Why recycling old shoes matters more than you think

In the UK, it’s estimated that around 26,000 tonnes of shoe waste are collected and redistributed for reuse each year, but around 143,000 tonnes of discarded shoes typically end up in landfill instead of being reused or recycled.

When you next visit your local textile recycling bank, you’ll probably notice a shoe recycling bin alongside the usual clothing containers. These bins exist for a very familiar reason: most of us have shoes we can’t quite bring ourselves to throw away. You know the ones; they’re no longer in great shape, you might wear them again one day…but somehow, you never do. And if you have children, you’ll know just how quickly shoes, boots, and trainers are outgrown, often long before they’re worn out so they still have some life in them yet.

Recycling old footwear is a simple but powerful way to give those shoes a second chance instead of letting them end up in landfill. However, one small step makes a big difference: always pair your shoes before placing them in the bin. Tie laces together, secure them with a rubber band, or pop them into a tied carrier bag. Any unmatched single shoes create extra work and unfortunately, lone shoes often can’t be reused or sold on.

When you recycle shoes that are still in good condition, you’re doing far more than just clearing space at home. Many of these shoes go on to support people in need across the UK and around the world. Footwear donations help charities raise vital funds through resale, while also providing practical support to those who may otherwise go without. That single pair of shoes you no longer need could make a genuine difference to someone else’s daily life.

Even shoes that are past their best can still have value. Some sportswear companies collect trainers in any condition, recycling them into materials used for basketball and tennis courts, playground surfaces, and athletic running tracks. It’s a powerful reminder that ‘worn out doesn’t mean ‘useless.’

Why recycling old shoes matters and how you can help:

At Recycled Clothing Banks, we work closely with organisations, private businesses, and local authorities to recycle and reuse as many textiles as possible. We do this by providing FREE, branded clothing and paired shoes recycling bins to communities across the region, making textile recycling simple, accessible, and effective.

Our goal is to protect the planet by keeping clothing, shoes, and household textiles out of landfill and helping to preserve valuable landfill space here in the UK. By taking part, you’re directly supporting efforts to reduce waste and lessen the environmental impact caused by landfill use.

Getting involved couldn’t be easier. All you need to do is host one of our recycled clothing bins at no cost to you. We’ll brand the bin with your organisation’s logo and colours and take care of everything else – from artwork and installation to regular emptying, cleaning, and payments.