How do charity shops help the environment?

Photo: The Hospice of St Francis, Marshalswick

Re-use is one of the highest points on the waste hierarchy
Charity shops provide a sustainable and ethical option for the public wishing to dispose of unwanted items that have life left in them. A charity shop’s first choice is always to ensure these items are re-used by selling them on.

Charity shops reuse or recycle more than 90% of donated clothing & books and 85% of electrical goods
If a charity shop cannot sell an item, they will seek to recycle it via a textile recycler.

Reuse and recycling through charity shops means that less waste goes to landfill
In 2018/19, 339,000 tonnes of textiles alone were kept out of landfill as a result of UK charity retail, and therefore makes a positive difference to the UK’s carbon footprint. 

UK councils can retain more funds to spend on services for residents
Councils in Britain have to pay £94.15 in Landfill Tax for every tonne of waste they put into the ground. Charity shops help to keep the total Landfill Tax bill down. Also, It costs local authorities time and money to collect bulky items people no longer need, such as furniture and white goods. Charity retail can help to lighten the load.

Charity shops slow down fast fashion
Charity shops provide market competition to fast fashion outlets on the high street who sell mass produced items imported from around the world. Charity shops give consumers the option to buy clothes sustainably, whatever their budget.

Many charity retailers rescue imperfect items of clothes and furniture and upcycle them
Charity shops are increasingly offering upcycled ranges of furniture, clothes and gifts, promoting reuse and offering an alternative to throwaway culture. Some even hold workshops to show you how to do this yourself!

Charity shopping keeps goods and sales local, benefitting local communities and the environment
Charity shop stock is not shipped all over the country and as there are over 10,000 charity shops out there, you don’t need to make a long journey to use one.

Reviewed 19/08/2024