How to Donate Gym Equipment

Charitable organizations could use your old gym equipment.

If your old elliptical trainer or yoga mat is collecting dust in your garage, try donating the items to a charitable organization. Many churches and nonprofit organizations will be eager to take the items off your hands. Many organizations might even come to your location and pick up your old gym equipments. So don't use that old treadmill as a glorified clothes hanger, instead, give your unwanted gym equipment to an organization or individual who will use the item.

Instructions

1. 

   Test electrical gym equipment to ensure that it functions properly.

   Contact Fitness 4 Charity to donate unwanted gym equipment. The organization accepts used gym and exercise equipment, and will give the equipment to groups in need, such as foster homes and churches. Please inform Fitness 4 Charity of any known problems with the equipment prior to donating the items,

2. Visit the Charity Navigator website to find local not-for profits in your area, and use the advance search function. Type in your state, city or zip code. A list of charitable organizations will appear. Call a few of these organizations to see if they are willing to take your unwanted gym equipment.

   If the organization will not take your gym equipment, a representative might be able to point you to a charity that does take gym equipment.

3. 

   Disadvantaged kids could use your items.

   Attempt to donate your smaller unwanted gym equipment to Sports Gift, an organization that provides sports equipment to disadvantage kids throughout the world. The organization will only take specific items, such as jump ropes and basketballs, so please be sure to look over the detailed list located on their website.

4. 

   Recycle your old mat.

   Visit the Recycle Your Mat site to get rid of used exercise mats. Recycle Your Mat will take any mat and will recycle it to reduce landfill waste. Browse the website to find the nearest drop off location or mail the exercise mat directly to the organization. Donating to Recycle Your Mat improves the environment and creates more space in your closet.

5. Try posting the item on Craigslist or the local newspaper. See if your local newspaper has a section dedicated to free goods. Describe the gym equipment item clearly and attach a photograph with the online posting or newspaper ad.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you save receipts and proof of donations. These documents will become useful during income tax season.

• Contact friends and family if the listed charitable organizations do not have a need for the gym equipment items.

• Do not donate dirty or soiled gym equipment. Wipe down all items before delivering to the charitable organization.

• Contact the organization ahead of time before before leaving large or heavy pieces of unwanted gym equipment at the donation site.

References

• Charity Navigator: Guide to Donating Noncash Items.
• Fitness 4 Charity: How to Donate
• Recycle Your Mat
• Sports Gift: Donate Equipment

Resources

• Charities Review Council: What You Should Know Before Donating Goods to a Charity
• Craigslist: FAQ