Charity shop volunteers have shared the most unusual items they have received as donations, with sex toys and bedroom-related items topping the list. In a social media post, workers recounted bizarre finds including an Ann Summers nurses' uniform, a bag of receipts, house keys and money, and even a car.
One Reddit user said their shop could not accept the car, so the donor sold it and donated the proceeds instead. Another former volunteer noted that weird donations are often accompanied by weird customers, and that some people donate disgustingly dirty clothes.
Charity shops generally accept good quality, clean items such as clothes, shoes, accessories, books, toys, homeware, and old CDs. Smaller working electronics, vintage items, and some furniture are also welcome. However, items must be clean, safe, and in sellable condition.
Sex toys are typically not accepted due to hygiene, safety, and appropriateness concerns. Other prohibited items include used underwear, socks, pillows, duvets, broken or incomplete items, and those without safety labels. Shops advise checking with local stores before donating.
For items that cannot be donated, specialised recycling schemes exist, such as the 'Second Coming' scheme by The Natural Love Company for certain products. This ensures that even unusual donations can be handled responsibly.
