The market for DVDs has shrunk dramatically, but they haven't disappeared. Libraries, prisons, senior centers, veterans programs, and a handful of thrift stores still want them. Here's where they're most useful, and what to do when the obvious places say no.
Many public libraries still maintain DVD collections and accept donations for their collections or for book sales that fund library programs. Acceptance varies by branch — a small rural library may welcome any DVD in good condition, while a large urban branch may only take recent releases or specific genres. Call your branch and ask. Even if they don't add them to circulation, many libraries run annual book and media sales where donated DVDs go.
Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local thrift stores typically accept DVDs and sell them for $1–$3 each. Condition matters: discs should play, cases should be intact, and the title should be clearly labeled. They generally don't want: porn, blank discs, home recordings, training videos, or anything without its original packaging. A collection of Hollywood movies in good cases is usually welcome.
Many state prison systems and county jails accept DVD donations for inmate programming and recreation. The process varies significantly by facility — most require donations to go through an approved volunteer organization or the facility's chaplain rather than direct mail. Contact your state's department of corrections or a local prison ministry organization (like Prison Fellowship) to find out the process for your state. This is where DVDs genuinely fill a gap — streaming isn't available in most correctional facilities.
Senior centers and assisted living facilities often run movie nights or loan DVDs to residents. Many elderly residents grew up watching films on physical media and prefer it; streaming interfaces can be difficult to navigate. Call a local senior center or assisted living facility and ask if they accept DVD donations for their activity programs. Classics, musicals, comedies, and documentaries tend to go over better than recent action films.
Hospitals with long-term care units, pediatric wards, and cancer centers sometimes maintain DVD libraries for patients who spend extended time in care. Contact the patient services or volunteer coordinator at a local hospital. Children's hospitals are particularly good destinations for family-friendly DVDs.
The USO and VA recreational programs sometimes accept DVD donations for veterans in long-term care or rehabilitation programs. Check with your nearest VA medical center's volunteer services coordinator.
If your DVDs are in good condition, selling or trading may net you more than donation. Half Price Books buys DVDs for cash or store credit. Decluttr pays by mail — you enter barcodes on their app, ship the box, and they deposit payment. Some local independent video stores (yes, a few still exist) buy used DVDs. The money from a sale can then be donated to a charity of your choice.
Last updated May 2026. Errors: [email protected]
DVD donations have become genuinely difficult to place since streaming platforms overtook physical media. Most large thrift chains — Goodwill, Salvation Army, Value Village — still accept DVDs but have limited shelf space and already receive more than they sell. The market for used DVDs at Goodwill is thin because streaming is cheaper and more convenient for most buyers. This doesn't mean DVDs are worthless to donate, but it does mean you need to be strategic about where you bring them.
The most useful question to ask before donating: who still needs physical DVDs? Populations without reliable internet access, people in facilities without streaming, and collectors of specific genres are the realistic recipients for donated DVDs in 2026.
Many correctional facilities have DVD libraries for inmate recreation. Internet access is generally restricted in prisons, making physical media one of the few entertainment options. Contact your state's Department of Corrections or a local county jail to ask about DVD donation programs. Many have specific approval processes and restrictions (no R-rated content in some facilities, specific formats required). Programs like Books Through Bars and similar organizations sometimes also facilitate media donations.
Libraries in areas with poor broadband infrastructure still maintain active DVD collections because their patrons can't reliably stream content at home. Call rural county libraries and ask whether they're accepting DVD donations. If they have a Friends of the Library organization, that group often manages donation programs.
VA hospitals and veterans' homes often have common areas with DVD players for residents. The VA Voluntary Service (VAVS) program coordinates donations to VA facilities nationally. Contact your nearest VA medical center's voluntary service department. Similarly, nursing homes and long-term care facilities serving elderly populations often maintain DVD libraries because many residents prefer physical media or don't use streaming services.
Senior centers frequently host movie afternoons as a community activity. They typically need a rotating supply of DVDs that are accessible to broad audiences — classic films, nature documentaries, musicals, and light comedies work well. Call your local senior center to ask about their movie program.
For DVDs in good condition, especially popular films, box sets, or collector's editions, selling may make more sense than donating. Platforms like Decluttr and Ziffit accept used DVDs and pay by the disc based on demand. Proceeds from selling your unwanted DVDs could fund a cash donation to an organization of your choice — potentially creating more impact than the DVDs themselves would as a donation.
eBay and Facebook Marketplace work for individual sales of specific titles, especially foreign films, older classics, or complete TV series that hold value. Complete box sets in excellent condition can sell for $20–$60+ depending on the title.