What happens to donated items before shelves, according to charity shop worker

A former charity shop worker says many donated items don’t end up being sold, because stores must discard what can’t be resold. In a TikTok video, Massimo Peluso—who has worked and volunteered at charity shops—explained that while some locations handle unwanted clothing through recycling services or even on-site washing machines, other donations are far more difficult. He said damaged or “smashed” items are typically thrown away, and smaller charities can become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of unsuitable stock. The post sparked discussion about whether donors should reconsider what they drop off, especially since shops must still assess whether goods are safe, clean, and fit for resale.