Where to Donate Camping Gear in Australia

You've upgraded to a bigger tent, replaced a tired swag, or cleared out the garage after a campervan season. The gear still works — it just doesn't fit your setup anymore. Sending it to landfill feels wrong, and selling it on Marketplace takes time you might not have.

Donating camping gear is one of the easiest ways to keep useful equipment in circulation, help people who can't afford new kit, and free up space before your next camping trip or campervan adventure. But not every charity accepts the same items — and some outdoor gear is better suited to specialist programs than a general op shop.

This guide is based on current Australian charity policies and retailer programs. It covers where to donate, what each organisation actually accepts, and how to handle worn-out or hazardous items responsibly.

The golden rule: clean, dry and functional

Unless a program states otherwise, donations should be clean, dry, odour-free and in good working condition — the kind of thing you'd happily give to a friend. Drop off during store or office hours, and phone ahead for shelters or large deliveries.

Tax receipts: Most donated goods are resold to fund charity programs, so you generally won't receive a tax-deductible receipt for items (only monetary gifts qualify at most organisations). Exceptions exist — for example, the Hutt St Centre in Adelaide can issue receipts for eligible donations.

What can you donate — and what gets turned away?

Acceptance varies widely. Clothing, footwear, bags and backpacks are widely accepted at national op shops. Full camping setups — tents, stoves, gas canisters — are more restricted.

• Usually welcome: Clean outdoor clothing, hiking boots, backpacks, day packs, sleeping bags (clean, no mould), rain jackets and warm layers
• Sometimes accepted: Tents, swags, camp chairs, eskies and cookware — check with the specific store or program first
• Almost never accepted: Gas canisters or fuel bottles (fire/explosion hazard), torn or stained items, mouldy bedding, broken stoves, BBQs with fuel, baby gear without safety tags, or pressurised cylinders

Never put gas canisters in regular bins or donation bins. Take empty disposable fuel canisters to a hazardous waste facility, council clean-out day, or return via Swap'n'Go at service stations and Bunnings. Check Recycling Near You for local disposal sites.

National charities and programs

St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies)

Vinnies runs charitable thrift shops nationwide. They accept good-quality clothing (men's, women's and kids'), footwear, bags and backpacks, plus household goods, books and toys at most locations.

• Not accepted: Torn, stained or soiled items; damaged furniture; electronics; stained mattresses or bedding
• Drop-off: Local Vinnies stores or donation bins during shop hours — no booking needed
• Contact: Call 13 18 12 or use the store finder on their website
• Condition test: Would you give it to a friend?

The Salvation Army (Salvos Stores)

Salvos Stores operate nationally, selling donated goods to fund homelessness support, disaster relief and community programs.

• Accepts: Clothing and accessories; homewares, books and toys; small furniture and working appliances at selected stores
• Not accepted: Gas bottles, fuel appliances, BBQs (unless new), explosive items, baby products without standards tags (car seats, cots), unsanitary mattresses or bedding, dirty or damaged items
• Drop-off: Any Salvos Store during opening hours; call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) to arrange furniture pickup

Australian Red Cross Shops

Red Cross Shops accept quality resale goods, but their policy is stricter on outdoor and bulky items than many people expect.

• Accepts: Good-quality clothing, shoes, bags and accessories; books, CDs and DVDs; homewares only if new in packaging
• Not accepted: Stained or damaged items; used kitchenware; furniture; whitegoods; electricals; baby items; outdoor equipment (BBQs, trampolines); gas canisters or hazardous items
• Drop-off: Over-the-counter at Red Cross Shops during opening hours — no home collection

For camping backpacks and outdoor apparel, Vinnies or Salvos are usually a better first stop than Red Cross.

GIVIT — match gear to a charity that needs it

GIVIT is a national online platform where charities post specific requests and donors offer items directly. It's one of the most effective ways to donate outdoor gear, furniture, appliances and sports equipment nationally.

• Accepts: Almost any good-quality item in clean, working condition — including outdoor gear, tools, furniture and clothing
• Not accepted: Hazardous, illegal or perishable items (medications, flammable gas, fodder)
• How it works: List your item on GIVIT; a verified charity claims it and arranges pickup or drop-off with you
• Note: Tax receipts are only available for monetary donations on GIVIT, not for goods

Retailer take-back and recycling programs

Several Australian outdoor retailers run circularity programs — useful when op shops won't take worn apparel or when you want gear rehomed or recycled rather than landfilled.

Kathmandu — UPPAREL bins

Kathmandu hosts UPPAREL textile recycling bins at 16 stores nationwide. Accepts Kathmandu-brand clothing, hats, socks and footwear (including outdoor apparel). Reusable items go to charity partners; the rest is recycled.

Paddy Pallin — UPPAREL bins

Paddy Pallin stores have UPPAREL bins accepting used clothing and footwear of any brand. Check the store locator on Paddy Pallin or UPPAREL's website for participating locations.

Macpac — UpCircle mail-in

Macpac's UpCircle program lets you buy a prepaid box, send up to 10 kg of clean textiles (any brand) to their UPPAREL partner, and receive store credit. It's a paid mail-in service rather than a drop-off donation.

Offtrack — Chameleon gear reuse (Victoria)

Melbourne retailer Offtrack runs the Chameleon program to rehome quality outdoor gear at their Bayswater store (7 Amsted Rd, Bayswater VIC 3153).

• Currently accepts: Clean, usable sleeping bags, hiking packs and daypacks, outdoor clothing and footwear; climbing harnesses (for recycling)
• Not currently accepting: Tents, sleeping mats and camp cooking gear (storage full)
• Contact: Phone 1300 279 959 or email info@offtrack.com.au to arrange drop-off

Patagonia Worn Wear and The North Face Renewed

These are trade-in programs, not charity donations — you send in branded gear for store credit. Patagonia Worn Wear accepts Patagonia-branded items globally. The North Face Renewed operates similarly; check current Australian availability before posting items.

Community gear libraries and outdoor groups

Beyond op shops, these channels often put camping gear directly into use:

• Scouts Australia — Local Scout groups and Girl Guides run camps year-round and are often short on tents, sleeping bags and cooking gear. Contact your nearest group directly.
• Gear libraries — Some councils and outdoor education programs run gear-loan libraries (e.g. Gear Library Melbourne, Leichhardt Council gear library in Sydney). University outdoor clubs and bushwalking groups occasionally run gear swaps.
• Youth and outdoor programs — PCYC centres, school camps and adventure programs may accept extras. Search for outdoor education programs in your city.
• Homeless services — Organisations via Homelessness Australia often need sleeping bags, swags and warm layers seasonally. Requirements change — call first.
• Buy Nothing and local groups — Buy Nothing groups, Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree connect you with neighbours who need exactly what you're giving away — zero transport if someone collects locally.

How to prepare gear before donating

1. Clean everything. Wipe down tents, wash sleeping bag liners, scrub camp cookware. Musty or mouldy gear is usually discarded immediately.
2. Check completeness. Include all tent poles, pegs, guy ropes and stuff sacks. Note any missing parts on a label.
3. Test stoves and lanterns. Donate only working equipment. Never include gas canisters — dispose of them separately at a hazardous waste facility.
4. Remove batteries. Take used batteries out of torches and lanterns before drop-off.
5. Bag it neatly. Pack items in a sturdy bag or box so volunteers can handle them easily.
6. Phone ahead for shelters. Many homelessness services have specific needs and limited storage — a quick call saves a wasted trip.

When donation isn't the right option

Sell or swap

Quality brands in excellent condition hold value on Gumtree, eBay, Facebook Marketplace or Depop. Outdoor consignment shops and local swap meets are worth checking for high-end gear. Buy Nothing groups are free and fast for local handovers.

Repair first

Boots can be resoled by cobblers; jackets and tents patched by outdoor repair specialists. Kathmandu and other retailers offer repair services. A small repair often keeps gear out of landfill for years.

Recycle responsibly

Worn-out sleeping bags, damaged tents and unusable apparel can go to textile recycling bins — council bins, UPPAREL programs, or find your nearest option via Recycling Near You. Metal components (buckles, stove frames) can go to scrap metal recycling.

Hazardous items — handle separately

Never donate or bin gas cartridges, fuel bottles, fire extinguishers or pressurised cylinders. Use council Household Chemical CleanOut days, Swap'n'Go at Bunnings and service stations, or manufacturer return programs. Batteries go to dedicated battery recycling points.

Why donating camping gear matters

Outdoor gear is expensive, and access to nature shouldn't depend on income. A donated sleeping bag or backpack can mean someone stays warm through a cold night. For families rebuilding after a flood or bushfire, basic shelter equipment is genuinely life-changing.

Donating also keeps synthetic fabrics and aluminium out of landfill longer. Extending gear life by even one extra user is a meaningful step — and retailer programs like UPPAREL and Chameleon make it easier to do the right thing when op shops can't take everything.

Final thoughts

Start with the item type: clothing and backpacks go to Vinnies or Salvos; specific outdoor requests go on GIVIT; worn Kathmandu or any-brand apparel goes to UPPAREL bins; quality sleeping bags and packs in Victoria can go to Offtrack Chameleon. For shelters, always call first.

Spend ten minutes cleaning and bagging your gear, dispose of gas canisters safely, and your old setup can help someone else get outdoors. Ready for your next adventure? Explore campsites across Australia or browse holiday park stays for your upcoming trip.