If you are moving house or decluttering, you need to know where to trade or give away your belongings. This guide lists the best platforms and locations in Madrid to buy, sell, and donate second-hand items.
You must handle waste disposal correctly to avoid municipal fines.
Where to buy and sell second-hand online
Online marketplaces are the most popular way to trade used goods in Spain. You can find everything from clothes to large furniture.
Wallapop
Wallapop is the leading second-hand application in Spain.
You can buy and sell items locally using in-person meetups.
The app also features a shipping service called Wallapop Envíos.
This system holds the buyer’s money until the item arrives and is verified.
Milanuncios and Facebook Marketplace
Milanuncios is a traditional classifieds website. It remains useful for buying cars, large furniture, and household appliances.
Facebook Marketplace is very active in Madrid.
It is particularly popular in expat groups. You can find cheap furniture from foreigners who are leaving the city.
Second-hand shops in Madrid
If you prefer physical shops, Madrid has several options for second-hand goods.
Cash Converters
Cash Converters is a large chain of pawnbrokers. They buy and sell used electronics, jewelry, and musical instruments.
They pay cash immediately for your items. However, their buying prices are very low.
Re-Read
Re-Read is a popular chain of second-hand bookstores.
They buy and sell books at fixed prices.
Their pricing model is simple: one book costs €4.00, two books cost €6.00, and five books cost €12.00.
They only buy books that are in good condition.
Where to donate furniture and household goods
Several charitable organizations collect second-hand furniture to support their social programs.
Cáritas Madrid
Cáritas is a major charity managed by the Catholic Church. They accept furniture and household goods to distribute to families in need.
If you have large items, you can request a home collection.
They will inspect the furniture to ensure it is usable before taking it.
Asociación Remar
Remar is an NGO that runs rehabilitation programs. They collect second-hand furniture and appliances.
They repair the items and sell them in their thrift shops.
They offer a free home pickup service for large furniture.
You must book a pickup appointment online or by phone.
How to donate clothes in Madrid
You must not throw old clothes in the standard trash bins. Madrid has specific recycling systems for textiles.
Red collection bins
The Ayuntamiento de Madrid places red clothing bins on streets throughout the city.
You can drop off clothes, shoes, and bedding inside these bins.
The city works with charities to sort the clothes.
Good items are donated or sold in thrift shops, while damaged textiles are recycled.
Humana shops
Humana is an NGO that operates second-hand clothing shops in Madrid.
They have green collection bins across the city.
You can also drop off clean clothes directly at any Humana retail store.
The sales revenue supports international development projects.
Rastrillos and parish collections
Many local parishes (parroquias) and neighborhood associations host charity markets.
These markets are called rastrillos in Spain.
They collect donated clothing, books, and toys during specific times of the year.
The items are sold at low prices to raise funds for local community projects.
Checklist for donating items
Charities do not accept broken or dirty items. You must check your belongings before donating.
Donation standards checklist
Verify these points before giving items away:
- Cleanliness : Wash all clothing, curtains, and bedding.
- Completeness : Ensure furniture contains all drawers, shelves, and screws.
- Functionality : Verify that all electronic items turn on and function correctly.
- Condition : Check that mattresses and sofas are free from deep stains or tears.
How to get rid of large bulk waste
You cannot leave large furniture on the street next to standard trash bins. The city offers free disposal options.
Municipal bulk collection
The city runs a free collection service for large items. This is called recogida de muebles y enseres.
Each neighborhood has a designated day of the week for bulk waste.
You must place your items on the pavement next to your door on that evening.
You can also request a custom pickup by calling the city service line at 010.
Puntos Limpios (Recycling centers)
For smaller bulk waste, use the municipal recycling centers. These are called puntos limpios.
Madrid has large fixed centers in each district.
The city also operates mobile centers (puntos limpios móviles) that park at specific times on neighborhood streets.
They accept electronics, batteries, paint, and lightbulbs.
Questions and answers
Can I leave furniture on the street at any time?
No. Leaving bulk waste on the street outside the designated day is illegal. The police can fine you between €750.00 and €1,500.00 for illegal dumping.
Do charities charge for home furniture pickup?
No. Organizations like Remar and Cáritas collect furniture for free. However, the items must be in good condition. They will reject broken or heavily damaged items.
Is Wallapop safe for buyers?
Yes, if you use their payment system. Wallapop Envíos protects your money. If the item does not match the description, you can open a dispute to get a refund.
Where can I buy vintage clothing in Madrid?
In the Malasaña neighborhood. Streets like Calle de Velarde and Calle de Espíritu Santo are famous for vintage shops. They sell clothes by weight or individual price.
Can I donate school textbooks?
Yes. You can donate them to public libraries, neighborhood associations, or school parent groups (AMPA). Many charities run donation drives before the school year starts.
What is the mobile Punto Limpio schedule?
It varies by neighborhood. You can check the parking locations and times on the Madrid Ayuntamiento website. They usually park for two hours at each location.
How do I dispose of a second-hand mattress?
Use the municipal bulk collection. You must place the mattress on the curb on your neighborhood’s designated collection night. You can also take it to a fixed Punto Limpio.
