How your pre-loved clothes can change lives

Turning unwanted garments into fresh starts for people and the planet.

Each year, millions of clothing items are tossed aside, often ending up in landfill sites and quite often some still in good, wearable condition. But what if your old jeans, jackets, or paired shoes could do more than gather dust in your wardrobe or contribute to rising textile waste in the UK?

When businesses and individuals choose to donate pre-loved clothing, they’re not just having a clear-out, they’re participating in a chain reaction of positive change and here’s how:

Protecting the planet, one piece at a time: The fashion industry is responsible for nearly 10% of global carbon emissions and is the second-largest consumer of water. Discarded clothing in landfill sites can take up to 200 years to decompose, depending on the material used and can release harmful methane in the process. Donating clothes helps reduce water and energy used to produce new garments, landfill overflow and greenhouse gas emissions and the demand for fast fashion.

By keeping clothes in circulation, you’re supporting a circular economy that prioritises reuse over waste.

Supporting charitable causes: Many clothing recycling bins directly fund charitable work. When you donate to certified bins or trusted organisations, your clothes may be sold in charity shops to fund education, housing, or healthcare projects, recycled to support employment and training programmes or distributed through outreach efforts to communities in need.

This could include:

• Provide warmth to those living in shelters
• Offer school uniforms to children in need
• Support survivors of domestic abuse or displacement
• Help someone dress confidently for a job interview

Small acts can have a big business impact: Creating a culture of sustainable responsibility in the workplace it sends a clear message to staff, customers and competitors that “we care about our people, our community, and our planet.” This kind of leadership not only strengthens your brand’s reputation but also inspires employees to live out shared values, inside and outside the office.

Before you donate, remember these top tips:

1. Only donate clothes in good condition

Ask yourself: Would I give this to a friend? Clothes should be clean, intact, and wearable. Avoid donating items that are stained, torn, or excessively worn. If it’s not suitable for someone else to wear, it may end up in landfill even after donation.

2. Fresh is best
   Where possible, always launder your clothing before donating. Dirty or smelly clothes may be rejected or require extra resources to clean; resources that many charities don’t have.
3. Sort by season/type

Make it easier for charities to distribute your donations. Separate winter coats, workwear, casual clothes, or children’s clothing if possible. This helps to get the right items to the right people faster, especially during seasonal changes like winter where warmer clothing is urgently needed.

4. Always check donation guidelines.
   Charity bins and textile recycling programmes usually only accept clothes, shoes, and some accessories. Avoid donating books, electronics, or household goods unless they have been specifically asked for.