For electrical stuff, books etc we often give to Sydenham Library which is a reuse centre. Electrical goods and computers are stripped own to their individual components and recycled.
We give clothes, dvd's and other stuff to Charity shops.
I think it's unfair to say charity shops are 'snooty'. They want stuff they can sell to make money for their causes. They are not a clearance centre for unwanted stuff. They have to be a little selective.
I like charity shops, the Red Cross shop in Forest Hill is really good.