Textiles Hub – Clothing, fabric and materials
Welcome to the ACT Textiles Hub which provides information for anyone who is aiming to recycle or reuse textiles.
Our goal is simple: to reduce waste by providing options on giving new life to clothing, fabrics and materials, and to empower our community to consider sustainable options when purchasing or disposing of textiles.
Disposal options
If you have clothing, home textiles or materials and would like to donate to a recycling or reuse program, click below to expand each section for options.
You can also consider local businesses who repair or alter clothing, shoes or other textiles to give items a second life.
Not all programs accept all textile types. Check accepted and non-accepted items before participating.
| Recycling program | Accepted | Not accepted |
|---|---|---|
Various drop-off locations or events across Canberra Includes programs such as repair cafes | Clothing, shoes and accessories including special occasion and office items Small volumes only (1 to 2 bags) | Stained or damaged clothing and goods |
Refer to the GIVIT website for needed items | Good-quality clothing, new undergarments | Damaged or worn-out items, used underwear or socks, soiled items |
Drop-off and purchase Mitchell and Mugga Lane Resource Management Centres | Clothing, wetsuits, shoes and accessories | Stained or damaged clothing and goods |
In-store bins | All textiles and clothing from any brand (clean clothing, torn or old garments and home textiles) | Shoes, hard backpacks, suitcases, belts |
In-store bins | Macpac brand clothing and textiles in good, reusable condition | Non-Macpac items including accessories, home textiles, bags and dress shoes |
Operation Formal Wear (Lions Club & Lions Youth Haven) Lions Youth Haven, 244 Kambah Pool Rd, Kambah, ACT Various drop-off locations or events across Canberra – check the Operation Formal Wear Facebook page for details | Formal wear including gowns, suits, shoes, bags, jewellery, and accessories for male and female students | Stained or damaged clothing and goods or in unwearable condition for a formal event |
Australian charity and opportunity shop listings | Please refer to each organisation for items that are accepted | Please refer to each organisation for items that are not accepted |
In-store bin | Outdoor clothing, hats, socks and shoes from various brands There is a limit of one bag per person | Home textiles, curtains, pillows, doonas and dress shoes |
ACT Magistrates Court, 4 Knowles Place, Canberra ACT | New or used clothing, socks and underwear | Damaged, stained, or soiled clothing, items with offensive logos or inappropriate content |
Drop off at Holt Community Hub or Club Kalina Tuggeranong | Clothing and shoes for children aged 0-16 years | No adult clothing or stained or damaged clothing and goods |
Drop off locations: Mitchell, Gungahlin, Greenway or Chisholm | Clothing, shoes and accessories | Toys, linen, mattresses, other household items |
Macpac In-store collection in Majura Park and Canberra Outlet Centre New Balance - Canberra Outlet Centre | Sneakers and trainers, running and athletic lifestyle shoes, school shoes, hiking boots, thongs and slides, football boots and golf shoes | Business footwear and leather dress boots, high heels and party shoes, work boots and gumboots, clothing, accessories, home textiles |
Clothing and textiles | Duvets, doonas, electric blankets, pillows, cushions, unwashed items, underwear, cloth nappies, carpet, polyurethane (PU) leather, polypropylene (PP) bags, bags, belts, soft toys and wired bras |
Always check individual program requirements before donating as accepted items vary between organisations.
| Recycling program | Accepted | Not accepted |
|---|---|---|
Towels (no holes, frays or tears), flat sheets and pillowcases | Other linens, fitted sheets, blankets | |
Various drop-off locations or events across Canberra Includes programs such as repair cafes | Rugs, home textiles and toys Only accepting new / in-packaging home textiles Small volumes only (1 to 2 bags) | Stained or damaged goods |
Domestic Animal Services (ACT) Mugga Lane, Symonston | Blankets & towels, pet beds, dog toys, dog coats/ jackets, leads, collars and harnesses All items to be in good, reusable condition | Dirty or torn blankets/ towels, feather-filled doonas, mattresses, tea towels, hand towels, pillow, broken toys, electric blankets or anything with wiring |
Dr Steve Burroughs Foundation via Capital Linen Service | Linens and towels from various brands | Non linen items |
Refer to GIVIT website for needed items | Clean bedding and household textiles | Damaged or worn-out items, textile waste |
Drop-off and purchase Mitchell and Mugga Lane Resource Management Centres | Rugs, home textiles, toys and furniture | Stained or damaged goods |
Australian charity and opportunity shop listings | Please refer to each organisation for items that are accepted | Please refer to each organisation for items that are not accepted |
Drop off at Holt Community Hub or Club Kalina Tuggeranong. | Linen and toys for children aged 0-16 years | No adult clothing or stained or damaged goods |
RSPCA ACT Weston |
All items to be in good, reusable condition | Pillows, doonas and doona covers, fitted sheets, electric blankets or anything with wiring |
In-store bins at Manuka and Fyshwick stores | 100% cotton, linen or poly/cotton blends: bathroom, bedroom and kitchen linen | Items containing microfibre, polyamide, wool, silk, acrylic, nylon, elastane or spandex (check labels) |
Other options for textiles reuse
- Charitable Reuse Australia helps search local charity shops across Australia
- Opshop.org helps search local charity shops across Australia
- Volunteering ACT provides an op shop guide for Canberra
- Gumtree
- Facebook Marketplace
- Buy Nothing Project
Why?
Many resources and emissions go into the production of textiles, from fibre production, spinning, weaving, dyeing, cutting, sewing, packaging and transport. Millions of tonnes of textiles, including clothing, are purchased in Australia each year and many items are worn only a few times before being discarded to landfill.
Items that cannot be reused
Clothing, home textiles and materials that cannot be reused or recycled go in your general waste bin. Never in your household recycling bin.
Update details
Email no.waste@act.gov.au to update or add your organisation's details.
Related items
This may include carpets/underlay and electric blankets.