Clothes Recycling
Each year, the UK produces around 206,456 tonnes of textile waste. This works out to be, on average, 3.1 kg of clothing waste per person annually, and approximately 350,000 tonnes of it ends up at landfill sites, despite most of it being wearable and still having value. Clothes recycling is still a large area of improvement that could make a difference in our impact on the environment.
W&S Recycling are proud to offer easy clothes and textiles recycling across all of our household recycling centres in Dorset and Oxford.
Today, clothing is made from a range of textiles, and this can make clothes recycling feel more complicated.
However, it doesn't have to be because we will accept all materials at our recycling facilities.
Choosing to recycle your clothes and textiles reduces the impact of landfills on local environments and the global climate crisis.
Learn more about our textiles and clothes recycling by calling our team on 01202 675564.
Types of Textiles We Recycle
Clothes and textiles you can recycle include:
- All clothing - tops, trousers, socks, underwear, pyjamas
- Shoes - trainers, pumps, boots and more
- Bed linen - duvet covers, pillowcases, sheets
- Towels and bath mats - bathroom towels and tea towels
- Curtains
- Cushion covers
- Accessories - purses, wallets, belts, hats, scarves, ties
- Soft toys - teddy bears and other soft toys
Please note that we CAN’T recycle clothes that are stained with oils or chemicals or have been exposed to mould or mildew.
If you aren’t sure if we will accept an item give us a call on 01202 675564.
Easy Clothes Recycling At Our Facilities
Step 1: Find your local recycling centre
We have several household recycling centres around Dorset and Oxford that are completely free for textile recycling.
Step 2: Arrive and report to our site staff
Once you arrive at our site, you must report to a member of our team. This is for several reasons:
- They will be able to direct you to where you need to go.
- It is important we have an idea of how many people are on-site at any given time for health and safety.
Step 3: Recycle your clothes and textiles
You can then head over to the clothes and textiles waste bay to dispose of your items.
Step 4: Leave
That is it. Once you have emptied everything you have into the relevant waste bays and containers, you can head home.
Don’t forget, if you have more than one waste stream to recycle, you can do it all in one trip at our sites, saving you time, energy and money.
If you have a question about textile recycling, don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team. Call us on 01202 675564.
Why Is Textile Recycling Important?
Clothes recycling and textile recycling have a number of benefits.
Environmental benefits:
With so many clothes and textiles currently going to landfill sites, they are contributing to environmental problems and climate change. Recycling them means you are reducing carbon emissions from landfill sites and the production of new fabrics.
Plus, in facilitating the reuse of textiles, you are conserving resources.
Economic impact
Recycling clothes and textiles can save money and create job opportunities within the recycling industry, providing economic benefits.
Consumer benefits
Clothes recycling is an easy way to get rid of clothes while knowing you are doing something to help the environment.
This means it is a great way to keep your cupboards organised and supports sustainable living.
Clothes Recycling FAQs
Yes. We encourage as much as possible to be recycled so all of our household recycling centres are able to accept all types of shoes and most accessories too.
It is recommended that you wash and dry clothes before recycling.
No. All clothes and textile recycling is free at our household recycling centres in Dorset and Oxford. So, you don’t need to spend a penny to empty your wardrobe and recycle your items.
We have several household recycling centres across Dorset and Oxford that offer textile and clothes recycling.
If you aren’t local to one of our facilities, you can find clothes banks in most supermarket car parks, or you can donate items to charity shops.
Yes, if your clothing is damaged or torn, you can still recycle it at our facilities.
The only times when we can not accept clothing is if it is stained by oil or chemicals or has been exposed to mould or mildew.
