Some advice and tips on donating, recycling, or reusing those old clothes — minus the stress.

If you have piles of old clothes that you no longer wear, deciding what to do with castoffs is only half of the dilemma.

These days, there are moral, practical, and sustainable implications that come with donating and the recycling process too. When it comes to giving away old clothes, considering what to do with them can become very stressful. Do donation centers really need every single sweater that turns up? Are those recycling programs at local shops any good? And what do we do about worn-out garments that literally nobody wants?

Start Sorting

Before tossing everything into a donation bin, sort through the mess. Items should be clean and free of stains and tears. Separate the wearable clothes by type and label them for easier sorting by a charity. You can set aside and repurpose stained and torn items as household wipe clothes or send them away for textile recycling.

Anything you donate should respect the potential future recipient. Don't expect that someone in need will be grateful for a stained shirt or a pair of ratty sweats. Clothes that don't make someone feel good won't fetch any money and if they were resold, are less likely to find a second home.

Some clothing categories that are worth donating are new bras, socks, underwear, bedding, new or gently used shoes, and professional attire. Toiletries and beauty products that are new, either unopened or not due to expire in 6 months are always welcome.

Decide Where to Donate

Before you head to donate, it also helps to ask what each organization needs. Many organizations list needed items on their website, but it’s also a good idea to call or email to confirm what they will accept. This will ensure that your garments are going to those who will need them and spares the workers from having to throw away or find another home for stuff that doesn't align with their company mission.

It's poor form to donate garments that don't fit the weather in the donation destination. Don't give a down coat to a relief organization who are based in a warm climate, for example.

If you are unsure about an item, ask yourself if someone would pay for it. If the answer is yes, then that garment would be a good use for an organization that distributes items for resale. The goal is to keep the items out of landfills for longer periods and to empower small business owners.

Organizations like Goodwill and the Salvation Army have the most visibility but may often be overwhelmed with donations over the holidays.

Resell or Consign? In-person or online?

If you'd like to recoup some cash or if your favorite charity is overwhelmed with donations, you might reconsider selling the clothes yourself. When it comes to sustainability and ethics, small business is definitely the way.

Reselling locally instead of online reduces your shipping-associated carbon footprint, so this might be a much more sustainable choice. However, sites like Depop or Poshmark might be more profitable since you're selling directly to someone who is willing to pay on the spot. It's more work but it could be worth it depending on your situation and needs.

Can Those Clothes Have A Second Life?

Lastly, consider trying to give your clothes a second life. Items with missing buttons or jammed zippers or holes often end up in a landfill. Take this opportunity to learn how to mend clothes, as it is a dying art. You can easily purchase a sewing repair kit and try it out for yourself!