Where to Donate Exercise Equipment in Southern California

Got exercise equipment collecting dust? Whether it’s dumbbells you never use, yoga mats that have seen better days, or that resistance band set taking up space, donating your gear helps others stay active while supporting important causes. Here’s your complete guide to hassle-free donation options across Southern California.

Quick Decision Guide: Find Your Best Option

Small & light equipment? (dumbbells, resistance bands, yoga mats, kettlebells, small benches) Easy Donation Pickup is your answer. Free curbside pickup in Los Angeles and Orange County. Schedule online, leave items outside, and get your tax receipt.

Bigger gear? (treadmills, ellipticals, multi-gym systems, large weight sets) Try Habitat for Humanity ReStore or Salvation Army first. If they can’t take it, consider removal services or local resale groups.

School or youth gear? (balls, bats, helmets, rackets, team sports equipment) EDP can take those too, or you can call nearby schools, YMCAs, or youth sports programs

How Easy Donation Pickup Works

Service Area: Los Angeles & Orange County

What We Accept: Items one person can carry, including:

• Dumbbells and kettlebells
• Yoga mats and blocks
• Resistance bands and tubes
• Small benches and step platforms
• Bats, balls, and rackets
• Skates, helmets, and protective gear
• Small exercise accessories

Simple 3-Step Process:

1. Schedule: Enter your ZIP code online or call to pick a convenient date
2. Pack & Label: Box or bag your items and mark them “NVF”
3. Set Out Items: Place them curbside or by your doorstep, no need to be home. We’ll pick them up rain or shine and leave your tax receipt

Why Choose Easy Donation Pickup: Your donation is fast, free, and supports the National Veterans Foundation’s outreach programs and essential services for veterans in need.

Other Southern California Donation Options

Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Greater Los Angeles)

Often accepts newer, working exercise equipment. Call ahead to confirm acceptance and schedule either drop-off or pickup service. Items typically need to be less than 5 years old and in good working condition.

Salvation Army (Anaheim ARC / San Diego ARC)

Accepts small workout and sporting goods at many locations. Check local item lists first, as policies vary by location. Some locations offer pickup services. Call ahead to confirm.

Youth & Community Programs

Local schools, community centers, YMCAs, and youth sports programs often welcome donations of usable sports and fitness gear. Call ahead to discuss their current needs and condition requirements.

Fee-Based Removal Services

When charities can’t accept large machines like treadmills or ellipticals, consider reputable removal services that prioritize donation and recycling. You can also post items for free on Buy Nothing groups or Facebook Marketplace and ask the recipient to handle pickup.

What Charities Typically Accept

Condition Requirements: Items should be clean, working, and safe. Clean your items well and ensure they are in good condition. Most places will not accept any items that have been recalled.

Likely Accepted (Small/Carryable):

• Free weights and resistance equipment
• Exercise mats and accessories
• Sports gear and protective equipment
• Small fitness tools and gadgets

Case-by-Case Basis: Large treadmills, ellipticals, and multi-gym systems. Always confirm acceptance before scheduling pickup or drop-off.

If Your Items Are Declined: Try resale groups, free community boards or removal services that prioritize donation and recycling over landfill disposal.

Quick Reference Comparison

Provider	Area	What They Take	How It Works	Tax Receipt
Easy Donation Pickup	LA & Orange County	Small, carryable exercise/sports items	Free curbside pickup; online scheduling	Yes
Habitat LA ReStore	Greater Los Angeles	Newer/working exercise gear (confirm first)	Drop-off or scheduled pickup	Yes
Salvation Army	OC & San Diego	Small workout/sports items (location-specific)	Drop-off; some pickups; call ahead	Yes
Schools/Youth Programs	Local areas	Usable sports gear; limited fitness equipment	Call to confirm needs	Varies
Removal Services	Region-wide	Heavy/large items; aims to donate/recycle	Scheduled haul-away (fee-based)	No

Best Times of Year to Donate

Peak Donation Season (January – March): The new year brings a surge in fitness resolutions, making this the perfect time to donate equipment you’re no longer using. Charities see increased demand for fitness gear as people commit to healthier lifestyles, and you’ll have more time to organize your tax deductions for the previous year.

Spring Cleaning Season (April – May): Many people declutter during spring cleaning, making this an ideal time to donate. Youth sports programs often prepare for summer activities, creating higher demand for sports equipment and gear.

Back-to-School Period (August – September): Schools and after-school programs actively seek sports equipment and fitness gear for new academic year programs. Your donation can directly impact students’ physical education and extracurricular activities.

Year-End Tax Planning (November – December): If you’re looking to maximize tax deductions for the current year, donating before December 31st ensures your charitable contribution counts toward that tax year. Many donors also find time during holiday breaks to organize and donate unused items.

Tip: While these are optimal times, don’t wait if you’re ready to donate now. Charities and veterans need support year-round, and your space will benefit immediately from decluttering.

Where Your Donated Equipment Actually Goes

When you donate through Easy Donation Pickup, your exercise equipment supports the National Veterans Foundation’s mission in meaningful ways.

Direct Impact on Veterans

Your donation helps fund NVF’s critical services, including the vet-to-vet toll-free helpline that has helped over 450,000 veterans, plus food assistance, transportation help, employment support, and housing programs.

Equipment in Action

Donated fitness gear often goes to veteran families, community centers in underserved areas, rehabilitation facilities, and transitional housing programs creating wellness spaces.

That yoga mat you donated might help a veteran manage PTSD through mindfulness practice. Those dumbbells could assist someone in physical therapy recovery. Your resistance bands might be exactly what a veteran needs to start a home fitness routine.

When you choose Easy Donation Pickup, you’re investing in the health and well-being of those who served our country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you take treadmills or ellipticals?

Easy Donation Pickup accepts only items, one person can carry. For large machines, try Habitat for Humanity ReStore or Salvation Army first. If they can’t take them, use a removal service that prioritizes donation and recycling.

Do I need to be home for pickup?

Not with Easy Donation Pickup. Simply leave your labeled items outside, and you’ll receive your tax receipt. It’s that easy!

What if I’m outside LA or Orange County?

Check with your nearest Habitat for Humanity ReStore or Salvation Army location, as donation policies vary by region.

What condition should my equipment be in?

Items should be clean, functional, and safe to use. If you wouldn’t feel comfortable giving it to a friend, it’s probably not suitable for donation.

Can I claim a tax deduction for my donation?

Yes! Easy Donation Pickup provides a tax receipt for all donations, which you can use to claim a charitable deduction on your taxes. Keep the receipt with your tax records and consult your tax advisor about the deduction amount you can claim.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Ready to donate your exercise gear the easy way? Schedule your free pickup today and make a difference for local veterans while you declutter.

Your unused equipment can help veterans in need while giving you back valuable space. It’s a win-win that takes just minutes to arrange.