What is an eco-friendly way to get rid of old clothes in France?

Reader Question: How are we supposed to dispose of worn-out and unsellable clothes in France? 

Common ways to get rid of old clothes in France include donating them to charities or placing them in clothes recycling bins. 

When it comes to charities, each has its own rules as to what is acceptable, but good-quality, clean used clothes are welcomed by organisations including Emmaüs, Secours Populaire, Secours Catholique, l’Armée du Salut and la Croix Rouge. 

The latter, for example, says it gives them away to those most in need, or sells them in its shops. 

As for other local clothes recycling points, according to the website refashion.fr, an official partner with the state for this sector, there are some 47,000 accredited sites in which you can deposit your clothes, even if they are damaged and unwearable. You can search on its website for sites.

These include containers in streets and car parks (which should have this logo on them), certain communal tips and some shops. 

However, there have been recent warnings from those working in the sector that they are becoming overwhelmed with the demand.

Read more: Recycling bins for clothes cannot cope in France

Refashion’s website states that clothes thrown in these bins can be used in three different ways: it claims more than half, in good condition, are sold in low-cost second-hand shops in France and worldwide, about a third are recycled to be used for purposes such as thread for new clothes or building insulation, and the rest can be used as a fuel. 

We note, however, that French green energy firm Ekwater has claimed that many dirty, mouldy or otherwise unsellable clothes placed in such bins risk not being recycled in reality, with some ending up causing pollution in third world countries. 

Throw away items traditionally… or get inventive

If you simply want to dispose of the clothes, you could otherwise place them in your standard household waste bin. They should not be placed in yellow bins, which are solely for recycled products such as plastic and cardboard.

If you are feeling more adventurous, you can attempt to recycle the clothes yourself by making a new item out of the materials, either a new style of clothing or something completely different.

The government recommends looking up online tutorials for ideas. 

If you want to start a new passion project and have your employee training funds (CPF) saved up, you may even be able to use this to take a course in something such as sewing. 

Read more: Workers in France to pay €100 towards previously free training

If you are not so inclined, the fabric from clothes that are lightly damaged but still unwearable could be donated to local craft shops, or in other cases ‘upcycled’ by professionals into new materials. 

Read more: Old clothes turned into home insulation and sold in French DIY shops

You can ask local craft shops if they accept donations (in small quantities).

Resale sites exist

For clothes that can be sold on, there are multiple choices. 

General online resale sites such as Leboncoin can be used for clothes.

In addition, there are specialist apps for reselling clothes including Vinted and Vestiare Collective (for luxury items). 

However, only clothes that are still in a wearable state can be sold on these sites. 

Read more: Three little-known French websites to sell unwanted old clothes