Key Takeaways
- Oregon has dozens of donation centers that accept used furniture and appliances — many offer free pickup.
- Donated items must be in usable condition — clean, functional, and free of major damage. Organizations cannot accept broken or heavily stained items.
- You can claim a tax deduction for donated items. The IRS allows deductions at fair market value, and Oregon conforms to federal charitable deduction rules.
- If items are not in donatable condition, a junk removal service like Otesse can haul and recycle them responsibly.
- Schedule donations early — pickup wait times at popular centers like Habitat ReStore can be 1-2 weeks during peak season (spring and summer).
Before paying for junk removal, it is worth asking: can any of this be donated? In Oregon, the answer is often yes. From Portland's sprawling network of thrift stores to small-town church donation programs in Albany and Woodburn, there are options for nearly every type of furniture and working appliance.
Donating is better for the environment, supports your local community, and can save you money on removal costs. Plus, you get a tax-deductible receipt. This guide covers every major donation option along Oregon's I-5 corridor, organized by city, so you can find the closest and most convenient option for your items.
What Donation Centers Typically Accept
Furniture
| Usually Accepted | Sometimes Accepted | Rarely Accepted |
|---|---|---|
| Sofas and loveseats (clean, no rips) | Office furniture | Waterbeds |
| Dining tables and chairs | Outdoor furniture (good condition) | Heavily stained mattresses |
| Dressers and nightstands | Futons | Particle board with water damage |
| Bookshelves and desks | Entertainment centers | Built-in cabinetry |
| Bed frames (all sizes) | Baby furniture (meeting safety standards) | Furniture with pet damage |
Appliances
| Usually Accepted | Sometimes Accepted | Rarely Accepted |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerators (working, under 10 years) | Window AC units | Built-in appliances |
| Washers and dryers (working) | Dehumidifiers | Commercial-grade equipment |
| Microwaves (working) | Vacuum cleaners | Appliances with Freon leaks |
| Stoves and ovens (working) | Small kitchen appliances | Non-working appliances |
| Dishwashers (working) | Space heaters | Recalled models |
The golden rule: If you would not give it to a friend, do not donate it. Organizations spend thousands of dollars each year disposing of items that should not have been donated in the first place.
Portland Metro Area Donation Centers
Habitat for Humanity ReStore — Portland
The ReStore is one of the best options for furniture and appliance donations in the Portland area. They operate multiple locations and offer free pickup for large items.
- Locations: SE Portland (SE Foster Rd), NE Portland (NE MLK Jr Blvd), Beaverton
- Accepts: Furniture, working appliances, building materials, cabinets, lighting fixtures
- Pickup: Free for large items — schedule online or by phone
- Hours: Typically 10 AM - 6 PM, Monday through Saturday
Community Warehouse — Portland
This nonprofit provides free furniture to families transitioning out of homelessness. Donations here directly furnish homes for people in need.
- Location: SE Portland
- Accepts: Furniture, housewares, linens, small appliances
- Pickup: Available for large items
- Special note: They are selective — items must be in good, clean condition
Goodwill Industries — Portland Metro
Goodwill operates numerous donation centers throughout the Portland metro area, including Tigard, Lake Oswego, Tualatin, and Wilsonville.
- Accepts: Furniture (small to medium), clothing, housewares, electronics
- Pickup: Not typically offered for individual donations
- Drop-off: Drive-through donation stations at most locations
St. Vincent de Paul — Portland
- Accepts: Furniture, appliances, clothing, household goods
- Pickup: Available for large items in the Portland metro
- Benefit: Proceeds fund services for low-income individuals and families
Eugene / Springfield Donation Centers
St. Vincent de Paul — Eugene
St. Vincent de Paul is a major presence in the Eugene area, operating multiple thrift stores and service centers.
- Locations: Multiple stores on W 11th Ave, Seneca Rd, and Hwy 99
- Accepts: Furniture, appliances, clothing, household goods, building materials
- Pickup: Free for large items — call to schedule
- Special programs: First Place Family Center provides furniture for families in transition
Habitat for Humanity ReStore — Eugene
- Location: W 6th Ave, Eugene
- Accepts: Furniture, appliances, building materials, lighting, plumbing fixtures
- Pickup: Free for qualifying large items
Goodwill Industries — Eugene/Springfield
- Multiple locations throughout the Eugene-Springfield area
- Drop-off only — no pickup service for individual donations
- Good for: Smaller furniture items, housewares, clothing
Salem / Keizer Donation Centers
Habitat for Humanity ReStore — Salem
- Location: Silverton Rd NE, Salem
- Accepts: Furniture, appliances, cabinets, doors, windows, lighting
- Pickup: Free for large items
St. Vincent de Paul — Salem
- Location: Lancaster Dr NE, Salem
- Accepts: Furniture, clothing, housewares
- Pickup: Available for large items
Salem Friends of Felines / Other Specialty Nonprofits
Several Salem nonprofits accept specific items for fundraising. Check with local organizations like Union Gospel Mission (furniture and clothing) and Family Building Blocks (children's items).
Corvallis / Albany Donation Centers
Habitat for Humanity ReStore — Corvallis
- Location: NE Circle Blvd, Corvallis
- Accepts: Furniture, appliances, building supplies
- Pickup: Free for large items within Benton County
St. Vincent de Paul — Corvallis / Albany
- Locations: Stores in both Corvallis and Albany
- Accepts: General household donations including furniture
- Albany store: Located on SE Pacific Blvd
Furniture Share — Corvallis
A Corvallis nonprofit that provides free furniture to families and individuals in need. They accept gently used furniture donations and offer pickup within the Corvallis area.
Donation Options in Smaller I-5 Corridor Cities
| City | Best Donation Option | What They Accept | Pickup Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodburn | St. Vincent de Paul (Woodburn) | Furniture, clothing, household | Limited |
| Wilsonville | Goodwill (Wilsonville) | Small furniture, clothing, housewares | No |
| Tualatin / Tigard | Goodwill, Salvation Army | Furniture, clothing, household | Salvation Army offers pickup |
| Lake Oswego | Goodwill, Habitat ReStore (Portland) | Furniture, housewares | ReStore pickup available |
| Springfield | St. Vincent de Paul (Eugene stores) | Furniture, appliances, household | Yes |
How to Claim a Tax Deduction for Donated Items
The IRS allows you to deduct the fair market value of items donated to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. Oregon conforms to federal charitable deduction rules, so you benefit on both your federal and state returns.
Steps to Maximize Your Deduction
- Get a receipt: Every donation center will provide a receipt. Make sure it lists each item or category of items.
- Determine fair market value: The Salvation Army and Goodwill publish valuation guides. A used sofa in good condition is typically valued at $35-$200; a working refrigerator at $150-$300.
- Take photos: Document the condition of items before donating, especially for higher-value pieces.
- File IRS Form 8283: Required if your total non-cash donations exceed $500 in a tax year.
- Keep records for 3 years: The IRS can audit charitable deductions within this window.
For most households clearing out a room or garage, donated items can be worth $500-$2,000 in fair market value — which translates to real tax savings.
When Donation Is Not an Option: Hire a Junk Removal Service
Not everything can be donated. If your items are broken, heavily worn, stained, or otherwise unusable, donation centers will turn them away. In that case, you need a junk removal service that will handle disposal responsibly.
Otesse junk removal handles both scenarios: we donate what we can and recycle or responsibly dispose of the rest. Our crews know exactly which local centers accept what, saving you the research and multiple trips.
Common situations where removal makes more sense than donation:
- Broken or non-functional appliances
- Furniture with structural damage, pet stains, or mold
- Mattresses (most centers will not accept used mattresses)
- Mixed loads of donatable and non-donatable items
- Time-sensitive cleanouts (estate cleanings, move-outs with deadlines)
Ready to Donate or Need Help With Removal?
Donating used furniture and appliances is one of the most impactful things you can do before a cleanout. It keeps usable items in the community, reduces landfill waste, and can save you money through tax deductions.
Start with the donation centers listed above for your city. If you have a mix of donatable and non-donatable items — or if you simply do not have the time or vehicle to make the trips — contact Otesse for a free junk removal quote. We will donate what we can and handle the rest responsibly.
Call 541-844-2585 or request a quote online.
