Charity shop worker's furious rant to people dropping items off for 'wrong' reason

Every now and then you may find your wardrobe is spilling over with clothes you just don't wear anymore. Having a good sort out is the perfect way to organise your home, help you see what clothes you have, plus unwanted items can be sold to someone who really wants it.

While many people use apps like Depop, eBay and Vinted, many enjoy donating them to second-hand outlets and charity shops. However, a charity shop worker has issued a furious rant after insisting a number of people are using second hand shops for the wrong reason. She claims people are using them like a "dumping ground".

Meg, who dubs herself a "charity shop clown", shares her experiences online via her TikTok page @alottameg. Recently she shared what happened when an individual came into the shop.

She explained the woman and her friend were sorting through some items they had brought it. Meg said: "And as they were going through it, her friend said, 'don't you want to keep this bag', and she turns to her friend and goes 'no it's dirty, it's broken... the charity shop can have that bag'."

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Furious Meg said online: "Oh can we? We can have your dirty, broken bag that you don't want... thank you. Thank you so much. And the donation she gave was great, but I think it's embarrassing and disrespectful to literally in front of a charity shop worker, admit that you're giving something that's dirty and broken."

She noted if you would not buy an item from a charity shop, and if you are looking at an item "almost with disgust", then why would you donate it.

"Why is your rubbish my problem?" the charity shop worker added. She insisted if you think an item should be thrown away, then put it in the bin and don't donate it.

One charity shop worker, who can relate, rushed to comment on the video and said: "The amount of dirty, broken shoes I've seen people donate... no one is buying your old trainers that are worn at the heel babes!"

Someone else said: "I've worked in charity retail. Dirty unwashed underwear, mouldy towels and a duvet that someone had thrown up on and then put in a bin bag were amongst the worst."

Another noted: "Golden rule: If you wouldn't buy it... don't donate it." "So many people see charity shops as dumping grounds," one sadly pointed out.

As a general rule, charity shops cannot accept items that are damaged, stained, broken, or unsanitary. They also have restrictions on certain items due to safety regulations, legal issues, or because they are difficult to sell.

Cancer Research UK states: "We appreciate all donations, but we are unable to accept items which we cannot sell and would require us to pay for disposal. This includes anything dirty, damaged or with missing parts."

Plus, Oxfam states items that will not be accepted include electrical goods that run off the mains, medical equipment, anything broken, dirty, incomplete or unsafe, single computers, safety headgear and identifiable work uniforms.

Do you have a story? Get in touch at Lucy.Marshall@reachplc.com.