How to hand things in to textile collection
Short answer: Wash everything, sort it into two bags by whether it can be used again, and hand it in dry in closed bags. That way as little as possible is sorted out, and more of what you hand in is put to use.
Sort into two
One bag of clothes that can still be used, and one bag of clothes that cannot. Write on the bags if you like. It saves work and stops the usable clothes from being torn up. With only one bag, the good clothes get mixed with the worn ones, and sorting becomes harder than it needs to be. See bamboo clothing for men.
What can be used again
Clothes that are clean, whole and free of large stains can be used again. That covers jumpers, trousers, dresses and bedding that you simply no longer need. Check zips and buttons and make sure nothing is missing. That gives the best chance of the item moving on to a new owner. See bamboo t-shirt dresses.
What cannot be used again
Worn clothes with holes, large stains or split seams cannot be used again, but they can still be handed in. Most places also accept textiles that cannot be reused, and put them to other uses. Put them in their own bag so they do not soil the good clothes and make sorting harder.
Everything must be dry
Damp textiles cause mould in the sack, and mould spoils everything lying next to it. Let everything dry completely before you pack. That includes clothes that have been in a cellar or an attic. Check thick seams and hems in particular, as they dry slowest. If something feels cool or damp, let it dry for longer.
Wash first
Wash the clothes before you hand them in. Clean clothes are easier to sort, and they smell fresher for everyone who has to handle them afterwards. That goes for bedding and sheets too. If stains will not come out, put the item in the bag for clothes that cannot be used again. See bamboo fitted sheets.
Close the bags
An open bag gets wet in the rain, and then the whole contents are lost. Tie the bag shut and use one that can take being moved. Do not fill it so full that it splits when you lift it. Two smaller bags are better than one that is about to burst, and they are easier to carry to the car.
Label the bags
Write on the bag what is inside, for example usable clothes or textiles that cannot be used again. It takes a few seconds and makes sorting quicker for whoever receives the bag. Use a pen that does not run if the bag gets wet on the way. If you have several bags, you can number them.
Tags and shoes
Do not cut off the tags. They help with sorting, because they say what the clothes are made of. Shoes seldom belong in textile collection, so check the rules of the place before you put them in the bag. If there is a separate container for shoes, they can go in that, otherwise they must go elsewhere.
Check the rules of the collection point
The rules vary from place to place. Some collections take only clothes, others also take bedding and curtains. Look for a notice on the container or on the collector's website and follow it. If you are unsure, ask. A short message saves you a wasted trip and stops something from being sorted out.
Frequently asked questions
Can you hand in damaged clothes
Yes, most places also accept textiles that cannot be used again. Put them in their own bag so they are not mixed with clothes that are still good, and write on the bag.
Do you need to cut off the tags
No. The tags help with sorting, because they say what the clothes are made of. Leave them on, and it is easier for the people receiving the bag to sort correctly.
What about shoes
They seldom belong in textile collection. Check the rules of the place before you hand them in, and see whether there is a separate container for shoes that you can use instead.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
