Where can I recycle my decluttered items?
Updated May 30th, 2024
We live in a society where fast fashion and throwaway culture is rife.
If you are decluttering and want to feel better about where your items go then don’t despair!
Below is a list of where you can send/donate and sell your items. The list is not exhaustive so do feel free to comment or add to it!
Clothing/shoes- if good enough to be sold can be listed on selling sites like Vinted, Depop or Ebay.
Not got the time or energy to list the items? (This is a service I can do for you by the way!)
But don’t want good items to go to waste? Then donate to charity shops.
Certain items like baby clothing is always sought after by women’s refuge centre’s so this is another option.
Men’s suits and office attire is always greatfully recieved by the Shekinah Mission who help men get back to work. Similarly women’s office attire is used for those attempting to get into the workplace and can be sent to Smartworks, London.
Likewise for prom dresses. Not everyone can afford expensive gowns and The Millfields Trust, Plymouth are so appreciative of gowns that can be recycled.
Furniture – if in a good condition you may find success in selling items on places like Facebook Marketplace. Alternatively there are charity shops that will collect items from you or advertise on Don’t Dump it sites where someone will be sure to appreciate your items.
Books – pass on to friends and family who may want your books or donate to dedicated charity bookshops. The British Red Cross, Plympton are always keen to receive your good condition books. Similarly there are donation bins in various supermarket carparks in the city including Sainsbury’s, Marsh Mills.
Makeup – Unused makeup that has expired can be placed in donation bins- Superdrug and Sainsbury’s accept these. Makeup breeds bacteria so opened items need to be disposed in your normal household waste.
Money– whether its old British money or foreign currency this can be donated to charity by putting in charity tins. Sainsbury’s have a donation pot on their Bureau de change department. If a reasonable amount foreign currency can be exchanged for GBP again.
Cd’s/DVD’s – there are websites that will give you cash for these items however the amount is so low you may find your time better spent and donating them to charity shops a more suitable alternative.
LP’s/vinyls – a surge in the demand for LP’s has occurred over the last 5 years and some records can be worth money. You will also find many collectors frequent carboot sales and purchase as a job lot. But do your research first as some LP’s can be worth big money!
Batteries – Batteries need to be disposed of properly so drop them into collection points which are often found in supermarkets or chemists. Alternatively there is a dedicated section at the recycling centre at Chelson Meadow.
Electrical items– electrical items can be difficult to sell on due to PAT testing requirements however Marketplace can often be successful. However for damaged/broken items take to the recycling centre who have a dedicated section. DO NOT put in your normal waste!
Photographs – it’s hard to let go of old photographs but it really is ok to do so! Those with blurred quality or thumbs over the lens (only those of a certain age will appreciate the pain!) can be disposed of in household waste. But for many, photographs of their ancestors they don’t know or never met (inherited form previous generations) can be harder to relinquish the guilt of letting go. There are dedicated groups who are so grateful for old photographs and you can feel better about saying goodbye, knowing they are being appreciated.
Can you think of anything else?