Photo by Shanna Camilleri on Unsplash

The Truth About What Happens to Donated Clothes

  • 1 share
  • 4 minute read
What happens to donated clothes once they go through the doors of the donation centre and are you doing good after all?
Sustayn
  • 5 September 2022
1 Shares
0
0
1
1
Shares
0
0
1
0

I love to thrift. I’ve always loved thrifting and when I’m decluttering I either give my things to people I know, or I donate to a charity shop, or thrift store/shop, as they’re called on this side of the pond. The thought of just chucking clothes in the bin to end up in a landfill doesn’t sit right, and considering we have an abundance of places we can donate to, it probably doesn’t sit right with a bunch of other people either. But, I’ve heard some murmurs on the internet that all this good that we think we’re doing by donating isn’t actually that good after all. I’ve heard a chunk of our donated items end up in landfills or shipped abroad. So it got me thinking, what actually happens to donated clothes?

What happens once you donate?

According to a 2006 ABC report, in the United States, only 10 percent of clothing donations are kept and sold in thrift stores locally. What happens to donated clothes after that is pretty depressing. The remaining 90 percent are sold to textile recycling companies. The majority of textiles (about 70 percent) are recycled into cleaning cloths and other industrial items. But the remaining 20-30 percent are shipped off to be sold in Africa and other developing nations. Here in Canada, according to a 2018 CBC report, only about half of what gets donated ends up in a thrift shop, with about half of that actually selling. Value Village only sells about a quarter of it’s donations and the Salvation Army only keeps clothing on it’s racks for four weeks before switching it out.

Where are clothes sent?

In 2017, Canada exported $173 million of used clothing globally. The three largest importers were Kenya ($20 million), Ghana ($14 million) and India ($12 million). According to Kate Bahen of Charity Intelligence, exporting such large volumes of used clothing to developing countries ends up having a negative impact on those countries by suppressing their textile industries and dumping our waste into their landfills. In 2016, the East African Community (EAC) proposed an import ban on used clothing. Imported used clothing sells for less than locally produced clothing, eroding local industry. The goal of the ban was to reduce foreign competition, encourage local textile production and help rejuvenate a once thriving industry. 

In addition to damaging local industry, there’s also the matter of the end of life of the garment. Whether clothes are resold initially or not, they eventually end up in a landfill and it’s not a landfill in Canada. Current textile recycling methods turn less than 1% of non-reusable materials back into new textiles. We haven’t developed a mass market, sustainable end-to-end model for clothing anywhere in the world yet let alone expecting a developing country to have access to the technology to do it. So at the end of the day, we’re sending our trash abroad. 

What can we do instead?

The average Canadian gets rid of 37 kilograms of textiles per year with 85% of wearable textiles and 99% of non-wearable ones, such as shoes and towels ending up in a landfill. Is this a case to not donate just because of what happens to donated clothes? I don’t think so. Is this a case for people buying less stuff, reusing what you can and recycling if possible? Of course. The average Canadian now buys 72 textiles items a year, a 60 percent increase from 20 years ago, but keeps them for half the time. 

But are we solely to blame here for what happens to donated clothes? Absolutely not. In my opinion, every large manufacturer and seller of pretty much anything should have the responsibility to ensure their product has a plan for end of life. Just selling it and leaving it at that shouldn’t be ok. Knowing that the end of life for a product is a landfill shouldn’t be the accepted practice.

Some innovative companies have started looking at full life cycles and creating circular systems, as opposed to the vertical supply chain of today. UK company, Worn Again Technologies aims to capture materials from non-reusable products (textiles and PET bottles) at the end of their life and convert them back into raw materials to form a circular system. Worn Again worked with McDonalds in the UK before the 2012 Olympics to create a closed loop system for their employee uniforms. A 100% recycled uniform was designed for their 85,000 restaurant staff.

Seattle-based Evrnu, another company invested in the circular textile economy, regenerates fibres from discarded clothing to create new textiles. In 2019, Evmu partnered with Stella McCartney and Adidas to create a limited run of the adidas by Stella McCartney Infinite Hoodie. The hoodie was the first item to be “made to be remade” composed of 60% NuCycl™ and 40% organic cotton that was diverted from landfills and will be returned to the NuCycl system at the end of life.

But with circular textile technology still in its infancy and still being too cost prohibitive for the mass market, is there much a single individual can do right now? We live in a capitalist, consumerism-focused, disposable society, so I’ll admit it’s not looking great and probably isn’t going to be easy.  

  • Start small, try not to buy disposable things.
  • If you’re done with something, give it to a friend or donate it rather than throwing it out. 
  • If you’re buying something, try to buy second-hand. 
  • If you want to, or need to buy something new, and are in a position to, try and buy quality items that will last you a long time or are repairable if they break. 
  • Buying from companies that are focusing on sustainable, circular methods of production can also be helpful. Proving a market for this will help investment in new technology and a reduction in the cost to customers over time. 
  • And finally, try not to let the weight of the fact that we’ve destroyed the planet and screwed the people get you down too much. Note to reader: if you know how to do that please give me tips. Struggling. 

This article was first published on January 10, 2021 on Destinationtbc.com, titled “Where do the clothes we donate go?“

Sustayn is designed to present the most useful recommendations for environmentally friendly approaches and items. We update links when possible, but note that links can be broken and subject to change.

In this article:
,,,,
1 Shares
Facebook 0
Twitter 0
Pinterest 1
Mail 0
Post written by:
Follow
421 comments

  3. A motivating discussion is worth comment. There’s no doubt that that you ought to publish more on this issue, it may not be a taboo matter but typically people do not talk about such subjects. To the next! Cheers!!

  4. Hi, this weekend is good in support of me,because this occasion i am reading this great informative paragraph here at my residence.

  10. To start obtaining well timed alerts, as shown underneath click the Inexperienced “lock” icon beside the dealwith barFree Fire Account Free 2021 Garena Accounts AndPasswordFree Fire Account Free

  13. You could definitely see your skills in the work you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. Always follow your heart.

  16. I am really impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog.Is this a paid theme or did you customizeit yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like this one these days.

  17. Howdy! I could have sworn Iíve been to this blog before but after looking at some of the articles I realized itís new to me. Regardless, Iím certainly pleased I came across it and Iíll be bookmarking it and checking back regularly!

  20. It’s really a nice and useful piece of information. I am glad that you simply shared this useful info with us.Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  22. I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good.I don’t know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

  23. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your usefulinformation. Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly comeback.

  29. Hi there, I found your web site via Google while looking for a related topic, your website came up, it looks great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

  30. When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I get 4 emails with the same comment. Is there any means you may take away me from that service? Thanks!

  32. Nice post. I study one thing tougher on completely different blogs everyday. It is going to all the time be stimulating to learn content material from other writers and practice just a little one thing from their store. I’d desire to use some with the content material on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll offer you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

  33. Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us you actually know what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Please also visit my site =). We could have a link exchange arrangement between us!

  34. Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any recommendations?

  35. I am extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like this one today..

  36. Nearly all of whatever you mention happens to be astonishingly accurate and that makes me ponder why I had not looked at this in this light previously. This piece truly did turn the light on for me personally as far as this subject goes. But at this time there is just one issue I am not really too comfortable with and while I try to reconcile that with the actual core theme of the issue, allow me see exactly what all the rest of your visitors have to say.Very well done.

  37. I’m still learning from you, while I’m improving myself. I certainly enjoy reading everything that is written on your website.Keep the stories coming. I enjoyed it!

  39. I must show thanks to this writer for bailing me out of this particular challenge. As a result of scouting through the search engines and obtaining techniques which were not helpful, I figured my entire life was over. Living minus the strategies to the problems you’ve resolved as a result of your good write-up is a critical case, and the kind which may have in a wrong way damaged my career if I hadn’t encountered your blog post. Your actual skills and kindness in handling the whole lot was crucial. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I hadn’t encountered such a solution like this. I can also at this moment relish my future. Thanks very much for the skilled and result oriented help. I won’t hesitate to refer your web site to any individual who ought to have recommendations about this problem.

  40. I’ve been browsing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you did, the web will be a lot more useful than ever before.

  43. Wow! This can be one particular of the most helpful blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Wonderful. I’m also an expert in this topic therefore I can understand your hard work.

  45. Aw, this was a very nice post. Spending some time and actual effort to generate a superb articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I put things off a whole lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.

  48. I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here frequently. I am quite sure I’ll learn many new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!

  49. Aw, this was an extremely good post. Finding the time and actual effort to produce a very good articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I put things off a lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.

  51. Wow! This could be one particular of the most useful blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Magnificent. I am also an expert in this topic therefore I can understand your effort.

  55. It’s an remarkable paragraph in favor of allthe internet viewers; they will get advantagefrom it I am sure.Feel free to visit my blog – seed sprouts

  65. Thanks for every other wonderful post. Where else could anybody get that type of info in such an idealmeans of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I am at the lookfor such info.

  67. Sweet blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I ave been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Cheers

  80. Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after reading through some ofthe post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!

  85. Aw, this was a very nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to create a really good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and don’t seem to get anything done.

  90. A pension scheme super anadrol results „We’ve seen this cycle in other forms of media too. Elvis Presley – when he went on the Ed Sullivan Show, he was only shown from the waist up. People thought his swivelling hips were too outrageous.”

  91. When someone writes an piece of writing he/she maintainsthe idea of a user in his/her mind that how a user can understandit. Thus that’s why this post is great. Thanks!

  95. Usually I don’t read article on blogs, however I would like to say that thiswrite-up very compelled me to try and do so! Your writingstyle has been amazed me. Thanks, very great post.

  97. Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thanks, However I am encountering issues with your RSS. I donít know why I cannot join it. Is there anybody else getting identical RSS issues? Anyone that knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanx!!

  99. I wanted to thank you for this very good read!! I absolutely enjoyed every little bit of it. I’ve got you book-marked to look at new stuff you postÖ

  100. Thanks, I’ve just been searching for info about this topic for a long time and yours is the greatest I’ve came upon so far. However, what concerning the conclusion? Are you sure concerning the source?

  101. Its touch enabled and metro tiles features are making good news. Technologizer’s Harry McCracken has a what remains missing previously Windows 8 preview. You might test allows you to from Sound options.

  102. You could definitely see your expertise in thee article you write.The arena hopes for more passionate writers such asyou who are not afraid to say how they believe.At all times follow your heart.

  108. I blog quite often and I truly thank you for your content. The article has truly peaked my interest. I’m going to bookmark your blog and keep checking for new details about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed as well.

  120. I do agree with all the ideas you have presented in your post. They’re very convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are too short for novices. Could you please extend them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.

  123. Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thanks, However I am experiencing issues with your RSS. I donít understand why I can’t join it. Is there anybody else having identical RSS issues? Anybody who knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanks!!

  124. I’m not certain where you’re getting your information, however good topic. I needs to spend some time studying much more or understanding more. Thanks for great information I was searching for this info for my mission.

  128. Whats Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & aid different customers like its aided me. Good job.

  130. When I initially commented I clicked the « Notify me when new comments are added » checkbox andnow each time a comment is added I get three emails with the same comment.Is there any way you can remove me from that service?Thanks!

  131. Good blog! I truly love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your feed which must do the trick! Have a nice day!

  145. Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Finding the time and actual effort to generate agreat article… but what can I say… I hesitate alot and don’t seem to get anything done.

  148. Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, you can be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark yourblog and will come back sometime soon. I want to encourage you continue your great writing, have a nice evening!

  149. Thanks for finally talking about > ANITTA LANÇA VIDEOCLIPE PARA “GIRLFROM RIO REMIX”, EM PARCERIA COM DABABY– bpmcom judi poker uang asli terpercaya

  155. What’s Going down i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discoveredIt positively helpful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & aid other users like its helped me.Great job.

  156. excellent points altogether, you just received a new reader. What could you suggest in regards to your publish that you simply made a few days ago? Any positive?

  177. Heya i’m for the primary time here. I came across this board and I in finding It truly useful & ithelped me out much. I’m hoping to present one thing back and aid others likeyou aided me.

  178. Generally I do not learn post on blogs, however I wish to say thatthis write-up very forced me to check out and do so!Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, quite nice article.

  182. I’m not sure why but this blog is loading extremely slow for me.Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end?I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.

  188. Hi, I do believe this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will revisit yet again since I bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you berich and continue to help others.

  193. The place else may anybody get that type of information in such a perfect method of writing?23-08kuufgiopjo

  197. Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely helpful information specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such info much. I was seeking this certain info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

  198. Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve been to your blog before butafter looking at many of the articles I realized it’s new to me.Anyhow, I’m definitely pleased I discovered it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking backregularly!

  199. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I?ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!

  200. การพนันที่ง่ายที่สุดบางครั้งอาจจะหนีไม่พ้นคาสิโนออนไลน์เนื่องจากไม่ว่าจะอยู่ที่ไหนทำอะไรก็สามารถทำเงินได้ตลอดระยะเวลา UFABET เว็บคาสิโนออนไลน์ที่ล้ำสมัยที่สุด ใช้ระบบอัตโนมัติในการฝากถอน ง่ายต่อการใช้ รวมทั้งยังมีคณะทำงานรอดูแล 24 ชั่วโมง

  203. I blog frequently and I really thank you for your information. This article has really peaked my interest. I will book mark your blog and keep checking for new details about once per week. I opted in for your RSS feed as well.

  205. It’s actually a nice and useful piece of information. I’mhappy that you just shared this useful information with us.Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  208. Very good written article. It will be supportive to anyone who utilizes it, as well as yours truly :). Keep up the good work – looking forward to more posts.

  211. Manganese is similar to iron in its chemical and also physical properties, however it is harder as well as much more breakable. Manganese is possibly one of the most flexible component that can be included in copper alloys.

  217. I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your blog.It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable forme to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developerto create your theme? Great work!

  220. A motivating discussion is definitely worth comment. I do believe that you ought to publish more on this subject matter, it might not be a taboo matter but usually people do not talk about such topics. To the next! All the best!

  224. Aw, this was a very nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to make a really good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and never manage to get anything done.

  225. It’s difficult how to make a man comefind experienced people for this subject, however, youseem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks

  226. บาคาร่าเกมไพ่ยอดฮิตติดใจกันทั่วบ้านทั่วทั้งเมืองเนื่องจากว่าเป็นเกมไพ่ที่เล่นง่ายจบเกมไว ก็เลยทำให้ได้เงินไว UFABET ได้รวบรวมเกมบาคาร่าออนไลน์มาไว้แบบครบทุกค่ายให้คุณได้เลือกเล่นอย่างจุใจ รองรับด้วยระบบฝากถอนอัตโนมัติไม่ยุ่งยากอีกอีกต่อไปแล้วขอรับ

  227. Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I to find Ittruly useful & it helped me out a lot. Ihope to provide one thing again and aid others like you helped me.

  231. Fine way of describing, and fastidious article to take facts about mypresentation subject matter, which i am going to deliverin school.

  236. Appreciate it for helping out, great information. „The surest way to be deceived is to think oneself cleverer than the others.” by La Rochefoucauld.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Previous Article
Next Article
You May Also Like

Which Fabrics are Sustainable?

  • 1.7K views
  • 5 minute read
In this post, we explore which fabrics are sustainable, what their impact is, and which fabrics we might want to keep to a minimum.
2 Shares
1
1