Why the answer is 'it depends on your Goodwill'
There is no single national Goodwill policy. Goodwill Industries International is a network of more than 150 autonomous regional nonprofits, and each sets its own donation guidelines based on local resale demand, recycling partners and store capacity. The accepted and refused lists below are typical, but you should always confirm with your specific local Goodwill — especially before loading up large furniture or an older TV.
Electronics: computers yes, CRT TVs no
Most Goodwill locations accept computers and laptops — and crucially, they don't have to work. Many Goodwills are official Dell Reconnect partners, which means they take any brand of computer equipment in any condition, free of charge, for recycling. Dell Reconnect has been running since 2004 and, as of its 20th anniversary in 2024, operated at more than 2,000 drop-off locations nationwide. Peripherals like monitors, printers, keyboards, hard drives, speakers and gaming systems are commonly accepted too (though monitor acceptance varies by region).
Televisions are the sticking point. Many regional Goodwills accept flat-screen TVs only in working condition, and essentially none accept old CRT (tube) televisions in any condition — they're regulated, costly-to-recycle e-waste.
Furniture: clean and sellable only
Goodwill does take furniture, but it has to be in good, sellable shape — clean, free of pet hair, and not ripped, soiled or torn. Typical accepted pieces include chairs, end and coffee tables, nightstands, ottomans, dining sets, desks, bookshelves and cabinets.
Two big limits: furniture acceptance is subject to each store's floor capacity, so some locations decline large items, and many Goodwills do not accept mattresses, box springs, waterbeds, bunk beds or futons for health and safety reasons. Damaged or unsellable furniture is refused.
Also refused — and the donor basics
Across regions, Goodwill commonly won't take CRT/tube TVs, mattresses and box springs, recalled items or anything failing current Consumer Product Safety Commission standards (you can check recalls.gov), and broken non-computer electronics or items missing necessary cords and parts.
Before donating any device, wipe your personal data — back up and factory-reset phones and computers, and remove drives if you can. Goodwill also wipes donated drives before refurbishing. Donating is free, and your donation is tax-deductible: ask for a receipt if one isn't offered at drop-off.