When clothes no longer fit or you no longer wear them, it is tempting to drop everything in a donation bag.
But charity shops cannot sell everything. Sorting items helps them reach the right place.
Good condition
Clean clothes with no stains or damage can be sold online, swapped, or donated to charity shops. Seasonal items sell best in season.
Worn or damaged
- Mend them if you can
- Use cotton items as cleaning rags
- Take to textile recycling banks
- Use retailer take-back schemes
What not to donate
Heavily stained, wet, or mouldy items can contaminate bags of good clothing. Underwear and swimwear often cannot be resold, though some textile recyclers accept them.
Shoes and accessories
Tie pairs of shoes together. Belts, bags, and scarves can usually be donated if in good condition.
This is general sustainability information. Recycling, composting, and disposal rules vary by municipality — check local guidance. Cost and energy savings are estimates and depend on your home and usage.