Why is it so important to recycle your pre-loved clothes?

Understanding the life cycle of clothes and why recycling is best!

We all have busy lives and sometimes it is quick and easy to shove things straight into the bin, even though we know it’s not the right thing to do. All of our local councils up and down the country provide us with general waste bins and, for most, separate recycling bins for everyday items and another for garden waste, so we can all do our bit. The fact is that we could all do with recycling more. We’re not just talking about the usual collection service to recycle paper, plastic, glass, tins and grass cuttings and foliage; we can do more with our pre-loved clothing

There are now so many available options when it comes to recycling our clothes, but what we need to understand first and foremost is the life cycle of an item of clothing. It’s a long process – it’s far longer than simply popping to the shop, buying and wearing.

1. Raw materials need to be obtained
2. These are then made into yarn and fabric
3. They need to be dyed and finished
4. They then have to be sewn
5. They need to be packaged, transported and sold
6. They need to be washed and worn (hopefully) many times over
7. But what happens after use? Landfill or Recycle?

There is no doubt that recycling textiles is good for the planet

Landfill sites create greenhouse gases, spread disease, damage our natural landscape and put our wildlife in danger. By recycling your textiles you can help avoid the catastrophic effects of landfill use. Now, doesn’t that sound like a good reason?

By donating your pre-loved clothing you could help people who are less fortunate

Charities rely heavily on donations to help them raise money for vital services. The next time you have a clear out think about where you would like to donate your textiles to in support of charities for children, cancer, abuse, healthcare, homelessness, research and so many more. That one winter coat you throw out, could save someone from freezing this winter.

What you can’t donate you can upcycle

There are so many ways to turn your unwanted or over-worn clothing into something else and give it a second purpose. Denim is one of the hardest materials to make, using up so much water, chemicals and labour to get that iconic look. It’s also hardwearing, so turning the pockets into little bags or pencil cases is a great way to get creative and reuse a fabric that takes so much out of the environment.

You could make some money for your own community projects

Here at Recycled Clothing Banks, we are constantly coming up with new ways get creative around recycling textiles to raise money that are simple and cost-effective. That’s why we work across the region with businesses owners, national and local charities, local authorities, councils, schools and other public services by providing branded recycled clothing bins absolutely FREE of charge, where your local community can donate their pre-loved clothing and textiles, contribute to reducing landfill and help to raise money for your local community. We will also pay you a huge £400 per tonne for reusable donations.