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LIFESTYLE

How to get rid of your unsellable clothes

...that can't be donated to charity.
Profile picture of Livia Gamble Writer

Watch: How to turn an old desk into a stylish side table

If you think decluttering your wardrobe and sending unwanted clothes to an opp shop means they are going to a good home, think again.

The truth is that while, yes – some of your clothes can be resold (depending on the condition they are in), most are unsellable and will end in landfill anyway. 

So if you’re not going to upcycle old clothes, this is what you should do instead!

There are lots of reasons for why some of your clothes will end up in landfill even if you donate. One reason is that clothes aren’t made from high quality materials anymore. Another is that Australians have a shopping problem. 

Banish founder Lottie Dalziel, says, “A scary statistic is that the average Australian purchases 27kg of textiles every year but discards a whopping 23kg!”

“Whilst recycling programs are great, what’s even better is buying less and wearing what you already have.” 

recycling programs
(Credit: Getty)

How to shop sustainably

Lottie has some tips for shopping sustainably to help you avoid ending up with clothes you can’t resell or donate. 

“When it comes to purchasing new clothes, look for quality over quantity,” she says. “Look for brands who pay their staff more than minimum wage and who are externally certified for example B Corp, GOTS or Ethical Clothing Australia. 

“I like to go clothes shopping with a list, make sure I know I’ll wear anything I purchase at least 20 times and also know that I am head over heels in love with it not just being sold by a sale. In lieu of buying new, there’s always op shopping, rental wardrobes and borrowing things from a friend!”

Clothes to recycle
(Credit: Getty)

Where to recycle clothes that can’t be donated?

So how can you get rid of your unsellable clothes and belongings without sending them to landfill?

We’ve put together a handy little guide to get you started on some common clothing and household items. Alternatively, if your item isn’t listed, we recommend calling your local council for advice. 

Damaged, worn and unsellable clothes

  • Lottie highly recommends the recycling program, Upparel. “They will take all of your unsellable clothes and recycle them into furniture and other bits and bobs! They are based in Melbourne and are doing some great work.”
  • Major retailers like H&M and Zara will collect your clothes no matter what condition they are in.
  • Macpac and Patagonia both have trade-in programs for their own pre-loved clothing, where customers can return their worn-out or damaged clothing for store credit.
  • After is a home collection service for your second hand clothing that can’t be sold.  
recycle old sheets
(Credit: Getty)

Quilt covers and sheet

  • Second-hand quilt covers, sheets and towels can be taken Sheridan for recycling.

Pillows

  • GoKindly has a recycling program for their pillows. Unfortunately, they only recycle GoKindly pillows (turning them into yarn), but that might influence your buying decision next time you need a new pillow.

Old towels

  • Call your local animal shelter and see if they need any old towels or sheets.
  • Alternatively, your local mechanic might appreciate some old towels and sheets to work with. 

Clothes that are in good condition

  • Charity shops do want your preloved clothes, as long as they’re in good condition. Follow the golden rule for donations: if you would gift it to a friend or family member, then it’s in good enough condition to donate to a charity shop.

Shoes

  • Shoes in decent condition can be donated to charity shops. 
  • Not-for-profit organisation Shoes for Planet Earth provide reused running shoes to those in need around the world.
  • TreadLightly recycles unwanted sport and active lifestyle footwear.
  • Soles 4 Souls donates unwanted running shoes to orphanages and other not for profit projects.

Empty cosmetics containers and coffee capsules

  • BRAD Banish Recycling And Disposal Program will take your empty hard-to-recycle items, such as blister packs, toothpaste tubes, lotion bottles, coffee pods, bread tags and more. Read the full list of what they can accept here. 

Old toys

  • Other hard to get rid of items are toys your child no longer wants to play with. Thankfully, Big W has launched a recycling initiative where parents can drop off toys in any condition to be recycled. Find out more here. 

You might also like:

How to upcycle an old dresser into a desk

How to dispose of these common yet tricky household items

16 ways to organise your recycling

Profile picture of Livia Gamble
Writer Livia Gamble Senior Digital Content Producer

With a Bachelor’s degree in communications and over a decade of industry experience, Livia is a seasoned content producer and editor who has a knack for crafting articles brimming with helpful information you never knew you needed (but you do). She has covered various topics, from home decor and gardening to health and wellness, showcasing her versatility and expertise. Livia's writing has been featured in publications such as the lifestyle section of the Sydney Morning Herald. Additionally, she has worked as a content editor for various parenting and lifestyle brands, including Babyology and Essential Kids. When she isn’t reporting on ways to improve your home and garden, she can be found crocheting ponchos and attempting to master the perfect homemade pizza dough.

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