Bra recycling for cancer research

Published: Thu 25 January, 2024

Unwanted bras can now be recycled in three North West Leicestershire locations to raise money for vital breast cancer research.

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) is working with charity Against Breast Cancer and three district organisations to offer the collection bins for residents.

The three donation bins will be available at:

• Castle Donington Community Hub, DE74 2NR
• Measham Leisure Centre, DE12 7HR
• Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre, LE67 3FE.

Against Breast Cancer works with The Recycling Clothes Company Limited who sell them to independent traders abroad. Traders review the condition of the garments and either sell them on as bras are expensive to produce locally or repurpose the material.

The materials from the bras recycled through the scheme are given a new lease of life, while Against Breast Cancer receives a donation of around 70p for every kilo collected, providing funds for breast cancer research.

For more information about the scheme visit www.againstbreastcancer.org.uk.

Councillor Michael Wyatt, NWLDC Portfolio Holder for Community and Climate Change, said: “This is a wonderful initiative that not only prevents material from going to landfill and giving it a new lease of life, but also supports vital research into breast cancer.

“Thank you to everyone involved in the project for providing these recycling bins.”

Duncan Gibb, Everyone Active’s contract manager at Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre, said: “We are delighted to play our part in this scheme, enabling the local community to support sustainable practice and raise valuable funds for a fantastic cause.”

Leonora Cope, Chair of Castle Donington Parish Council, said: “What an uplifting opportunity to recycle our old bras! Castle Donington Parish Council are delighted to be able to support this amazing charity to raise funds for Against Breast Cancer.”

Colin Manifold, Chairman of Measham Leisure Centre Management Committee, added: “We fully support the introduction of these bins, supporting people to recycle bras, benefit the environment and provide funding for cutting-age breast cancer research.”