Clothes, shoes and textiles recycling and reuse
Collection banks, clothes swapping parties and charity shops
Did you know?
It is estimated that more than 1 million tonnes of textiles are thrown away every year, with most of this coming from household sources. Textiles make up about 3% by weight of a household bin. At least 50% of the textiles we throw away are recyclable, however, the proportion of textile wastes reused or recycled annually in the UK is only around 25%.
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Clothes, shoes and textiles can be recycled at some of our Smart Bank recycling sites, to find out where, visit the Recycle Now website (opens in new window) or consult our look up table Smart Bank recycling sites (194kb pdf)
The Hammerswish clothes swapping party
We all love fabulous new clothes but not the unfortunate side effects. Swishing or clothes swapping is a fantastic way for you to refresh your wardrobe without spending a penny or having a negative impact on the environment.
We hold regular Swishing events, the next is being held on Thursday 22 March.
Bring between one and five items to swap - clothing, shoes, hats, bags, belts and scarves (sorry no jewellery, lingerie, swimwear or children’s wear). Please bring something that you are proud to pass on. We cannot accept:
• Items with holes, tears, stains or bobbling
• Shoes with worn down heals
• Trousers with frayed hems
• Basic jersey vests and t-shirts
The items will then be sorted and hung up on rails. For each item you bring you'll get a ticket, you can then take as many items as you bring!
Drop off is from 6:30 pm
Take what you fancy from 7:30 pm
The charity textile recycler TRAID will be running their Sew Good Workshop showing you how to amend and customise your new clothes.
Venue: Durell Arms, 704 Fulham Road, Fulham, SW6 5SB
Click here (opens in new window) for a map to the venue.
Everyone is welcome, to give us an idea of numbers please RSVP to:
swishing@lbhf.gov.uk or 020 8753 1888.
Visit TRAID’s website (opens in new window) for information on the Sew Good Workshop.
Visit The Swising website (opens in new window) for information on how to organise your own event.
Charity shops
Don’t forget that charity shops are a great place for donating unwanted clothes. They raise lots of money for valuable causes and provide an inexpensive way to buy clothes. To find your nearest charity shop using an online postcode locator visit the Association of Charity Shops website (opens in new window).
Page last updated: 22/02/2012
