Is it permissible to give away some surplus belongings that are not needed as Zakat for money, after evaluating their current price and donating them to an accredited charity?

Giving old items as Zakat is not permissible because the fundamental principle of Zakat is that it must be disbursed from the same type of wealth that is subject to Zakat. The concession to give its value is restricted to what serves the poor person's best interest, whereas in this case, the benefit accrues to the giver. Furthermore, giving away discarded items is flawed even in voluntary charity, so how much more so in obligatory Zakat? Allah Almighty says: "O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim for what is bad to spend from it, while you would not take it yourselves except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy." This action is closer to protecting one's wealth from Zakat, and it does not discharge one's obligation.