Where clothes go after they leave a wardrobe matters, and "donate it all" is not always the most useful answer.
Charity shops cannot use everything
Damaged or stained items cost them money to dispose of. Textile recycling is the right route for those.
Damaged clothing is still recyclable
Worn-out textiles become insulation and industrial cloth. Almost nothing needs to go in general waste.
Resale is worth it for a narrow band
Recognisable brands, coats, and unworn items with tags sell. Everything else takes more effort than it returns.
Where each thing should go
Where each thing should go
- Good condition, recognisable brand — resale
- Good condition, ordinary — charity shop
- Worn but wearable — clothing bank
- Damaged or stained — textile recycling point
- Underwear and socks — textile recycling, not donation
- Anything borrowed — return it
- Nothing at all — general waste