Submit clothes for free: where can I donate clothes?

Here is a new trousers because a new shirt - did you know that each of us buys around 60 new clothes? Be it because you want to participate in the latest fashion trend, is bored by the "old" clothes or for other reasons. And so we buy more and more, although we already have more than enough clothes in our closet. No wonder that the clothes at home keep stacking and you don't really know when you should all put on the parts.

If there is a lack of space in the wardrobe again, it is time to sort out. But where to go with the sorted out clothes? One thing is certain: never in the trash! As a rule, the clothes are still too well preserved. And that would also be contrary to every thought of sustainability. So it doesn't work at all.

One possibility is to resell the goods, for example at flea markets or on. Another option is to donate clothing. This not only benefits people in need, but is also good for the environment.

You can find out here what you need to know about the clothing donation and where you can put your old clothes.

The problem: Many containers are illegally set up and the goods often do not end up with those that they really need, such as homeless, refugees and other people in need. Instead, well -preserved clothing is resold to European second hand shops, while clothes that are no longer up to date are shipped to Africa, Asia or South America.

The problem here: the clothing donation often has a negative impact on developing countries. Because the donated clothing is sometimes resold at extremely low prices, against which the local products of local textile companies do not arrive.

A large part of the clothes collected in the Cotainers is also recycled to cleaning flaps or other fabrics or ends in the waste incineration for heat incorporation.

If you still want to bring your discarded clothing to the old clothing container, you should make sure that it is wearing a "fair rating" label. Fair evaluation is an association of various non -profit organizations and social projects, including Diakonie, Caritas, Hephata and Bethel.

If the collective container has such a seal, this means that the proceeds benefit social, diaconal and charitable organizations and do not flow into dubious companies. Where the next container is available with fair rating, you can look here:altkleiderspenden.de.

So -called clothing chambers are actually a remnant from the post -war period. At that time, they served to provide the population with warm clothing in the cold seasons. But even today there are some clothing chambers. Here you can hand in your discarded clothing, which will then benefit homeless, refugees, Hartz IV recipients and other needy.

Since clothing chambers usually have few storage options, you should find out online or by phone about which clothing is currently needed.

Here you will find clothes chambers nearby:

Another option where you can hand in your sorting out clothes directly is oxfam. Oxfam shops are available in every larger city. You can find an Oxfam shop near youhere.

Oxfam works on a voluntary basis and continues to sell the donated clothing. The proceeds are largely flowing into the development policy work of Oxfam Germany EV clothing that is not sold but is still well preserved is also released to non-profit organizations, e.g. social department stores or textile recycling companies.

Important:If you want to hand in your clothes in an Oxfam shop, make sure that the clothes are clean and undamaged.Or items made of animal and species protection are not accepted by Oxfam. You can all informationhereread.

Another contact point for your clothes donation is so -called social department stores. They are available in almost every major city and are mostly operated by churches, social offices or charities.

The department stores are selling the donated goods to the needy for little money and the proceeds flow into various social projects.By the way:In social department stores, everyone, regardless of income, is allowed to shop.

The next social facility or clothing store is too far away? No problem. You can also simply send your clothes donation by post. TheGerman clothing foundationFor example takes yoursby package and even provide you with a free package slip to print. The foundation gives selected items of clothing and urgently needed goods to the needy, the remaining pieces are resold to finance the work according to the ethical standards of Fair rating eV.

Also onPackmeeCan you send sorted clothes in a box for free. The company then prepares things for charitable organizations.

Some of your sorted clothes are broken and unusable and you don't know where to go? The Nature Conservation Association (NABU) advises not to throw broken clothing into the residual waste bin or in the old clothing container, but to be handed over to the municipal recycling center. Another option is to ask for local animal shelters or workshops near you whether there is a need for old clothing.

Tipp:Many broken clothing can be easily recycled and used as plaster flaps.