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 Vinted Depop 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  online collection 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 Find a donation drop off point Please check opening times and accepted donation items before visiting. City Gates Church, IG1 1BH Exchange Ilford – Level 2, IG1 1RS Fullwell Cross Library, Barkingside Gants Hill Library Goodmayes Library Redbridge Central Library Wanstead Library Woodford Green Library See more information on store opening times

https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/bins-waste-and-recycling/give-or-reuse-your-unwanted-clothes

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