Find Clothing Banks & Clothing Recycling Bins Near You in Durham

Clothes donation locations in Darlington, Hartlepool, Stockton-on-Tees, and more

How are donated clothes processed?
When you donate clothes in Durham, the processing generally involves the following steps:

  1. Collection:

    • Clothes are collected at charity shops, donation centers, clothing banks, or through community drives organized by local organizations.

  2. Sorting:

    • Once collected, the clothes are sorted by volunteers or staff. They assess the condition, type, and suitability of each item. Good quality clothes are separated for resale, while others might be set aside for recycling or direct distribution.

  3. Resale in Charity Shops:

    • Clothes in good condition are prepared for resale in charity shops across Durham. Organizations like Oxfam, British Heart Foundation, and Cancer Research UK have shops in the area where donated clothes are sold. The funds generated support the charity’s work, whether it’s medical research, global poverty relief, or local community services.

  4. Direct Distribution:

    • Some clothes, particularly those donated to local shelters or community centers, are distributed directly to individuals in need, such as the homeless or low-income families. This ensures that essential items like warm clothing are provided to those who need them most.

  5. Recycling:

    • Clothes that aren’t suitable for resale or direct use may be sent to textile recycling facilities. These items are often repurposed into new materials, such as insulation, industrial rags, or new textiles, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

  6. Export:

    • Surplus or unsellable clothes may be sold in bulk to textile merchants, who export them to developing countries. In these countries, the clothes are sold in local markets, providing affordable clothing options to communities in need.

  7. Upcycling:

    • Some donated clothes may be upcycled into new products, such as bags, quilts, or other items, either by the charity or through partnerships with sustainable fashion initiatives.

This process ensures that donated clothes in Durham are used effectively, whether through resale, direct aid to those in need, or recycling and upcycling efforts that support environmental sustainability.

What’s the best charity for your old clothes?
To donate clothes in Durham, you can consider the following nearby locations:

  1. Oxfam:

    • Location: Shops in Durham City Centre.
    • Why: Supports global poverty relief and development projects.

  2. British Heart Foundation:

    • Location: Shop in Durham City.
    • Why: Proceeds fund heart disease research and support.

  3. Cancer Research UK:

    • Location: Shop in Durham City.
    • Why: Donations help fund cancer research and treatment advancements.

  4. Salvation Army:

    • Location: Donation points and possibly a shop in or near Durham City.
    • Why: Supports a range of social services, including help for the homeless and those in need.

  5. St Cuthbert’s Hospice:

    • Location: Charity shop in Durham City.
    • Why: Supports hospice care services for patients with life-limiting illnesses in the local community.

  6. Clothing Banks:

    • Location: Found at supermarkets or recycling centers across Durham.
    • Why: Convenient drop-off points, with clothes typically supporting various local and national charities.

These options offer several convenient places to donate clothes in Durham, helping support both local causes and broader charitable efforts.

Find one on the map

List of Durham Clothes Bank Locations

Located in northern England, Durham is home to some of the region’s most generous donations. One of the biggest types of donations in the area is clothing, and lucky for you, there are plenty of clothes banks around that would be more than happy to accept your items. Towns such as Darlington, Hartlepool, Stockton-on-Tees, and many more, all have clothing banks so you’ll never be too far away from one.

They’ll accept common items such as pants, jackets, shirts, shoes, socks, and others. However, if you want to donate something different such as furniture, appliances, homewares, food, or linen, call them beforehand to check if they can accept your donations.

Large organisations such as The Salvation Army and The Fire Fighters Charity operate the vast majority of clothing banks throughout the county. But there are plenty of local charities as well with places you can donate.

If your clothes are unusable, full of holes, or too dirty to be cleaned, throw them out instead. These organisations spend millions every year getting rid of clothes that can’t be used. As well, if the donation bin is full or already overflowing, let the charity know and find another location for your clothes.

If you know any clothes banks near you in Durham that aren’t listed below, please let us know and we’ll add them into the list.