The latest public survey by WRAP suggests two in five UK citizens (41%) have had a clear out of unwanted textiles and clothing during the Covid-19 lockdown. The majority are storing their items at home until lockdown lifts.

The sustainability body has published its findings to help the charitable sector, local authorities and recyclers prepare for the influx of textiles likely to be donated to charity shops and via other donation routes, as they begin to reopen over the coming weeks.

British public set to dispose of 67 million clothing items as the UK comes out of lockdown.

WRAP’s survey found two-thirds of people are choosing to donate their clothes to help charities. To make it easier to manage the influx, WRAP has produced advice for people wishing to donate. It is promoting this guidance through its Love Your Clothes campaign. The simple steps will help ensure items find a new home through donations without overwhelming charity shops.

Data reported to WRAP suggested that the equivalent to 184 million textile items had been cleared out; the majority (57%) are still at home to be disposed of as lockdown ends. The most common textile items the public sorted out during lockdown are clothes (37%).

In particular, T-shirts, blouses, jumpers, hoodies and sweaters. People have also spent time sorting through their unwanted shoes (19%), bedding (12%), bags and handbags (10%). Plus, accessories (10%) and household textiles (10%).

WRAP estimates that as many as 22 million pairs of shoes and 67 million clothing items will soon be disposed of via charity shops, collection banks and other donation routes.

Two in five citizens had a clothing clear-out during lockdown and most are storing items to donate to help charities.

Commenting is Peter Maddox, director of WRAP. “We have been working with organisations from across the sector to prepare for when they reopen and the expected high levels of donations coming in over a relatively short period. Everyone can play a role in supporting the charity and textile reuse and recycling sector.

“Our insights tell us that most people prefer to donate or recycle unwanted clothes. However, with an unprecedented volume about to be unleashed, it’s important that we all take a few simple steps so not to overwhelm the sector.

“Whether you’re using a charity shop, textile bank, retail take-back scheme, or kerbside collections, the golden rule is to check they’re operating before you go. Call ahead or look online. Check with your local authority.

“But please, never leave clothes in front of a closed charity shop or a full textiles bank. Our Love Your Clothes campaign has more details to help anyone, anywhere in the UK, by showing where you can recycle clothes where you live.”

According to WRAP, on average people have discarded 11 items of clothes. More than half of these items (59%) are still at home awaiting disposal. Almost half of participants (49%) say they’ll donate these clothes through a charity shop or charity bag collection service (17%).

WRAP’s survey also found that the proportion of people concerned about the environmental impacts of clothing has risen from 31% of the population in 2017 to 50% by 2020.

But, warns WRAP, as many as 14% of people will dispose of their unwanted clothes in the general rubbish. Plus, of those who’ve already cleared out their closets, more than one in three (36%) used the general rubbish.

As well as sharing with the charitable and recycling section, WRAP is also sharing its findings with signatories to the Sustainable Clothing Action Plan 2020 commitment (SCAP 2020). This is to help support messaging by retailers and brands encouraging people to donate textiles through in-store collections; an often-underused route for recycling clothing.

Global trendsetters increasingly demanding new ways to shop

Further to its UK survey, WRAP has also published a new global research report produced in association with the World Resources Institute (WRI) and with support from the Laudes Foundation. This shows that consumers around the world are increasingly demanding options to shop for clothes in ways that protect both the environment and people.

The report, Changing our Clothes: Why the clothing sector should adopt new business models (2019), surveyed citizens in India, the US, the UK and other European countries. It found overwhelming interest among fashion-focused consumers for new ‘disruptor initiatives’; ones that generate economic value by prolonging the life of clothes. For instance, clothing rental schemes, re-sale and repair options.

WRAP believes the findings will support innovators and high street operators to respond to consumers’ demands and develop new clothing business models built around sustainability and equity.