An annual campaign that encourages people to buy pre-loved items over new ones, Second Hand September is a great initiative to help you move away from fast fashion. It’s also a good time to consider how you sort through your own wardrobe and unwanted items.
In 2016, an estimated 1,130,000 tonnes of clothing was purchased in the UK – an increase of 930,000 items in just four years. And, per BusinessWaste.co.uk, 92 million tonnes of textile waste is produced around the world every year, contributing to 10% greenhouse gas emissions. That’s before we even get to the impacts of production and shipping.
Further research by Oxfam found that by 2050, the fashion industry will produce 138 billion items of unworn clothes every year.
But before you recycle your clothes, it’s important to note that not every material can be recycled. Here, we take a look at the textiles you can and can’t recycle – and the best ways to responsibly get rid of old clothes.
Clothing items you can’t recycle
You can recycle old clothes and shoes at your nearest bank. (Getty Images)
1. Mouldy or wet clothes
If your old clothes are damp or mouldy, they are not fit for donation, as they can spread bacteria or contaminate other items in the clothing bank, making them unusable and further contributing to waste.
2. Unclean clothes
Likewise, if the clothes you are getting rid of are dirty or stained, they are not suitable to donate or recycle.
3. Clothes made from blended fabrics
While you can sell and donate clothes made of blended fabrics, they are tricky to recycle and turn into new items, as they have limited recycling potential. These include combinations such as cotton/polyester and most denim materials.
Similarly, because recycled polyester is made from plastic bottles, they have limited recycling potential. After recycling polyester a few times, the fabric’s durability and fibre also tends to weaken.
4. Garments with fasteners
Similarly, while it’s not impossible to recycle items with fasteners, such as zips and buttons, it is trickier and more labour-intensive to separate materials. If your unwanted items do have fasteners, you’re better off donating them or selling them.
5. Items with embellishments
If your items include sequins or beads, it can be challenging to recycle and so they will likely be rejected. You can, however, sell these items and donate them.
Where to donate and recycle your old clothes
Brands such as M&S offer clothes donation schemes to customers. (Getty Images)
1. Find a retailer that offers a clothing donation scheme
Popular high street brands such as Marks & Spencer, H&M, Zara and John Lewis all offer customers take-back and/or clothes donation schemes – even if the items were not originally purchased through them. Some even offer you cash or store credit for bringing in your unwanted items.
2. Find your nearest clothing donation bank
While you can’t recycle your clothes and shoes in the way you can with household waste, you can find out where your nearest clothing donations bank is by checking the Recycle Now website here. You can also check whether you are eligible for a home pick-up.
You can also make a few extra quid by selling unwanted items online. (Getty Images)
3. Sell unwanted items
If you’re looking to make a bit of extra cash from your old clothes, apps such as Vinted, eBay and Depop are great. Simply set up an account, post a listing and wait for a buyer. For the best results, offer competitive prices, produce detailed product descriptions, take clear photos of your items, along with any flaws, and select appropriate tags.
One thing to be mindful of, however, is the newly-instated HMRC rules around so-called “side hustles”, which mean you can earn up to £1,000 a year selling goods online before you have to pay tax.
4. Donate old clothes to charity
It may seem obvious, but one of the best ways to get rid of unwanted clothes is to donate them to a registered charity. Not only does it help you clear space, you’re supporting various causes in the process.
There are a few rules around what you can and can’t donate though. As Julie Tyrell, Oxfam’s head of retail sustainability, tells Yahoo UK: “We are grateful for all the donations we get, but Oxfam cannot accept used underwear or socks, dirty or damaged clothes, identifiable work uniforms, or nightwear that is missing a flammable warning label. Ask yourself if it’s in good enough condition for you to give it to someone else? If the answer is yes, then we’d love to have it.”
Charities accepting clothes donations include:
Learn how to make do and mend. (Getty Images)
5. Upcycle them and turn them into something new
Whether you turn an old pair of jeans into jorts, a jumpsuit into a playsuit or a shirt into a crop top – there are so many ways you can turn something old into something new, and get more life out of it.
6. Make do and mend
Equally, investing in a good sewing kit could save you lots of money and revive a much-loved item. You can learn how to stitch hemlines, patch holes or replace broken fastenings with Oxfam’s visible mending guide.
Read more about recycling: