Clothes and home textiles

Clothes and home textiles can be recycled, including pairs of shoes and accessories like belts and bags.

Weekly collection

To recycle your old clothes and home textiles put them into one standard size plastic carrier bag, tied up so that they keep dry and leave it next to your rubbish or recycling bin on your collection day.

Please don’t put them in a black bin bag or in your recycling bin.

If you live in a flat your service may be different.

What can I recycle?

All clothes and home textiles can be recycled as long as they are clean and dry.

Yes please

  • Clothes like shirts, coats, tights and underwear
  • Home textiles like towels and sheets
  • Pairs of shoes
  • Accessories like belts and bags

No thanks

  • Single shoes
  • Stuffed items like pillows, cushions and duvets
  • Cuddly toys

What if I have more than one bag to recycle?

There is limited space on the collection vehicles so we can only pick up one carrier bag at a time. If you’ve had a clear-out you can usually take your clothes and home textiles to a recycling centre or bank instead.

All Surrey community recycling centres accept clothes and textiles for recycling. For full information on opening dates and times, waste types accepted at each site, and reuse shops please check Surrey County Council’s website. Alternatively call 03456 009 009.

What do my clothes become?

Clothes and home textiles are either sorted to be worn and used again in the UK or abroad, or recycled into useful products like felt, insulation or stuffing.

See also