New campaign urges residents ‘don’t bin it, give it a second life’
- The campaign encourages residents to think twice before throwing unwanted clothes in their bin.
- In 2023/24, 16,700 tonnes of textiles were put in general waste bins in Greater Manchester.
- By repairing, donating, selling or recycling, we can all play our part in reducing waste and protecting the environment for generations to come.
Salford residents are being encouraged to repair, donate, sell or recycle their unwanted clothes, instead of throwing them in the bin, as part of a new ‘Greener Salford’ campaign.
In 2023/24, 16,700 tonnes of textiles were put in general waste bins in Greater Manchester. Not only does this waste add to carbon emissions and damage the environment, but it fuels the demand for the fast fashion and new material production, further increasing the carbon footprint of the textile industry.
The campaign, led by Salford City Council, encourages residents to think twice before throwing unwanted clothes in their bin, and instead:
Repair – extend the life of clothes by doing simple repairs, such as sewing fallen hems, replacing buttons and mending zips
Donate - do their bit for charity and take clothes that are still wearable to local charity shops or use the doorstep charity bags
Sell – make a bit of extra cash by selling clothes that are in good condition on sites like Vinted, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace
Recycle – take clothes that are damaged and can’t be repaired to textile banks at recycling centres or supermarket carparks. These clothes are recycled into something new such as animal bedding, carpet underlay or stuffing for car seats. The Recycle Now website provides a location map of textile banks in Salford.
Councillor Barbara Bentham, Lead Member for Neighbourhoods, Environment and Community Safety at Salford City Council said “We’re all aware of sites like Vinted, eBay and Facebook Marketplace, they’re a great way to get a few extra pounds in your pocket, while helping to save the environment.
"Less people are aware of the textile banks where you can take any damaged clothes to be recycled. I’m really pleased to see this campaign underway to raise awareness of what residents can do with the unwanted or damaged clothes instead of throwing them in the bin. By repairing, donating, selling or recycling, we can all play our part in reducing waste and protecting the environment for generations to come.”
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About the Cabinet member
More information about Councillor Barbara Bentham
Councillor Barbara Bentham is the Lead Member for Neighbourhoods, Environment and Community Safety.