Donation Guide

The following list is a guide to the items that we can and can not accept. Due to a limited availability of space in our store we are unable to take some items that are either not in high demand, are too large for us to stock or are prohibited by law for us to accept. Please don't be offended if we can not accept your donation. We appreciate every effort that is made and would like to thank you for the thinking of Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County.

Sorry, we are presently CONDITIONALLY accepting doors, sinks, windows and cabinets/counter tops - we're out of space for these large items. Doors - we will likely only accept solid core and exterior, with frame or are brand new. Sinks - we will likely only accept with matching vanity base or are brand new. Windows - we will likely only accept multiples, new, in useful sizes. Cabinets w/ or w/o counter tops - we will likely only accept excellent condition, useful dimensions, more modern designs! Please call ahead if you are donating these items!

Don't see something on the list or have a question? Give us a call during business hours - 262-521-5711. Hazardous? Please visit Waukesha County's Hazardous Waste page.

Adhesives

• New, unopened, and not expired.
• Never having been frozen.

Appliances

• Stoves, Cooktops, Ovens, Microwaves, Washers, Dryers - 7 years old or less, (5 for microwaves) in perfect working order needing no parts, clean and ready to be used.
• Refrigerators & Freezers - same as above, plus must be plugged-in and cold at the time of pick up or shown to be in working order at drop-off.
• Dishwashers - 5 years old or less, perfect working order needing no repair or parts, clean and ready to be used.
• Garbage Disposals - New only.
• Trash Compactors - 7 years or less, perfect working order.
• Water Softeners & Water Filtration Systems - New only, in packaging
• Handheld and Countertop - New only.

Asphalt Products

• New only.
• Must be in original packaging marked with either manufacture date or containing the words "no asbestos" OR a written and signed statement will be required from the donor stating where and approximately when the item was purchased new.
• MUST be manufactured after 1980. Asphalt products manufactured prior to 1980 will not be accepted.

Bath

• Towel Bars, Soap Dishes, TP Holders, Toothbrush Holders - Complete with brackets and hardware, “wall mounted” only (no stand-alone ‘décor’ items),
• Handicap Grab Bars & Support Items - In good condition with all parts and accessories.
• Bathtubs - In new or like new condition. No stains, cracks, chips or fading of any kind. Exceptions made for Antique or Claw Foot tubs
• Faucets - In working condition with no damage and with all parts.
• Medicine Cabinets - fairly up to date, no damage or rust, with all parts and shelves.
• Toilets - New or Antique (75+ years) only
• Tub surrounds - In new or like new condition. No stains, cracks, chips or fading
• Showers - In new or like new condition. No stains, cracks, chips or fading (see Shower)
• Vanities - Must have all the doors and drawers, no damage, and fairly up to date.

Bicycles

• In good working order.
• Clean, with all parts and ready to use.
• No rust.

Blinds

• New only, in the original packaging
• Also, see Window Treatments

Books

• Home improvement and repair manuals only.

Brick & Block

• No partial pieces, no mortar, reasonably clean, neatly stacked and readily accessible to truck if for pick-up. Exceptions for large quanities

Cabinets

• Bases and Uppers - Must have all the doors and drawers, no damage, and fairly up to date. Metal is ok, if they have no rust or dents and are in good condition
• Doors - (without Cabinet) - New only Exceptions for large quanities
• Drawers - (without Cabinet) - New only. Exceptions for large quanities
• Face frames - Must include doors or drawers.
• Medicine - fairly up to date, no damage or rust, with all parts and shelves.
• Countertops - No chips, cracks, or other damage. May be made of any material, 4 feet long and longer. (No size requirements if it accompanies the matching cabinet.)
• Drawer Guides - Complete sets only, no damage or rust.
• Cabinet Pulls and Hinges - No paint or excessive wear, complete with no missing pieces, nothing broken, must be boxed or bagged.

Caulk

• New, unopened, and not expired.
• Never having been frozen.

Ceiling Fans

• In perfect working order with all parts, reasonably up to date.
• Fan blades or arms must be removed to prevent damage during transport.
• Bag or box any small parts including the screws if possible.

Ceiling Tiles

• In like new condition only.
• Full pieces only, with no damage, deterioration, or paint.
• Must be in original packaging marked with either manufacture date or containing the words "no asbestos" OR a written and signed statement will be required from the donor giving where and approximately when the item was purchased new.
• MUST be manufactured after 1980. Ceiling tiles products manufactured prior to 1980 will not be accepted.
• Grid Pieces - Full lengths, no damage, no rust;

Ceramic Tile

• New only, clean, unused and boxed for transport.
• Exception for clean antique or art tiles.

Chemicals

• We DO NOT ACCEPT chemicals of any kind.
• This includes cleaning chemicals, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers, etc.
• EXCEPTION: Limited household chemicals may be accepted if new and in large quantities (1 pallet or more.) Must be in its original packaging and not expired or being phased out per regulations. Must have MSDS sheet(s) and store manager approval.

Clothing

• Building related only in good condition, clean, usable and in no need of repair (Coveralls, Gloves, Safety Equipment, Welding Aprons, Etc.)

Computer Equipment

• CPU must be less than 5 years old, monitors, projectors, printers, etc.
• For all devices that are older or not functional, we are a designed drop site for recycling. This service is for individuals; bulk or business recycling should be done by contacting the recycler for options. Link Phone: (414) 541-1716

Cove Base

• Vinyl - New only, full lengths or mostly full rolls.
• Must be in original packaging marked with either manufacture date or containing the words "no asbestos" OR a written and signed statement will be required from the donor giving where and approximately when the item was purchased new.
• MUST be manufactured after 1980. Vinyl cove base products manufactured prior to 1980 will not be accepted

Countertops

• No chips, cracks, or other damage.
• May be made of any material, must be 4 feet long and longer. (No size requirements if it is accompanying the matching cabinet.)

Decorative Items

• Due to space constraints, decorative items must be evaluated case by case. Please contact the Habitat HomeStore for information.

Doors

• Wooden - In excellent condition, with no rot or damage.
• With Glass - In excellent condition, with no rot or damage. No broken glass or broken seals, double-paned or art glass only. Exception made for Antique/Art/Stained Glass.
• Metal & Metal Clad - In excellent condition No dents. Minor surface rust is acceptable.
• Patio Doors - Excellent shape, with full frame, no broken seals, double-paned glass.
• Storm - No dents or damage. Operable and must include the hinge piece, screen (if applicable) and window. Top and side frame pieces highly encouraged.
• Screen - Complete, no rot or damage, prefer screen material to be intact, but some damage is acceptable.

Drop Ceiling Tiles

• In new or like new condition.
• Full pieces only, with no damage, deterioration or paint.
• Must be in original packaging marked with either manufacture date or containing the words "no asbestos" OR a written and signed statement will be required from the donor giving where and approximately when item was purchased new.
• MUST be manufactured after 1980. Ceiling tiles products manufactured prior to 1980 will not be accepted.
• Grid Pieces - Full lengths, no damage, no rust.

Drywall

• Sheets - New only, 4 X 4 feet or larger. No water damage or mold.
• Joint Compound (Mud) - New, unopened, and not expired.
• Tape - Clean and dry, never damp. Partial rolls accepted.
• Corner Bead - 8ft or longer, like new, undamaged sticks (if rolled, partials accepted.)

Electrical

• Fairly up to date, no corrosion, paint or rust. Must meet code.
• Lighting Fixtures - In perfect working order with all parts, reasonably up to date, protected for transport. Exception for antique fixtures.

Fasteners

• Nails - Sorted by type and size, boxed or bagged, no rust. If not in original packaging they must be 1 pound worth or greater.
• Screws - Sorted by type and size, boxed or bagged, no rust. If not in original packaging they must be 1 pound worth or greater.

Fencing

• Chain Link Fabric, Gates, & Top Rail - Good condition, with no damage or rust.
• Wooden - In panels (8ft wide+), in good structural condition with no rot or damage.
• Vinyl - Full pieces or panels (8ft wide+) in good structural condition with no damage.
• All Posts - Structurally sound, unbent, clean with no concrete attached or rot.
• All Other Fence Material - Chicken wire, snow fence, etc. are acceptable. No rust, major tears, or other damage. Minimum of 10 feet

Fireplace

• Fireplace Inserts - In excellent condition with all parts, well-maintained, and clean.
  
• Fireplaces, Stand-Alone and Wood Burning/Potbelly Stoves - In good condition with all parts well-maintained, clean and up to date with a good cosmetic appearance. Exception for Antiques.
  
• Fronts and Doors - Complete, no rust or damage, clean, and fully functional.
  
• Tools - individual or in sets, clean and in good condition.
  
• Gas Logs - in perfect working order, clean and undamaged.
  
• Wood Cradles, etc. - Undamaged and clean with no rust.

Flooring

• Carpet - New only. Room size and larger (10’x10’)
  
• Carpet Pad - New only. Room size and larger (10’x10’)
  
• Wood - All types, useable lengths (1 ft. or more), no nails, rot, or other damage. If tongue and groove, ‘tongues’ and ‘grooves’ must be intact.
  
• Parquet - Full pieces, no rot or damage, boxed or sacked for handling.
  
• Laminate - Full pieces, no rot or damage.
  
• Tile (Ceramic, Glass, Metal, Stone) - See Tile
  
• Vinyl, Rolled - New only, 6’ x 6’ and larger, no cracks or other damage Must be in original packaging marked with either manufacture date or containing the words "no asbestos" OR a written and signed statement will be required from the donor giving where and approximately when item was purchased new. MUST be manufactured after 1980. Vinyl flooring products manufactured prior to 1980 will not be accepted.
  
• Vinyl, Tiles - New only, both adhesive and non-adhesive, full pieces, boxed or sacked for handling. Must be in original packaging marked with either manufacture date or containing the words "no asbestos" OR a written and signed statement will be required from the donor giving where and approximately when item was purchased new. MUST be manufactured after 1980. Vinyl flooring products manufactured prior to 1980 will not be accepted.

Furniture

• Wood and steel - furniture in good condition with very minor damage or rust.
  
• Upholstered - New only. Unless antique or in absolutely perfect condition.

Garage

• Wooden & Metal Doors - New Only. Or of exceptional quality
  
• Tracks, Springs, Cables, Rollers, Hinges, etc. - In like new condition only.
  
• Electric Openers - 7 years old or less, perfect working order needing no repair or parts. To include all parts, including remotes if applicable.

Glass

• Panes - See Windows
  
• Shelving - See Shelving
  
• Mirrors - In good condition with no chips, cracks, or discoloration. Unless antique.

Hardware

• Door Locks and Knobs - fully functional with all parts, no excessive wear, scratches, or paint, boxed or bagged individually.
  
• Hinges - all types, must have all parts, unpainted, with no rust.
  
• Miscellaneous - should be specifically sorted and packaged, clean and operable.
  
• Nails & Screws - see Fasteners.

Household Appliances

• Appliances - See Appliances or HVAC
  
• Computers and Computer Equipment - See Computer Equipment
  
• Televisions - Must be in perfect working order with all parts. 10 years old or less.
  
• Audio Equipment - Must be in perfect working order with all parts. 10 years old or less.
  
• Other Handheld and Countertop Electronics - New only.
  
• Office Equipment - See Office Equipment
  
• Tools - See Tools.
  
• Lighting - See Light Fixtures
  

HVAC

• Furnaces - Gas or electric only, 5 years old or less, in perfect working order needing no repair or parts, well-maintained. Documentation of age is required.
  
• Central Air Conditioners (Central Outdoor Unit) - New only.
  
• Evaporators (A-Coils) - 5 years old or less, little rust or corrosion, preferably with the matching condenser unit.
  
• Air Conditioners (Window) - 7 years old or less, perfect working order needing no repair or parts. Must be tested and blowing cold before being accepted.
  
• Duct - Metal only, unless new. 2’ sections and longer, with little rust or corrosion.
  
• Duct Fittings - All types, with little rust or corrosion.
  
• Vents/Covers - Clean and functional and with no rust.

Insulation

• Backed & Unbacked Fiberglass - new or like new, clean and never damp, rolled, bound, or otherwise contained for transport
  
• Blown - New only, in original packaging.
  
• Sheet - New or like new, 4x4+ sheets, clean with no damage or holes (nail holes ok)

Lawn & Garden

• Tools - See Tools
• Plants - All plants must be healthy and packaged (potted or balled) for transportation and resale (Seasonal only)
• Seed - New only in original, unopened package
• Materials - In new or like new condition, clean and usable. See Stone or Lumber

Light Bulbs

• Incandescent
• Compact fluorescent or high-efficiency - must have incandescent-style socket.
• Fluorescent - New only in original, unopened package. Used fluorescent bulbs will not be accepted.

Light Fixtures

• In working order and with all parts, reasonably up to date, protected for transport. Exception for antique fixtures.
  
• Fluorescent Light Fixtures - New or like new. Ballast label must state "no PCBs". Ballast must be exposed at time of pick up for inspection (unless new). Bulbs removed.
  
• Ceiling Fans - See Ceiling Fans

Lumber

• In like new or usable condition with no rotten or deteriorated areas. Dimensional (framing) - 6 feet and longer. Preferably without nails or screws
  
• Sheets - 4’x4’ and larger, no irregular shapes, damage, rot or peeling paint.
  
• Railroad Ties - New only.
  
• Trim - See Trim

Office Equipment

• Electronic - New or like new, with all parts and no damage. Less than 5 years old.
  
• Furniture - See Furniture

Paint

• All Paint, Stain and Sealers - Only new cans (including Spray paint) that are unopened and full.
• Contents must have never been frozen. Less than 3 years old.

Patio Furniture

• Tables, chairs, benches, swings, and umbrellas accepted.
• Little or no rust, well-maintained and sturdy. If plastic-not cracked, brittle or faded.

Pipe

• Copper, Iron, and Galvanized - Clean free flowing lengths of 3 feet or greater in good usable condition, without any major rust or corrosion.
• PVC, CPVC - New or like new lengths of 3 foot or greater. Clean and bundled together

Pools & Pool Equipment

• New only. In original packaging

Plumbing

• Fittings, Valves, etc.
• Clean, useable and packaged, all pieces included (if kit, etc.).
• No used PVC fittings.
• Also see Pipe

Railing

• Metal - All lengths, well-maintained without damage and with little rust or deterioration.
  
• Wooden - See Trim.

Safety Equipment

• In good condition.
• Clean and usable with all necessary parts.

Shelving

• Assembled Shelving Units and metal or glass shelves only.
• Sturdy with no rust or other damage.

Shingles

• Asphalt Shingles - Full unused packages only. Must be in original packaging marked with either manufacture date or containing the words "no asbestos" OR a written and signed statement will be required from the donor giving where and approximately when item was purchased new. MUST be manufactured after 1980. Asphalt Shingle products manufactured prior to 1980 will not be accepted.
  
• Metal and Slate Shingles - In good usable condition and bundled together.
  
• Wood Shingles - New bundles only

Shower

• Kits - New and like new Sets/kits (all panels, doors w/ frame, and base) are preferred, but parts accepted as described below.
  
• Bases - Must be new or like new, clean with no cracks or other damage.
  
• Panel Sets - New or like new. Full sets only, no damage, no discoloration and clean.
  
• Inserts - New or like new. No damage, no discoloration and clean.
  
• Shower Doors - New or like new, sliding or hinged, must have all parts including all tracks/frame, no broken glass or bent pieces. Must be clean with no soap scum (well maintained) and no mold.

Shutters

• Wooden - interior or exterior, in good shape with no damage, rot, or peeling.
  
• Vinyl - good condition, no damage, brittleness, or fading

Siding

• Vinyl - New or like new, full, undamaged pieces or accessories only.
  
• Wooden/Hardboard - 6’ long or longer for lengths, at least ½ sheet large for sheets/panels, full pieces for shake-type, no damage or rot.
  
• Asbestos or Asphalt - None.
  
• Fiber Cement (Concrete-Based) - Same as for Wooden/Hardboard Siding plus Must be in original packaging marked with either manufacture date or containing the words "no asbestos" OR a written and signed statement will be required from the donor giving where and approximately when item was purchased new. MUST be manufactured after 1980. Concrete siding products manufactured prior to 1980 will not be accepted.

Sinks

• In new or like new condition, with no chips, cracks, rust or deep scratches in finish.
• Neutral colors preferred with up to date design.
• Exception for Antiques.

Steel

• Flat Stock, Channel, Angle, I-beams, etc.
• Clean usable lengths (6ft or more) with minimal rust or corrosion.
• Sheet stock with sharp edges must be taped.

Stone/Rock

• Wall, veneer, and landscape stone all accepted.
• Must be relatively clean with little debris.
• Items must be packaged for handling by one person.

Swing Sets

• 7 years old or less.
• Complete with all parts, including instructions or detailed photos of assembled item; no rot or rust.
• Disassembled for transport if picked up.

Tile

• Ceramic, Glass, Metal, Stone - Full pieces, unused & packaged Unless Antique
  
• Vinyl, Tiles - New only, both adhesive and non-adhesive, full pieces, boxed or sacked for handling. Must be in original packaging marked with either manufacture date or containing the words "no asbestos" OR a written and signed statement will be required from the donor giving where and approximately when item was purchased new. MUST be manufactured after 1980.
• Vinyl flooring products manufactured prior to 1980 will not be accepted

Toilets

• New or Antique (75+ years) only

Tools

• Wood/Metal Working or Lawn & Garden
  
• Hand - In good condition, clean & usable with little or no rust
  
• Electrical - In good working order and clean. Must have all parts.
  
• Gas-Powered - In good working order and clean. Must have all parts and be able to demonstrate that it starts and runs.

Trim

• Trim & Moulding - 6 feet or longer, no nails or screws, good cosmetic condition. Exception: Top door trim piece (<6’) is acceptable with both matching side pieces.
  
• Handrail - 6 feet or longer, no nails or screws, no damage, rot, or peeling paint.
  
• Landing Posts and Spindles - undamaged and unaltered, no nails or screws, in good cosmetic condition.

Tubs

• Bathtubs - In new or like new condition. No stains, cracks, chips or fading of any kind. Exceptions made for Antique or Claw Foot tubs
  
• Tub surrounds - In new or like new condition. No stains, cracks, chips or fading

Wallpaper

• New full rolls only, in packaging, not discolored or damaged.

Windows

• Single/Double-Hung, Slider, Casement/Awning, Fixed/Picture, Jalousie & Architectural - In excellent condition, double-paned, wooden, vinyl, or metal construction acceptable. Must have full frame, no rot, no broken glass or seals, fully operational (unless art, stained or antique glass)
  
• Glass Panes (Unframed Glass) - New in original shipping packaging only. No broken seals on double pane or triple pane glass. We do not possess the equipment to safely handle or sell unpackaged glass.
  
• Glass Inserts for Storm Windows - None.
  
• Screen Inserts for Storm Windows - None.
  
• Screen Inserts for Windows - Aluminum, Wood and vinyl frames acceptable. Must be complete and undamaged. No storm window screen inserts.
  
• Storm, Aluminum - Complete with all pieces ONLY. Must be fully-functioning, no broken glass or torn screens. Glass taped for transportation is preferred.
  
• Storm, Wooden - None.

Window Treatments

• Venetian or “Mini” Blinds - New only, in packaging
  
• Vertical Blinds - New only, in packaging.
  
• Curtains, Drapes, Valences - New only, in packaging
  
• Curtain Rods, Traverse Rods - Undamaged and in good cosmetic condition.

Wire

• Electrical (meets code for use) - New only. Partial rolls okay. Minimum length 20 feet
  
• Audio and Data - In good, usable condition. Minimum length 20 feet
• Structural - Undamaged (no fraying or kinks) with no rust. Minimum length 20 feet
• Welding - Undamaged and in usable condition.