Textile collections

Textile reuse and recycling collections

How?

• Please put textiles in a carrier bag and tie the top tightly to stop any water getting in.
• Please do not use black bin bags or charity bags (we legally cannot take charity bags)
• Please leave textiles next to your red boxes and blue bag(s) as the crew who empty the boxes and blue bag will collect the textiles.

What can I recycle?

Yes please:

• Clean clothing, shoes and handbags
• Coats, scarves and gloves
• Clean sheets and linen

No thanks:

• No wet textiles
• No duvets or pillows

How can you help?

Unfortunately, wet textiles are not of a high enough quality to be reused or recycled. Please make sure your carrier bag is tightly tied to stop any water getting in. This will help to make sure your old clothes, shoes and accessories are sent to those who need them - and any unwearable items are recycled.

Where does it go? 

Once we have collected your old clothes we take them to our recycling depot in Coalville. They are then collected by Ward Recycling who take them to their warehouse in Ilkestone where they are pre-sorted. 

As much of the clothing is reused as possible. Ward work with local charities to source particular re-wearable items which are given to, for example, the homeless and to women and children escaping violence.

The remaining items are baled and sold to companies in the UK or in Europe, United Emirates and India to be reused by those who need them. Any unwearable items are recycled.

By donating your unwanted clothing items for reuse and recycling, you’re allowing people in the UK and abroad the opportunity to buy items they otherwise may not be able to afford. You’re also…

• Giving clothing a new lease of life
• Supporting the Circular Economy
• Preventing textiles going to landfill sites
• Helping reduce greenhouse gases
• Raising money for local charities
• Conserving energy