Your old threads, helping the fabric of humanity.
Behind the scenes
Even if your clothes aren't suitable to be reworn they could be used to make mattress filling, industrial wipes or car soundproofing.
1. What happens to clothes donated to a Salvation Army Trading Company clothing bank or collection bag?
2. Are any of the clothes shredded?
3. Why has the collector not picked up my bag?
4. Where can I find clothing banks?
5. What happens to the profits?
6. Can I donate clothes as a result of bereavement?
7. What sort of items are collected and recycled through the scheme?
8. What happens to high quality items that are donated?
9. I want my donation to help local people in need – is The Salvation Army the best charity to ensure this happens?
10. Clothes are so cheap now, what is the point of recycling?
The clothing is picked up by local collectors and transported to a central facility in Kettering to be checked for waste or soiled items. Happily we collect more clothes than can be used to satisfy any local or national needs identified by The Salvation Army, including natural disasters such as flooding and supplying our charity shops, so the bulk is exported to other countries, mainly in Eastern Europe, where they provide clothing that people can afford. All funds generated by the clothing collections are used in the United Kingdom by The Salvation Army.
2. Are any of the clothes shredded?
95% of the clothes and shoes the public place into Salvation Army Clothing banks are reused or recycled with up to 80% being reworn. The rest will be broken down to make mattress filling, industrial wipes, or soundproofing in cars. Less than 5% is unable to be used again.
3. Why has the collector not picked up my bag?
It is in the collector’s best interest to pick up as many bags as possible as he or she will be paid for the tonnage they collect. We are sorry your bag was missed and can assure you it would have been a genuine oversight. If you call the helpdesk number on 0845 4581999 we will make a note of your address and advise you when we will next make a collection.
4. Where can I find clothing banks?
The location of Salvation Army banks can be found by putting your postcode into the bank and shop finder at the top of the page or by telephoning the helpdesk on 0845 4581999
5. What happens to the profits?
Profits from the clothing collection scheme are gift aided to The Salvation Army, one of the largest non-governmental provider of social and welfare community work throughout the UK. This work includes a network of 57 social service centres offering much more than just a place to stay for homeless men, women and families. In addition there are programmes that support children, young people and families, as well as residential centres for older people, a family tracing service and help for those suffering from addictions.
6. Can I donate clothes as a result of bereavement?
Yes you can and you can rest assured that the clothes that you donate will benefit those in need and not be thrown away.
7. What sort of items are collected and recycled through the scheme?
All types of clothing – outer clothing, underwear, accessories, shoes, trainers and household linens. The majority of items are worn again thereby saving raw materials, energy, water, and diverting them from landfill.
8. What happens to high quality items that are donated?
Our charity shop staff are well trained to recognise the value of individual items and these values would be reflected in the selling price of each item. In cases of high value items it is sometimes necessary to seek expert advice for both valuation and disposal.
Profits from the Clothing Collection Scheme are used in local communities across the UK to fund all kinds of projects including professional addiction services, social service centres that help people break the cycle of homelessness and get back on their feet, looking after older people in residential centres, employment training, support for the long term unemployed and people with special needs. This is just some of the work The Salvation Army carries out in neighbourhoods throughout the country.
10. Clothes are so cheap now, what is the point of recycling?
Recycling clothing saves raw materials, energy, and water and diverts waste from landfill. Cast off clothing can be worn by someone else in need. Recycling clothes therefore protects the environment and helps The Salvation Army to help those in need. Many people in other countries are unable to afford new clothing and rely on our recycling scheme to provide affordable clothing.
