Find Clothing Banks & Clothing Recycling Bins Near You in Lancashire

Clothes donation locations in Blackpool, Blackburn, Preston, and more

Where can you give away clothes?

In Lancashire, there are several places where you can donate clothes. Here are some key options:

  1. East Lancashire Hospice:

    • Locations: Shops in Blackburn, Burnley, and surrounding areas.
    • Why: Your donations support hospice care services for patients with life-limiting illnesses in the local community.

  2. St Catherine’s Hospice:

    • Locations: Shops in Preston, Chorley, and Leyland.
    • Why: Donations help fund care and support for people facing life-shortening conditions.

  3. British Heart Foundation:

    • Locations: Shops in towns like Preston, Blackburn, and Blackpool.
    • Why: Proceeds from your donated clothes fund research into heart disease and support patient care.

  4. Cancer Research UK:

    • Locations: Shops in Lancaster, Blackpool, and Preston.
    • Why: Donations support life-saving cancer research and advancements in treatment.

  5. Oxfam:

    • Locations: Shops in Lancaster, Blackburn, and Clitheroe.
    • Why: Your donations help fund global poverty relief efforts and development projects.

  6. The Salvation Army:

    • Locations: Donation points and shops in towns like Preston, Blackburn, and Blackpool.
    • Why: Clothes donations support a wide range of social services, including assistance for the homeless and vulnerable populations.

  7. Local Homeless Shelters and Community Centers:

    • Direct Donations: Consider donating directly to shelters or community centers in towns like Preston or Blackpool, where clothes are distributed to those in need.

  8. Clothing Banks:

    • Locations: Found at supermarkets, recycling centers, and community hubs throughout Lancashire.
    • Why: Convenient drop-off points where clothes are collected and distributed by various charities.

These options provide a range of places to donate clothes in Lancashire, helping support both local causes and broader charitable missions.

How are clothes managed after donation?

After you donate clothes in Lancashire, they typically go through the following process:

  1. Collection:

    • Clothes are collected at charity shops, donation bins, or through direct drop-offs at local shelters, community centers, or during organized clothing drives.

  2. Sorting:

    • Once collected, clothes are sorted by staff or volunteers at charity shops or donation centers. They assess the condition, type, and suitability of each item:
      • Good Condition: Clothes that are in good condition are separated for resale in charity shops or direct distribution.
      • Worn or Damaged: Items that are too worn or damaged are set aside for recycling.

  3. Resale in Charity Shops:

    • Good Condition Items: These items are cleaned (if necessary), priced, and displayed for sale in charity shops across Lancashire, such as those run by East Lancashire Hospice, St Catherine’s Hospice, British Heart Foundation, or Cancer Research UK. The proceeds from these sales support the charity’s specific mission, whether it’s providing hospice care, funding medical research, or supporting global development efforts.

  4. Direct Distribution:

    • To Those in Need: Some clothes are distributed directly to people in need, particularly through local shelters and community organizations. This includes providing warm clothing and essentials to the homeless, low-income families, or refugees.

  5. Recycling:

    • Textile Recycling: Clothes that are not suitable for resale or direct use are sent to textile recycling facilities. These items are repurposed into new products, such as insulation, industrial rags, or even new fabrics, promoting sustainability and reducing waste.

  6. Export to Developing Countries:

    • Bulk Sales: Surplus or unsellable clothes may be sold in bulk to textile merchants, who export them to developing countries. These clothes are then sold in local markets, providing affordable clothing options to communities in need abroad.

  7. Upcycling:

    • Creative Reuse: Some donated clothes may be upcycled into new products, such as bags, accessories, or home goods, either by the charity itself or through partnerships with sustainable fashion projects.

This process ensures that donated clothes in Lancashire are managed efficiently and effectively, whether they are resold to fund charitable work, provided directly to those in need, or recycled to support environmental sustainability.

Find one on the map

List of Lancashire Clothes Bank Locations

Lancashire is home to some of England’s most famous towns including Blackpool, Blackburn, Preston, and many more. If you’re somewhere in the region at the moment and looking to donate some goods to charity, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of clothing banks around the county.

These clothes banks will accept commonly accepted items such as pants, trousers, jackets, shoes, socks, and many more. If you want to donate something different like furniture, toys, appliances, or other homewares, please give them a call to check before.

The Salvation Army, along with The Fire Fighters Charity and The Air Ambulance Service, are the largest operators of clothing banks throughout the county. However, you’ll also find many smaller and independent organisations that’ll happily accept your donations. Although many donation bins have recently been removed due to not being authorised.

If you think your clothes are too old and can’t be used, maybe think about throwing them out instead. Also, if the donation bin is already full, give the charity a call to let them know, and find another location to donate your clothes.

Enter your location into the map to find your nearest bin, or scroll through the list below to get started.

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