Clothes

How to clear your wardrobe without wasting your old clothes

Can I recycle clothes?

Yes. You can recycle clothes, shoes and other textiles at a number of recycling banks and centres.

Or visit the websites for
London | Scotland | Wales

jackets, coats and other clothes lined up on a clothes rail

Over 70% of the world's population use second-hand clothes.

How should I recycle clothes?

close-up of a green clothing bank

Donating to charity


Clothes that are in a reasonable condition can be donated to charity shops in the following ways:


  • Take them to a local charity shop yourself. Charities like Oxfam, Save The Children, Barnado's, Age Concern and Cancer Research have chains of high street shops.
  • Put them in a textiles bank provided by charities like Oxfam, The Salvation Army and Scope. You can find these at supermarkets or local council sites. Try and make sure clothes are clean and dry before you donate them.
  • Charities and jumble sales also make door-to-door collections. Keep an eye out for those plastic sacks coming through your letterbox.

Re-using your clothes

  • Old patterned clothing can be re-used to make covers for quilts and cushions
  • Worn or damaged clothing can always be cut up and used around the house as rags and dusters

Submit your ideas for doing more