If your unwanted electronics still work, several Sydney charities will take them off your hands: the Salvos, Vinnies, WorkVentures, and MobileMuster. The rule across all of them is the same: the item must be in working condition. Non-working devices go to e-waste recycling, not donation. This guide covers where to take each type of device, what each organisation accepts, and what to do before you hand anything over.
Last updated: July 2026
Quick guide: what goes where
- Mobile phones: Working condition: MobileMuster (free, any brand). Not working: MobileMuster (still accepts for recycling).
- Laptops / computers: Working condition: WorkVentures, Salvos, Vinnies. Not working: WorkVentures e-waste program.
- TVs: Working condition: Salvos (if under 10 years old, check). Not working: Council e-waste drop-off or Paul's Rubbish.
- Washing machines / fridges: Working condition: Salvos (free home collection available). Not working: Paul's Rubbish removal.
- Phones + chargers + batteries: Working condition: MobileMuster. Not working: MobileMuster.
The key rule: charities only take working items in good condition. If something is broken, damaged or very old, it goes to e-waste recycling rather than a charity shop.
Salvation Army (Salvos Stores)
The Salvos accept a wide range of goods in good, working condition, with 100% of profits supporting The Salvation Army's community programs. In FY2024, Salvos Stores repurposed or sold 49 million items through Salvos Stores and diverted 14,500 tonnes from landfill through resale.
What they take: Televisions, laptops, computers, household appliances. Items must be in good working condition. Check their donation guide at salvosstores.com.au/donate-goods for the current accepted-items list, as it may vary by location.
How to donate:
- Drop off at your nearest Salvos Store (use the store locator at salvosstores.com.au/stores)
- Request a free home collection by calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58); book 3 to 4 weeks ahead
MobileMuster also partners with Salvos Stores: if you drop a phone in the MobileMuster bin at a Salvo Store, the Salvos receive $2 per kilogram collected.
WorkVentures
WorkVentures is Australia's leading IT social enterprise, operating for over 43 years. They focus on closing the digital divide by providing low-cost, high-quality technology to organisations and individuals, including affordable laptops and PCs.
What they take: Laptops and PCs in working or repairable condition. They complete in-house triage, testing, repair and data erasure.
Why it matters: Donated devices go to people who lack affordable access to technology. WorkVentures also provides youth employment and traineeship programs, so your old device supports two outcomes at once.
Businesses with bulk device donations can contact WorkVentures via their secure e-waste page at workventures.com.au/e-waste/.
MobileMuster (for mobile phones)
MobileMuster is Australia's national mobile phone recycling program, managed by the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) and accredited by the federal government under the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020. Reaccreditation was granted in late 2024 for a further five years, until 2029.
What they take: All brands and models of mobile phones, plus batteries, chargers and accessories. The program is free.
How to recycle: Drop off at Optus or Vodafone stores, or at thousands of other drop-off points searchable at mobilemuster.com.au. Free post-back by mail is also available.
Before you hand it in: Back up your data, log out of all accounts, then perform a factory reset. If your phone is damaged and you cannot wipe it, MobileMuster destroys data as part of the recycling process. Your data is never accessed.
MobileMuster has given over $1 million to support local charities including the Salvos, Able Australia, OzHarvest, Take 3 for the Sea and Landcare Australia.
Vinnies
Vinnies shops accept good-quality household electronics, including computers, washers, laptops and other small appliances. Check what each store takes before heading in, as acceptance can vary by location.
Find your nearest Vinnies shop at vinnies.org.au/vinnies-shops.
Note: Vinnies does not accept items that are broken, stained or unsafe. If your electronics are no longer working, they belong in e-waste recycling, not a charity drop-off.
Common questions
Does Vinnies accept electrical goods?
Yes, Vinnies shops accept household electronics in good working condition. What each store takes can vary, so check with your local Vinnies shop before dropping off. Items that are broken or unsafe are not accepted.
Can I donate a washing machine to charity?
The Salvos are the most practical option for large appliances in Sydney. They offer a free home collection service if you call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) and book at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead. The appliance must be clean and in working order.
Where can I donate a microwave in Sydney?
Salvos stores or a Vinnies shop are your best options. Call ahead to confirm they have space and that the microwave is in working condition. If it is broken, contact your local council about e-waste drop-off points or use a rubbish removal service.
What should I do with my data before donating electronics?
For phones: remove your personal information before recycling or donating. MobileMuster provides device-specific data removal steps at mobilemuster.com.au for Android and iOS. For laptops and computers: sign out of all accounts and perform a factory restore to remove personal files. WorkVentures also performs in-house data erasure on devices they receive.
What if my electronics are broken?
Broken or non-working electronics are e-waste, not donations. Most Sydney councils run e-waste drop-off events. Check your council's website for upcoming dates. For bulk pickup or large items you cannot transport yourself, a rubbish removal service can arrange collection and responsible disposal.
Can't donate it? We'll remove it.
If your electronics are broken, too old for charity or simply too awkward to transport yourself, Paul's Rubbish Removal handles electronics removal across Sydney.
Call 0407 125 125 or book online. Book before 10am for same-day collection.
