How to recycle your unwanted clothing

We now have clothing banks spread across 60 locations throughout North Norfolk. Find out where you can donate your unwanted clothes and shoes.

Why recycle?

Around 350,000 tonnes of clothing is discarded in the household waste stream every year. That’s around £140 million worth of used, but still wearable clothing being thrown away. Most of this wasted material could easily be reused or recycled through textile recycling. It can take tens of years for various types of clothing to break down whilst also having a damaging effect on the environment with the release of harmful gases and chemicals during the decomposition stage.

What happens to the clothing?

We reuse 100% of the materials collected after sorting in the UK, with 75% going into the UK, Europe, Africa and Asia. The remaining 25% of poor grade materials is sent to pulping mills and used as fillings for mattresses.

Items we recycle

• clothing
• shoes
• belts
• handbags

Items we can't accept

• blankets
• towels
• sheets
• carpet
• rugs
• soiled rags

Please do not dispose of any other material such as glass, metal, paper and rubbish.

Where can I find my nearest clothing bank?

There are clothing banks spread across 60 locations throughout North Norfolk.