Where to put your old stuff? Tips & places for useful in-kind donations 2026

We all have things lying around at home that we no longer need. Whether it’s clothes we haven’t worn in ages, books that are just sitting on the shelf as decoration, or games that are forgotten in drawers. There are plenty of organisations that could really use these things.

Here are a few simple tips to help you make the organisations and recipients really happy with your stuff. And we’ll show you how to find a drop-off point in the largest German cities and in your area.

1. Find in-kind donation opportunities in your city
2. Donate things via vostel.de
3. Find out beforehand what is really needed
4. Only pass on in-kind donations that you would accept yourself
5. In-kind donations can also be new
6. Sometimes a monetary donation even makes more sense

Find a drop-off point in your town

Most larger cities have local collection points that distribute donations directly to people who need them, based on their needs. A simple online search using ‘city’ + ‘donations’ will often help you find what you are looking for. We have compiled an overview of collection points in many large German cities here:

Overview for your city: Donations in kind 2026

BERLIN | HAMBURG | MÜNCHEN | KÖLN | FRANKFURT | STUTTGART | DÜSSELDORF | DORTMUND | LEIPZIG |HANNOVER | NÜRNBERG | DRESDEN | BREMEN | ROSTOCK

The linked overviews are a good place to start, but most cities have additional drop-off points, for example run by Caritas, Diakonie, AWO or local social welfare organisations. It is therefore always worth doing a quick online search.

How reputable are clothing containers?

Caution is advised here. Many containers are operated by commercial providers who resell clothing and often ship it abroad instead of passing it on or recycling it sustainably. Containers from well-known charities such as the German Red Cross, Caritas, Diakonie, the Salvation Army or AWO are generally reputable. You can recognise them by their logo and a full address on the container. In addition, there are three seals that identify reliable collection points:

• FairWertung e.V. – Umbrella organisation for non-profit used clothing collectors with a code of conduct and transparent use of funds. You can find members in your area at altkleiderspenden.de.
• BVSE Quality Seal for Textile Collection – Identifies reputable commercial collectors who must demonstrate transparency regarding recycling methods.
• DZI donation seal – The German Central Institute for Social Issues checks annually whether organisations handle donations and goods carefully.

No seal, no familiar logo, no full address on the container? Then it is better to use one of the direct drop-off points.

Donate things via vostel.de

On vostel.de, organisations search for specific items: toys for refugee children, plants for gardening projects, clothing for people in need, and much more. It’s a great way to help exactly where something specific is needed. Take a look at the list and maybe you can support someone directly.

Find out beforehand what is really needed

Of course, it’s a nice side effect to tidy up while donating. But the real focus should be: what is really needed? So be sure to check the organisation’s list of needs before you set off. This will save the staff on site – who are often volunteers – a lot of work and you the frustration of having to take things back home with you.

Only pass on in-kind donations that you would accept yourself

Clothes should be washed and folded, electrical appliances cleaned and in working order, and books and games complete. Just imagine you were giving the items to a friend, then you’ll know what we mean. This reduces the workload for the staff on site and increases the chance that your items will really end up with someone who will enjoy them.

In-kind donations can also be new

Hygiene products and underwear are just as urgently needed by people in need as other useful donations. However, these must be unused – after all, no one wants to brush their teeth with a used toothbrush.

This means that before you go shopping, you can simply check the lists of items needed to see what new things are required. When shopping, just throw the items in your trolley and drop them off or send them by post to the donation centre. The people who receive the donation will be very happy!

Sometimes a monetary donation even makes more sense

Donating goods is not always the best choice. Especially when an organisation needs large quantities of certain items at short notice, for example 50 winter jackets in different sizes, money is often more flexible than 50 very different donated jackets that first have to be sorted, stored and distributed.

This is because donating goods always involves logistical effort: it ties up staff, requires storage space and costs time. With a monetary donation, the organisation can purchase exactly what it really needs, directly, specifically and without any detours. It is therefore best to check the organisation’s website to see how you can help most effectively.

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