Give or reuse your unwanted clothes

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In the UK, around 350,000 tonnes of clothing are thrown away every year. You can help reduce this waste and save money by buying less and choosing to sell, repair, or donate your old clothes. 

 

Reduce the amount of clothes you buy  

Think before you buy new clothes. The most sustainable clothes are the ones you already own. 

Try charity shops first if you want new clothing. Look at second‑hand or pre‑loved websites. 

Buying fewer new clothes saves resources. It also reduces waste. You could create a capsule wardrobe. This means owning fewer clothes that all work together. You can make many outfits from a small number of items. 

Buy good quality clothes where you can. They last longer which saves money and space. 

 

Reuse your clothing  

Before throwing clothes away, see if they can be reused or repaired. Repairing clothes helps them last longer. 

Repair your clothes  

There are easy ways to fix or refresh your clothes. You can ask if your dry cleaners can fix any of your damaged clothes. 

Oxfam has tips to help you repair your clothes yourself 

You can go to repair cafes like Transition Ilford Town  

Find a repair café near you 

Sell or swap your clothes  

Making extra money by selling your clothes on apps like 

Take part in a clothes swap event or host your own with friends or family. Hubbub’s website shows you how to run one. 

You can borrow equipment from the East London Waste Authority to run your own clothes swap 

 

Recycle your clothing  

Donate your clothes   

You can donate clothes to: 

  • local charity shops 
  • a textile bank (check what items you can drop off before you go) 
  • some food banks or children’s centres  

 

Donate with TRAID    

You can book a free home collection with our charity partner TRAID. This is open to all Redbridge households, including flats. 

You can choose a day that suits you. Clothes donated to TRAID are reused or sold in charity shops. This helps reduce clothing waste and supports global projects in the textile industry. 

You can donate the following items to TRAID:  

  • clean, wearable clothes 
  • shoes 
  • accessories 
  • sheets and household linen (no duvets or pillows) 

You can also include one small bag of broken electrical items, such as kettles or toasters. 

You need at least 1 large bag or 3 small bags. A TRAID van will collect your donation on the agreed day. 

You can book a free TRAID collection online or by calling 020 8733 2595. 

 

School uniform donations and help 

You can get help with school uniform through local School Uniform Banks and donate unwanted clothes to local charities. 

Join the School Uniform Bank Project to help schools across Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham and Redbridge reduce textile waste through school uniform reuse. 

Find your local Salvation Army school uniform bank  

 

Pre-loved uniform shop 

Pre-Loved Uniform Shop is located in the Exchange Ilford (by Sports Direct) on Level 3. 

Join the Exchange Ilford as they work to help local families get school-ready by donating branded and unbranded school uniform items. 

You can donate: 

  • jackets and coats  
  • socks  
  • shirts  
  • blouses  
  • trousers and skirts  

All donated uniforms must meet be: 

  • washed 
  • in a good and undamaged condition 

See more information on how to get school uniform help online 

Pre-loved school uniform

Find a donation drop off point 

Please check opening times and accepted donation items on the relevant websites before visiting:

See more information on store opening times