What to do with

CLOTHING AND TEXTILES

Clothing

We all have clothes in our wardrobes or curtains, pillow cases, duvet covers, blankets, sheets and towels in our cupboards that we don’t need or want any more. Sometimes we have items that are past their best too...

So what can we do with them?

Where can I recycle? »

Pass them on...

Charity and re-use organisations

  • Donate items to charity and re-use organisations, look on the high street for your local shop or fill the bags that come through the door;
  • Clothing and shoe banks are often in supermarket and local car parks – find your nearest one using the postcode locator;
  • If you are fundraising for your school, church, workplace, sports club or organisations such as Girl Guides, or Scouts, there are textile companies who can arrange a textile collection to help you to raise money for your cause. Not only does this generate valuable funds, but creates a great team spirit by getting your supporters to work together to clear out their wardrobes.

It’s always worth checking what type of clothing and textiles can be donated, different charity and re-use organisations often collect slightly different items.

Selling

There has never been a better time to sell unwanted clothes and there are lots of ways to do this. With two thirds of people already buying pre-owned and vintage clothes, it’s an ideal time to try selling yours!

  • Sell them on websites like eBay, Gumtree and Preloved;
  • In larger towns or cities, look out for a 'cash for clothes' outlet / agency;
  • Or pass on items for free at places such as Freecycle and Freegle.

Friends, family and local events

  • Ask family and friends - often they can use the things we don’t want anymore;
  • Sell items locally at car boots, nearly new and bring and buy sales;
  • Go to local swapping events or start your own.
  • Ask local schools if they collect clothes and textiles to raise money.

On the high street

  • Some shops such as H&M and Marks & Spencer collect unwanted clothes in-store. Marks & Spencer also collect via their charity partner, Oxfam and offer a discount off your next purchase;
  • Some antique and vintage shops will buy second hand clothes, such as evening wear and vintage items.

Give repairing a go...

  • If you have items which are ripped, worn or just don’t quite fit anymore, repair or alter them to give them a second life;
  • Not sure how? Ask family and friends for help, someone is certain to be nifty with a needle and thread;
  • Lots of shops now offer repair and alteration services – look on your high street, search online or look in local directories;
  • Visit Love your clothes for great tips on how to make the most of your clothing, including easy to makes repairs.

Recycle them...

Clothes and textiles - even old underwear, damaged clothing and faded curtains - that aren’t suitable to be passed onto someone else can be recycled and made into new items, such as padding for chairs and car seats, cleaning cloths and industrial blankets.

  • Check to see if your council collects clothes and textiles to be recycled;
  • Or use our postcode locator to find your nearest recycling centre;
  • Some charities collect clothing and textiles for recycling, check with your local store or on the bags that come through the door;
  • Clothing and textile banks are often in supermarket and local car parks – check to see if they take items for recycling.

Related websites:

» For more ideas on what to do with clothing visit Love Your Clothes.