Let’s start off by saying that I’m not trying to discourage people from donating to thrift shops - they do marvelous charitable and sustainable work! However, there are a few things I’d like to share with you about thrift shop donations:

According to Savers 2018 State of Reuse Report (A survey conducted in 2018 of over 3,000 people in the US and Canada), 28 percent of people in North America donate used clothing. Only 7 percent of people actually purchase used clothing. The donation numbers seem low to me but perhaps that’s me assuming people donate.
According to a CBC article, about half of clothing collected for thrift shops makes it onto the floor for sale. Only half of that will actually sell (a measly 25% of collected items).
At the Salvation Army, and I’m sure other thrift stores have similar policies, if an item isn’t sold within 4 weeks then it’s removed from the floor.
What doesn’t sell has a few different paths. Some are sold second-hand to other countries. Some are sold as rags or recycled. From the statistics I’ve read, it appears that over 5% of donated clothing is unusable and ends up in the landfill anyway. My guess is that’s because of the poor quality garments that many people buy retail at bottom-out prices.

So here are a few options to consider before donating to a thrift store to ensure items have a better chance of avoiding the landfill.

1. Keep it

Wild idea, I know! Ask yourself why you’re getting rid of it. Is it because it doesn’t fit? Does it needs repair? Did you buy new stuff and now you need room in your closet?

2. Repair it

If you’re letting a much loved item go because there’s a stain, or tear - check out this awesome YouTube channel for clever fixes to common problems.

3. Return it to the store

This applies not only for clothes but also if your significant other bought the wrong cereal. Grocery stores do returns for unopened non-perishable goods. This tip can also help your pocket book!

4. Clothing swap

This is fun because you also get something new out of the deal. Many local groups are organizing these on a broader scale but you can also arrange this with your friend/peer group.

5. Ask social media

Will one of your Facebook friends or followers get use out of this? I once bought the wrong laundry detergent and didn’t realize until it was past the point of returning it to the store so I asked my network if anyone used it and was able to find it a new home.

6. Ask your friends in person

Not everyone checks social media regularly so if you know a friend who might use it, consider asking them directly.

7. Change it

Is it a shirt that’s gone out of style? If you’re savvy with a sewing machine you can get creative. Shorten the hem of a vintage skirt for a fresh new look. If you’re not a sewer, there are tailors out there that can do this for you.

8. Repurpose it

Have old t-shirts? They make excellent rags or tissues (see my article about how I like to use them). Think about the Sound of Music - drapes can become clothes or cloth napkins and a glass yogurt container can become a pot for a succulent.

9. Sell it

Consignment, Facebook MarketPlace, Kijiji, or host a garage sale. If someone buys it they probably actually have a use for it - yes this isn't always the case but it gives the item a better chance of use then donating it. Also, consignment stores will only take items they know they can sell so they're a safe bet.

10. Gift it

Maybe it’s something you never opened or never used. If it’s worth something and you know someone who will love it, consider gifting it. Eco warning: Be careful not to wrap it in a bunch of garbage. Consider something recyclable or reusable.

Of course, it’s always best to avoid purchasing items you will eventually donate. And there is much more to say about clothing waste but that is an article for another day.

If you don’t currently donate your used clothing or household items to thrift stores, I would love to hear what you are doing with them. If you have other clothing waste diversion suggestions, I’d love to hear those too!

Do you have items that are too worn for the thrift store? Check out our textile donation program.

10 things to try BEFORE donating to a thrift shop