Have clothes that you simply don’t want any more? If you’re not able to alter, repurpose, or swap, then donating or recycling them is your best option.
This will ensure your clothes get a second chance and that they won’t end up in the garbage.
But wait, before you donate or recycle…
Could someone you know use it? A friend, nephew, cousin, or child of a friend? This is the first, best and easiest way to ensure you clothing gets a second, or third life.
What is acceptable to donate?
The short answer. Almost everything.
Metro Vancouverites throw out 44 million pounds of clothing per year. That’s 17 pounds per person, or the equivalent of 44 t-shirts.
Believe it or not, most second-hand clothing retailers will accept almost anything. What they can’t use gets repurposed or packed up and shipped to markets that can use them (see
What happens to my donated clothes). Some clothing provider charities might be looking for more specific items, like winter clothing for example, so it's best to check their website or call first to confirm what they accept. Other recycling services are available for heavily worn clothing that is not suitable for donation.
Find clothing donation and recycling services and locations.
The main thing is that clothing you are donating or recycling should be clean, dry and packed in a plastic bag or box. Moldy, paint-stained or oil-covered clothes can be difficult to re-use. Otherwise, even clothes with holes or single shoes can be of use.
So donate or recycle everything you can to help keep clothes out of the garbage.
If it’s clean and dry, you can donate or recycle it.
Have a donation/recycling question?
Email us.