Too Much Stuff at Home? NJ’s Guide to Trashing or Donating It

If you're like me, you have a lot of stuff that you want to get rid of.

After all, it's still technically spring and this is when you're technically supposed to do spring cleaning.

Which, let's be honest, is dumb — why would you waste a beautiful spring day inside cleaning? Shouldn't you do this kinda stuff in January or February? Yeah, I know, it's all about a fresh start to spring and whatnot, but still...

Anyway, once you get enough energy to purge your closets and garage and basement and attic and shed, there will be stuff that you want to just throw away, there will be stuff that you want to donate, and then there will be a pile of stuff that you just don't know what to do with.

Perhaps this quick guide will be of some help to you. Let's dive into what can go where and who or what might want it.

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What You Cannot Throw in the Trash in NJ

As for just throwing stuff into a trash can, the state has some pretty strict guidelines.

• READ MORE: 10 NJ Towns You’ll Love to Live In — and 10 You Might Want to Avoid

What Goodwill Will Not Accept in New Jersey

Goodwill will gladly take a lot of things off your hands — but not everything.

What The Salvation Army Will Not Take in New Jersey

As for The Salvation Army, here is what they won't take.

• Large Console-type TVs and Stereos

Back in the day, you probably had a giant console TV in your living room. Before you even think about hauling that 100-pound monster down to donate it, don't waste your time.

• Any TV Older than 5 Years

The same holds true for that old tube TV that's been in your garage for the past couple of decades, too.

• Broken Appliances

If it's broken, they don't want it. And if an appliance is missing a power cord or is dirty or rusty, they won't take those, either.

• Gas Appliances

If you have an appliance that runs on gas, you cannot donate it to the Salvation Army.

• Vehicle Parts (tires, wheels, batteries, seats, engines)

If you're about to pull some parts out of your Ford Pinto, don't drag it down to the Salvation Army.

• Built-in Appliances (ovens, dishwashers, microwaves)

If you are ripping apart your kitchen and you don't know what to do with your old dishwasher, the Salvation Army won't take it.

• Paint or Chemicals

That half of a can of almond-colored paint that's been on a shelf in your closet cannot be donated, either.

• Kerosene Heaters

Back in the 80s, kerosene heaters were all the rage. Today, not so much.