Click to open FAQs
My local clothing bank is full, what should I do with my bag of clothes?
Please do not leave your clothes beside the bank or anywhere else on fire station grounds. If the bank is full, please call the phone number displayed on the textile bank to report the full bank, and then please try again over the next couple of days.
Where is my closest clothes recycling bank?
Check our recycling bank map to find a place to donate clothing near you.
What if I accidentally post my keys or wallet into the bank?!
Please telephone the number on the bank and arrange a mutually convenient time for them to open it. Please do not attempt to climb or reach into the bank.
What happens to the donated clothes?
The donated clothing, shoes, handbags and textiles are collected by our recycling partners and wearable clothing is re-used, usually sold in under-developed countries. Any textiles that are unwearable are recycled into such items as industrial wipers and car upholstery, and also re-used in the production of many other items. The income generated from clothes recycling helps Fire Fighters Charity to provide health and wellbeing support to the UK’s fire family.
How do we get a textile bank on our fire station or community site?
We work with all of our UK Fire and Rescue Services to identify and agree fire stations that are safe and suitable to have a clothing bank sited. A risk assessment is carried out and a clothing bank is only placed once approval from all parties has been established. Sometimes it is not possible to place a clothing bank, but in these cases every effort is made to identify alternative locations where possible. For further information please contact us.
Request a clothes recycling bank
Do you accept textile off-cuts and remnants?
Unfortunately, we cannot accept textile off-cuts or remnants at our recycling banks.
I have a lot of stained clothes, will these be accepted?
We prefer the donated clothing to be in good condition, but we can take a very small amount that is damaged or stained.
When it says I can donate “linen” does that include bed covers, sheets and curtains?
Yes, we can take sheets, duvet covers and curtains just as long it’s not in bulk quantities.
Do I have to donate my clothing in plastic bags? I’m trying to reduce the amount of plastic I use.
We do recommend using plastic bags to protect the items. The bags are collected and recycled. However, if you would prefer to donate them unbagged this is fine too.
