Renfrewshire Council

Recycling

Renfrewshire council do not collect textiles, clothes, shoes or fabric in your blue bin.

Clothes and textiles, even old underwear, damaged clothing and faded curtains, that aren't suitable to be passed onto someone else can be recycled and made into new items, such as padding for chairs and car seats, cleaning cloths and industrial blankets.

Use the shoe and textile bins at your local recycling centre or some of the other options below.

Charity and re-use organisations

Donate items to charity and re-use organisations, look on the high street for your local shop or fill the bags that come through the door

Clothing and shoe banks are often in supermarket and local car parks

If you are fundraising for your school, church, workplace, sports club or organisations such as Girl Guides, or Scouts, there are textile companies who can arrange a textile collection to help you to raise money for your cause.

Not only does this generate valuable funds, but creates a great team spirit by getting your supporters to work together to clear out their wardrobes.

Textile and clothes recycling bins

These items can be recycled at most public textile or clothes recycling bins:

• all types of clothing - items should be dry and wearable
• shoes - tied in pairs
• handbags
• soft toys
• household materials, curtains, towels, blankets, table linens
• pillow cases
• duvet covers
• bed sheets

These items are not suitable for recycling at textile or clothes bins:

• workwear, uniforms, wet, dirty or soiled clothing
• quilts, duvets, cushions, pillows or carpets
• books, magazines, newspapers, files, folders or stationery
• CDs, plates, cutlery, crockery, ornaments, hard toys
• furniture
• waste electricals

Check the information on or near the bin to see what items you can recycle there.

Selling

There has never been a better time to sell unwanted clothes and there are lots of ways to do this. With two thirds of people already buying pre-owned and vintage clothes, it's an ideal time to try selling yours.

Sell them on websites like 

• eBay
• Gumtree 
• Preloved

In larger towns or cities, look out for a 'cash for clothes' outlet or agency.

You can also pass on items for free at places such as Freecycle and Freegle.

Friends, family and local events

Ask family and friends - often they can use the things we don't want anymore.

Sell items locally at car boots, nearly new and bring and buy sales.

Go to local swapping events or start your own at www.swishing.com.

Ask local schools if they collect clothes and textiles to raise money

Some shops such as H&M, Primark and Marks & Spencer collect unwanted clothes in-store. Marks & Spencer also collect via their charity partner, Oxfam and offer a discount off your next purchase.

Some antique and vintage shops will buy second hand clothes, such as evening wear and vintage items.

Repairs and alterations

If you have items which are ripped, worn or just don't quite fit anymore, repair or alter them to give them a second life.

Not sure how? Ask family and friends for help, someone is certain to be nifty with a needle and thread.

Lots of shops now offer repair and alteration services - look on your high street, search online or look in local directories. Visit Love your clothes for great tips on how to make the most of your clothing, including easy to makes repairs.