How recycling your old clothes can help the environment

 Are you keeping your textiles out of UK landfills?

 The fashion and textiles industry has long been a key player in the global economy, providing millions of jobs worldwide. However, with growing demand, the rise of “fast fashion” has led to an unsustainable cycle of mass production, consumption, and disposal. This contributes significantly to environmental damage through excessive use of water, land, fossil fuels, and energy, as well as manufacturing processes that involve toxic chemicals, waste, pollution, and exploitative labour practices. As the effects of climate change become more severe, it’s clear that urgent action is needed.

WRAP, a leading charity, partners with governments, businesses, and individuals globally to promote sustainable resource use and reduce environmental harm. They offer evidence-based solutions that drive environmental protection, strengthen economies, and foster more sustainable societies, covering everything from food to clothing. WRAP’s focus is on managing waste through sustainable product design, reusing, and recycling, with special emphasis on food, drink, plastic packaging, and textiles.

At Recycled Clothing Banks, we fully support WRAP’s mission by providing free branded recycling bins in public spaces where communities can donate pre-loved clothing, paired shoes, and household textiles. Recycling old clothes is a simple yet powerful way to combat climate change. Plus, you can earn £400 for every tonne of textiles collected. We’re proud to collaborate with village halls, Scouts/Girl Guides, local councils, and businesses to raise funds and spread the word about the environmental benefits of recycling clothing.

We are here to help you understand how recycling your old clothes can help the environment and why it’s so important.

 Key findings from the 2024 WRAP report tell us:

• Approximately, 1.45 million tonnes of used textiles were generated in the UK in 2022. Of this, around 276,000 tonnes were sold to the public, 650,000 tonnes were diverted to reuse and recycling from end-of-life disposal, and 421,600 tonnes were exported.
• In 2021, around 711,000 tonnes of used textiles were discarded in the household bin and in general waste containers at Household Waste Recycling Centres. This means almost half (49%) of all used textiles in the UK was disposed of in general waste, or 35 items per person per year on average. Of these items, 84% was incinerated with energy recovery and 11% was sent to landfill.  
• Between 2013 and 2023, there was a 57.5% reduction in price per tonne for textile bank donations and a 41% reduction for charity shop donations, without accounting for inflation. The 2023 figures stood at £172.5 per tonne for textile banks and £255 per tonne for charity shops.
• The covid-19 pandemic had a large impact on textiles consumption, with rates falling 330,000 tonnes between 2019 and 2020, however this downward trend was temporary. Consumption figures are back to near pre-covid levels, with the UK consuming 1.42 million tonnes of new textile products in 2022.
• The average cost per item of clothing in the UK has decreased by 2% since 2015, reaching £16.70 in 2023.