5 Ways to Keep Your Clothing Donations Out of the Landfill
When you're cleaning out your closet, it might feel good to donate your clothes, thinking you're helping out. But here's the reality: a lot of that donated clothing ends up being burned, tossed in the trash, or shipped to other countries, where it can create problems for those communities. It's important to find ways to keep clothing donations out of landfills and ensure they are truly reused.
Our waste is contributing to public health crises in other parts of the world. You can find more information on this pressing issue here.
So how do we make sure our good intentions actually do good? It starts before we even buy the clothes, and continues with how we pass them on. A conscious effort to keep clothing donations out of landfill can begin with deliberate purchasing and donation methods.
Here are five thoughtful ways to make sure your donations don’t end up in the landfill:
1. Buy Less in the First Place
The most sustainable garment is the one that never needed to be produced. Buying fewer, better-quality pieces reduces the need to constantly clean out your closet and donate. When you’re intentional with your purchases, you’ll naturally have fewer items to offload, and those you do donate will likely be in better shape for someone else to use and help keep clothing donations out of landfill.
2. Only Donate Clean, Wearable Items
Before donating, ask yourself: Would I give this to a friend? If it’s stained, ripped, stretched out, or smells weird, most donation centers can’t sell it. Always wash and fold clothes before donating. If an item is beyond repair, textile recycling is a better option (see below).
3. Research Where You Donate
Not all donation centers operate the same. Some only sell a fraction of what they receive and send the rest abroad or to textile recyclers, many of which still discard large amounts. Prioritize local organizations that support your community directly, like:
- Homeless shelters or women’s shelters
- Refugee resettlement groups
- Church donation drives
- Community closets or free stores
Call ahead to ask what they accept and how donations are used.
4. Sell Your Clothes Yourself
Give your pre-loved pieces a second chance by selling them directly to people who want them. This ensures your clothes stay in use and reduces the risk of them being tossed since many thrift stores are overwhelmed.
Here are a few great platforms to try:
- Poshmark – Best for fashion lovers and name brands
- Depop – Great for vintage, trendy, or Y2K styles
- thredUP – A clean-out service with optional payout or donation
Click here for a list of our 12 favorite secondhand clothing apps for you to buy and sell!
This route takes a bit more time, but it’s one of the most effective ways to keep your clothes in circulation, and you may even make some money along the way.
5. Recycle Responsibly
For clothes that are no longer wearable (holey socks, stretched-out tees, underwear, etc.), look for textile recycling programs. Brands like Trashie, Terracycle, and some local governments offer recycling options that turn worn-out items into insulation, industrial rags, or even new textiles, keeping them far from the landfill.
Click here to find stores who take your old clothes in return for store credit.