The Dark Side of Donating Clothes: What Happens to Waste (2026)

Donating your pre-loved clothes is often seen as a simple way to help. But there is a dark side of donating clothes that many people do not see. When poor quality or unusable items are donated, it can cost charities millions of dollars and harm the environment.

While many people have good intentions, donating clothes is not always a positive. This guide looks at the impact of poor quality donations and why it’s so important to donate responsibly.

The financial burden on charities

One of the main problems with donating clothes is the financial burden on charities. In Australia, op shops spend over $13 million each year on waste management fees for items they cannot sell. This is money that could have been used for their vital community programs, such as homelessness services or disaster relief.

When items are stained, broken, or poor quality, they are effectively trash. Charities have to sort through these items and then pay to have them disposed of. This takes time and money away from their mission, as explained in our guide on how op shops work.

The environmental impact of textile waste

Another issue is the environmental impact of textile waste. When unusable clothes are donated, many end up in landfill. Australia is the second-largest consumer of textiles in the world, and we throw away an average of 23kg per person each year. Synthetic fibres can take hundreds of years to break down and can release harmful chemicals into the soil and water.

Poor quality “fast fashion” items are a major contributor to this problem. These items are often made to be worn only a few times and are not durable enough to be resold. When they are donated, they frequently end up in the bin, as part of the textile waste crisis.

How to donate responsibly

To avoid the dark side of donating, it’s important to donate responsibly. Before you bag up your items, ask yourself: “Would I give this to a friend?” If the answer is no because the item is stained, broken, or missing pieces, then it is not a helpful donation.

Follow these tips for a better donation experience:

• Only donate quality items: Ensure your items are clean, in good condition, and wearable.
• Donate during opening hours: Never leave bags outside a store or next to a full bin. These items are often damaged or stolen.
• Check the labels: Most op shops have instructions on what they accept. Read the labels before you donate to ensure your items are appropriate. See our guide on what not to donate to op shops.

By donating thoughtfully, you ensure that you are truly helping the charities you intend to support. Thank you for being a considerate donor!