Sobell House Hospice
As of , Sobell House Hospice publishes donation guidance covering 81 of the 110 items in this directory: 62 they can't accept, 8 they may accept in some cases and 11 they accept.
Based at Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford; their site has an interactive 'Donation Hub' lookup tool with per-item guidance, plus a free furniture collection service via partner Boxmove (fire-label rules apply to upholstered furniture).
Baby & children
8-
Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Baby Walker' (the 'Baby Bouncer' entry gives identical wording).
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item because of children’s safety concerns. We have to meet strict safety standards, so we can’t take items if there’s any chance they might be damaged, faulty, or not meet current regulations.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Car Seat' in the Donation Hub tool.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item because of children’s safety concerns. We have to meet strict safety standards, so we can’t take items if there’s any chance they might be damaged, faulty, or not meet current regulations.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Cot Bumper'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item because of children’s safety concerns. We have to meet strict safety standards, so we can’t take items if there’s any chance they might be damaged, faulty, or not meet current regulations.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Cots' (the 'Cot Mattress' entry gives identical wording).
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item because of children’s safety concerns. We have to meet strict safety standards, so we can’t take items if there’s any chance they might be damaged, faulty, or not meet current regulations.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Highchair'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item because of children’s safety concerns. We have to meet strict safety standards, so we can’t take items if there’s any chance they might be damaged, faulty, or not meet current regulations.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Pushchair'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item because of children’s safety concerns. We have to meet strict safety standards, so we can’t take items if there’s any chance they might be damaged, faulty, or not meet current regulations.”
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Can't accept
Only brand-new, sealed, CE-marked breast pumps and sterilisers are accepted; used ones are refused (their 'Steriliser' entry says the same).
Their wording
“Please do not donate breast pumps that are: ❌ Used ❌ Missing parts ❌ Without a current CE marking”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Playpen'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item because of children’s safety concerns. We have to meet strict safety standards, so we can’t take items if there’s any chance they might be damaged, faulty, or not meet current regulations.”
Toys & games
3-
Can't accept
From the 'Soft Toys' entry's required conditions; toys without the CE label fall outside what is accepted.
Their wording
“However, please ensure that all soft toys are in saleable condition. ✅ Clean - with no stains or odours ✅ CE label attached ✅ Complete - no missing eyes, buttons or small parts”
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Accepted
Their wording
“Yes, please — we’d love your donation! However, please ensure that all puzzles are in a saleable condition. ✅ Complete - all pieces included”
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Accepted
Must also be clean, complete and CE-labelled; from the 'Soft Toys' entry.
Their wording
“Yes, please — we’d love your donation! However, please ensure that all soft toys are in saleable condition.”
Furniture
6-
Can't accept
From the 'Large Furniture' donation-hub entry (identical wording under 'Small Furniture').
Their wording
“Please ensure that any furniture you donate is in a condition suitable for resale: ✅ Functional – all doors, drawers, and moving parts must work properly ✅ Undamaged – free from major scratches, chips, or water damage ✅ Resaleable – in a condition someone would want to buy Please do not donate: ❌ Broken items ❌ Items with significant damage”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Piano'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item, as it’s one we generally can’t resell in our shops.”
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Can't accept
Their wording
“If you’re donating upholstered or foam-padded furniture, please ensure it has a label confirming it meets UK fire safety regulations.”
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Check first
Must be in original packaging with instructions and fittings, clean and undamaged; fabric blinds need a care label.
Their wording
“However, please ensure that all blinds are in a saleable condition. ✅ In original packaging - with instructions and fittings included ✅ Clean - free from dust, dirt or sticky residue ✅ Undamaged - slats intact, no bending, breaking or missing parts Please do not donate blinds that are: ❌ Missing fixings ❌ Do not have a care label (if fabric) ❌ Broken or dirty”
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Check first
Accepted only if like-new, fire-labelled to BS7177, and hygienic. The Furniture Collection page adds mattresses 'must be perfectly clear with no staining or marks whatsoever – otherwise they will be rejected by the drivers.'
Their wording
“However, please ensure the mattress is in a saleable condition. ✅ Like new condition – no stains, marks, rips or sagging ✅ Fire label sewn in that refers to the British Standard (BS7177) ✅ Hygienic - Clean, dry and free from odours, pests or allergens”
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Accepted
Free collection is run via partner Boxmove.
Their wording
“We will arrange free collection of your furniture. We just ask that it’s in saleable condition. You can donate: – Sofas and armchairs – Tables – Chairs – Wardrobes, chests of drawers, dressers – Garden furniture – Beds and mattresses”
Homeware & household
5-
Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Carpet Cut Offs'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item, as it’s one we generally can’t resell in our shops.”
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Can't accept
New, labelled candles are accepted; from the 'Candles' entry.
Their wording
“Please do not donate candles that are: ❌ Used - already lit or shortened candles ❌ Home made without a fire safety label ❌ Damaged or broken”
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Accepted
Must be in saleable condition — not bent, broken or warped, with secure hooks; single or mismatched hangers are refused.
Their wording
“Yes, please — we’d love your donation! However, please ensure that all hangers are in saleable condition. ✅ In good condition - not bent, broken or warped ✅ Intact - hooks secure and edges smooth”
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Accepted
Must be clean, undamaged and complete.
Their wording
“Yes, please — we’d love your donation! However, please ensure that all items are in a saleable condition. ✅ Clean ✅ Undamaged ✅ Complete”
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Accepted
Antiques must be authentic, complete and in reasonable condition; provenance or maker's marks are helpful if known.
Their wording
“Yes, please — we’d love your donation! However, please ensure that all items are in saleable condition. ✅ Authentic and in reasonable condition ✅ Complete - all major parts present ✅ Provenance or information - any known history, maker’s marks or estimated age would be useful if known”
Electrical
15-
Can't accept
Standard wording reused across most electrical items, e.g. the 'Kettle' entry.
Their wording
“Please note, we cannot accept electrical items that are: ❌ Damaged or broken ❌ Missing parts or plugs ❌ Without a current CE marking”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Computer'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item because of legal restrictions. Some things need special licences or checks that we’re not able to have in place.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'E-Bike'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Electric Blanket'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Electric Showers'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Gas appliances'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”
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Can't accept
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item because of legal restrictions. Some things need special licences or checks that we’re not able to have in place.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Sunbed'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Ceiling Light' (also 'Wall Lights' and 'Light Switch').
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Electric Shavers'; by contrast hair dryers, hair tongs and heated rollers are separately listed as accepted if CE-marked and working.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Printer'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item, as it’s one we generally can’t resell in our shops.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Vaping Products'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item because of legal restrictions. Some things need special licences or checks that we’re not able to have in place.”
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Check first
Accepted only if undamaged, complete and CE-marked; as of the current guidance, only the Witney store can accept and PAT-test microwaves.
Their wording
“Please do not donate microwaves that are: ❌ Damaged or broken ❌ Missing parts or plugs ❌ Without a current CE marking Thank you for your generosity and understanding PLEASE NOTE, CURRENTLY ONLY OUR WITNEY STORE ARE ABLE TO ACCEPT & PAT TEST MICROWAVES”
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Check first
Must also be complete (leads, remote, base) and fully working; from the 'TV' entry.
Their wording
“However, please ensure that all TV’s are in a saleable condition and have a current CE marking to show they meet safety standards.”
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Check first
Accepted only if in saleable condition with a current CE marking; from the 'Kettle' entry, and the same wording is reused for most working electrical items.
Their wording
“Yes, please — we’d love your donation! However, please ensure that all electrical items are in saleable condition and have a current CE marking to show they meet safety standards.”
DIY & garden
1-
Can't accept
Covers used tools and tools without instructions. Their 'Drill' entry can take tools that are CE-marked, in saleable condition and complete with instructions.
Their wording
“However, please ensure that all electrical items are in a saleable condition and have a current CE marking to show they meet safety standards. Power tools will also need to have the instructions.”
Safety equipment
3-
Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Climbing Equipment'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Protective headgear'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Buoyancy Aids'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”
Mobility & medical
2-
Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Medicine'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item because of legal restrictions. Some things need special licences or checks that we’re not able to have in place.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Wheelchair' (also Mobility Scooter, Crutches, Commode, Stair Lifts).
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”
Health & beauty
4-
Can't accept
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”
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Can't accept
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for wellbeing reasons. We have to make sure everything we sell is safe and suitable to use, and we can’t always be sure about certain items.”
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Can't accept
Accepted only if brand new, sealed in original packaging and in-date; used or opened cosmetics are refused.
Their wording
“However, please ensure that all cosmetics are in a saleable condition. ✅ Brand new, sealed and in packaging ✅ In-date - clearly within the expiration date Please do not donate cosmetics that are: ❌ Used or opened - products that have been partially used”
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Check first
Accepted only if brand new, sealed in original packaging, unopened/unused and within the expiry date; from the 'Sanitary Products' entry.
Their wording
“However, please ensure that all items are in saleable condition. ✅ Brand new and sealed in original packaging ✅ Unopen and unused ✅ Within expiry date”
Sharps & weapons
3-
Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Ammunition' (also 'Fireworks').
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item because of legal restrictions. Some things need special licences or checks that we’re not able to have in place.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Firearms' (also 'Air Weapons', 'Replica Gun').
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item because of legal restrictions. Some things need special licences or checks that we’re not able to have in place.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Bladed Items' (also 'Pen Knife').
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item because of legal restrictions. Some things need special licences or checks that we’re not able to have in place.”
Hazardous materials
5-
Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Firefighting Equipment'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Gas Bottle'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Batteries'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Paint' (also 'Chemical Items').
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Petrol or Diesel Powered Garden Tools'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”
Food & drink
2-
Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Alcoholic Beverage'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item because of legal restrictions. Some things need special licences or checks that we’re not able to have in place.”
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Can't accept
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”
Media & books
3-
Check first
Accepted only if playable, correctly labelled and clean; damaged/warped tapes and home recordings are refused.
Their wording
“However, please ensure that all tapes are in a saleable condition. ✅ Playable - tape is not damaged and can still be played on a VHS player ✅ Labelled correctly - clear title or description of contents ✅ Clean and intact - case and tape are free from dirt or sticky residue Please do not donate tapes that are: ❌ Damaged or warped - tape is stretched, crinkled or broken ❌ Home recordings - personal videos”
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Accepted
Must be clean and in good condition with pages intact.
Their wording
“Yes, please — we’d love your donation! However, please ensure that all books are in saleable condition. ✅ Clean and in good condition ✅ Pages intact - no missing, torn or loose pages”
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Accepted
Must be clean, playable and in the original case with cover art.
Their wording
“Yes, please — we’d love your donation! However, please ensure that all DVD’s are in a saleable condition. ✅ Clean and in good condition - free from dust, dirt or sticky residue ✅ Playable and intact - disc works without skipping or errors ✅ Original case included - with cover art and insert intact”
Restricted materials
5-
Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Counterfeit Items' (also 'Bootlegs').
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item because of legal restrictions. Some things need special licences or checks that we’re not able to have in place.”
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Can't accept
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item because of legal restrictions. Some things need special licences or checks that we’re not able to have in place.”
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Can't accept
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for ethical reasons.”
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Can't accept
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item, as it’s one we generally can’t resell in our shops.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Cigarettes' (the 'Lighter' entry gives a similar refusal, for health and safety).
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item because of legal restrictions. Some things need special licences or checks that we’re not able to have in place.”
Bedding & textiles
3-
Can't accept
Their donation-hub search returns this standard refusal when searching 'Duvet' or 'Pillow'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons.”
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Check first
Accepted only if a care label is attached and the curtains are clean; stained, heavily worn or handmade curtains are refused.
Their wording
“However, please ensure that all curtains are in a saleable condition. ✅ Care label attached ✅ Clean - free from stains, dust or odours ✅ In pairs (if applicable) - with all panels and hooks/rings included Please do not donate curtains that are: ❌ Stained - marks, spills or strong odours ❌ Heavily worn - faded or sun-damaged ❌ Handmade”
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Accepted
Their wording
“Yes, please — we’d love your donation! However, please ensure that all towels are in a saleable condition. ✅ Clean - freshly laundered with no strong odours ✅ In good condition - no holes, fraying or worn areas”
Clothing & accessories
8-
Can't accept
From the 'Suitcase' entry; clean, functional suitcases in good condition are accepted.
Their wording
“Please do not donate items that are: ❌ Broken ❌ Heavily scuffed or stained ❌ Worn out or unusable”
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Can't accept
Accepted only if clean, a complete outfit, and has a CE label attached.
Their wording
“However, please ensure that all fancy dress items are in saleable condition. ✅ Clean - washed and free from odours or stains ✅ Complete outfit - all main parts included ✅ CE label attached”
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Can't accept
From the 'Nightwear' entry.
Their wording
“✅ Has care/safety label Please do not donate items that are: ❌ Stained or musty ❌ Torn, worn out or damaged ❌ Without a care label”
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Can't accept
From the swimming-costume ('Swimwear') entry.
Their wording
“✅ New with original tags and hygiene sticker attached ✅ Undamaged - no stretching, fading or pulls ✅ Complete set - for example bikini top and bottoms Please do not donate swimming costumes that are: ❌ Worn ❌Incomplete”
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Can't accept
From the 'Underwear' entry; brand new/unworn items with tags are accepted.
Their wording
“Please do not donate items that are: ❌ Previously worn - used underwear is not hygienic for donation ❌ Damaged - torn, stretched or frayed fabric”
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Can't accept
From the general 'Clothing' entry (repeated for men's/women's/children's clothing).
Their wording
“Please do not donate clothing that is: ❌ Dirty”
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Accepted
Their wording
“Yes, please — we’d love your donation! However, please ensure that all clothing is in a saleable condition. ✅ Clean and washed - items should be fresh and hygienic ✅ Good condition - no major stains, tears or damage ✅ Wearable and usable”
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Accepted
Must be clean, undamaged, complete and wearable.
Their wording
“Yes, please — we’d love your donation! However, please ensure that all items are in a saleable condition. ✅ Clean and hygienic - free from dirt, sweat or residue ✅ Undamaged - no broken chains, loose clasps or missing stones ✅ Wearable and complete - fully intact”
Sport & outdoor
4-
Can't accept
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Roller Skates'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item because of children’s safety concerns. We have to meet strict safety standards, so we can’t take items if there’s any chance they might be damaged, faulty, or not meet current regulations.”
-
Can't accept
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”
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Can't accept
Shown when searching 'Inflatable Bed'.
Their wording
“Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item, as it’s one we generally can’t resell in our shops.”
Pet supplies
1-
Can't accept
From the 'Pet Beds' entry; used pet bedding is refused, only brand-new accepted.
Their wording
“✅ Brand new ✅ Undamaged ✅ Complete Please do not donate pet beds that are: ❌ Used ❌ Damaged”
Other things they mention
More rules from their donation guidance, in their own words — these don't have their own page on this site yet:
- Can't accept Dentures — “Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item, as it’s one we generally can’t resell in our shops. However, there are other ways you can help or dispose of these items responsibly by contacting your local dental clinic.”
- Can't accept Headboards — “Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item, as it’s one we generally can’t resell in our shops.”
- Can't accept Sky Lanterns — “Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item, as it’s one we generally can’t resell in our shops.”
- Can't accept Tents — “Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item, as it’s one we generally can’t resell in our shops.”
- Can't accept Cassettes — “Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item, as it’s one we generally can’t resell in our shops.”
- Can't accept Tortoise Shell Items — “Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for ethical reasons.”
- Can't accept Hearing Aids — “Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”
- Can't accept Car Licence Plates — “Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item because of legal restrictions. Some things need special licences or checks that we’re not able to have in place.”
- Can't accept Branded Uniform — “Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item because of legal restrictions. Some things need special licences or checks that we’re not able to have in place.”
- Can't accept Handmade Knitted Items — “Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”
- Can't accept Electric Fires and Heaters — “Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept this item for health and safety reasons. We can’t guarantee to our customers that second-hand safety equipment is still fully protective or hasn’t been damaged before.”