metal appliances (washers, dryers, water heaters) have scrap value if you can transport them to a metal recycler.

The key principle: working appliances should always be donated or reused, and non-working appliances should always be recycled — not landfilled. Professional junk removal ensures both outcomes.