There are many options for what to do with old clothes and textiles because there are lots of different types of items and multiple ways to pass them on. In this article, we’re going to explain what you can do to recycle old clothes and textiles or make sure they are reused wherever you live in Surrey.
Decide whether your items can be used again or not
It makes sense to look at your old clothes and textiles and determine which items can be used again and which ones can’t. Council collections, local recycling banks and community recycling centres (CRCs) are likely to accept both whereas charity shops are likely to prefer items that can be reused.
Make sure you only pass on items that can be reused or recycled
Some clothes and textile items can’t be reused or recycled at all, such as duvets, pillows, cushions, single shoes and soiled items.
However, you can include bedding such as sheets, pillow cases and duvet covers, paired shoes and wellington boots, curtains, accessories such as belts, purses, handbags, hats and gloves, towels and tea towels, cushion covers, old and worn textiles and, of course, all types of standard clothing.
How do I dispose of clothes and textiles where I live in Surrey?
First of all, do the checks above to make sure your items are going to the right places. Then, follow the advice below depending on where you live in Surrey.
Epsom and Ewell, Guildford, Mole Valley, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath and Woking
Pass on or recycle clothes and textiles by putting them out for collection in a sealed, clearly labelled bag next to your bins on collection day, using our zero waste map to find a local charity shop to take them to, checking whether your local supermarket accepts clothes and textiles, taking them to a local recycling bank (see links below) or taking them to any community recycling centre (CRC) in Surrey.
To find your nearest recycling bank, visit your local council’s website:
Elmbridge and Runnymede
Pass on or recycle clothes and textiles by putting them out for collection in a sealed, clearly labelled bag next to your bins on collection day, using our zero waste map to find a local charity shop to take them to, checking whether your local supermarket accepts clothes and textiles or taking them to any CRC in Surrey.
Reigate and Banstead
Pass on or recycle clothes and textiles by taking them to a local recycling bank, using our zero waste map to find a local charity shop to take them to, checking whether your local supermarket accepts clothes and textiles or taking them to any CRC in Surrey.
Tandridge
Pass on or recycle clothes and paired shoes only by putting them out for collection in a sealed, clearly labelled bag next to your bins on collection day, taking them to a local recycling bank, using our zero waste map to find a local charity shop to take them to, checking whether your local supermarket accepts clothes and textiles or taking them to any CRC in Surrey.
Waverley
Pass on or recycle clothes and textiles by booking a collection from Biffa, using our zero waste map to find a local charity shop to take them to, checking whether your local supermarket accepts clothes and textiles or taking them to any CRC in Surrey.
Which CRCs recycle clothes and textiles?
All CRCs in Surrey accept clothes and textiles for recycling. More information on what CRCs accept can be found on Surrey County Council’s website.
What happens to clothes and textiles when my council collects them?
After being collected, clothes that can be worn again are separated from the rest of the material and are passed on to be re-worn in the UK or across the world. What’s left is then turned into products like insulation, felt and stuffing. Find out more about what happens to clothes and textiles.
To find out what to do with other types of waste where you live in Surrey, use the Surrey Recycles search tool (or download it as an app).