Clothing and other textile waste in Brisbane

• Think - 'do I really need this item?' before you buy anything.
  • Manage the impulse to buy by unfollowing social media accounts, unsubscribing from e-newsletters and deleting apps that encourage you to shop. It's not a bargain if you don't need it!
• Buy second-hand:
  • online via eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, The Closet, Nextdoor app, or other local share apps
  • visit a Council Treasure Trove in Acacia Ridge or Geebung
  • visit your local op shop, charity store, or local market (e.g. Suitcase Rummage).
• Learn the basics of clothing care, repair and upcycling with Fixing Fashion or get your clothes professionally altered so you can love them longer
• Restyle your existing clothing or home furnishings.

If you need to buy new:

• choose high-quality, versatile clothing over cheap, poorly made, fast fashion items. These items might cost more but often last longer.
• choose clothes that are made of natural fibres such as cotton, linen, wool, silk, hemp or bamboo. Avoid buying mixed fibre clothing, unless the mixed fibres are natural. Synthetic materials including polyester, nylon and elastane are made from non-renewable fossil fuels. 
• choose clothes that are made in Australia, even better if you can buy Brisbane made.

• Sell or donate your unwanted clothes and textiles that are in good condition. You can do this:
  • online on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, The Closet, depo, Nextdoor app, or other local share apps
  • at local op shops, charity stores and local markets (e.g. Suitcase Rummage)
  • at one of Council's Resource Recovery Centres for resale at the Treasure Troves in Acacia Ridge and Geebung.
• Gift your preloved clothes to family and friends.
• Host a clothes swap with friends to freshen up your wardrobe without buying new clothing. See tips on how to hold a clothing swap on the Biome website.
• Donate running shoes in good condition to Shoes for Planet Earth who deliver them to people in need around Australia.

Drop off:

• H&M, Zara, Uniqlo – have garment drop off points in their stores.
• Macpac and Patagonia have trade-in programs for their own pre-loved clothing where customers can return their worn-out or damaged clothing for store credit.
• Tread Lightly and Havaianas have shoe and thong drop off points at participating retail locations 
• Pre-loved sheets and towels (any brand) can be dropped off at Sheridan stores.
• Send old bed sheets, clothes and shoes to Ecosa. 
• Return your old boots to the Totally Workwear Boot recycling program when you buy new boots from them.

Collections:

• Upparel collect textiles for recycling
• RecycleSmart collect clothes, shoes and textiles 

Compost:

• textiles made from natural fibres (including cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo, wool, silk) can be added to your home compost or worm farm. Cut them up into small pieces and be sure to remove buttons and zippers first.

Businesses:

• Contact Total Uniform Solutions for information about recycling corporate uniforms and workwear.
  • If your workplace or business has large quantities of clothing, textiles and other second-hand goods to recycle, visit Planet Ark’s Business Recycling website to find suitable collection or drop-off services.