The best route for old workwear depends on its condition, contamination, branding and whether it was protective equipment. Sort the items before arranging collection.
Keep useful garments in use
Clean, serviceable ordinary clothing may be suitable for reuse within your organisation or donation, subject to the recipient’s acceptance rules. Remove personal information and consider whether company branding could create a security or identification problem.
Treat PPE separately
Do not pass damaged or expired protective equipment on as usable protection. Follow the manufacturer’s disposal instructions and your workplace procedures. Contaminated items may require a different route from ordinary textiles.
Check the collection service
Ask what materials and quantities the collector accepts and how the items will be handled. A public clothing bank may not accept a business load, branded uniforms or contaminated workwear. Avoid describing a collection as recycling unless that destination is confirmed.
Buy with the next cycle in mind
Record why clothing was discarded. Better fit, suitable care and a manageable approved range can help reduce avoidable waste. Replace protective equipment when required; extending use beyond a safe service condition is not a sustainability measure.