The easiest way to recycle clothes in London is closer than you think. Most major high street stores now run take-back schemes — accepting any brand, any condition — and several give you a voucher in return. The UK throws away 300,000 tonnes of clothing a year. These schemes won’t fix that alone, but they make it simple to keep your clothes in circulation rather than sending them to landfill. Below we’ve rounded up every way to recycle clothes in London right now, from quick in-store drop-offs to free doorstep collections.
If your pieces are in decent shape, donating to one of London’s best charity shops or selling on Vinted is always the first move. But for worn-out basics, mismatched staples, or last-season buys that never quite landed — these programmes will take them responsibly.
Here’s where to recycle clothes in London:
H&M: Recycle Clothes in London for a £5 Voucher
H&M’s Garment Collecting programme has run since 2013. Every store takes clothing and textiles — any brand, any condition. Hand a bag to staff at the till and they’ll do the rest. Good-quality pieces go to resale. The rest get repurposed or recycled into new fibres. You receive a £5 voucher for purchases of £25 or more. The voucher comes via the H&M app, so download it before you go. You can donate up to six bags per month.
M&S Another Life: Shwopping & Clothes Recycling
M&S relaunched its Shwopping initiative as Another Life. Drop unwanted M&S clothing into in-store Shwop boxes and the scheme credits a reward to your Sparks card. Prefer Oxfam? Take any M&S item to your nearest branch alongside other donations and collect a £5 voucher off a £35+ spend at M&S. There’s also a free postal option — order a pre-paid bag from M&S and send your donations directly. The programme has collected over 36.5 million garments since launch. It’s one of the most established ways to recycle clothes in London and beyond.
Find out more about Another Life at Oxfam →
& Other Stories: In-Store Clothes & Beauty Recycling
& Other Stories takes unwanted clothes, textiles, and empty beauty packaging in store. Drop items off and get a 10% recycling treat voucher, valid for three months. Wearable pieces go to second-hand resale or upcycling. Items that can’t be re-worn become cleaning cloths. Fully worn textiles break down into fibres for industrial use. Monki stores — also part of the H&M Group — run the same scheme.
Find your nearest & Other Stories →
Zara: Recycle Clothes in London In-Store or at Home
Zara’s donation programme goes beyond in-store bins. Book a free home collection via Zara.com and a courier collects from your address within 24–48 hours — making it one of the most convenient options if you’ve got a big clear-out on your hands. Zara takes any brand of clothing, footwear, accessories, and jewellery. Local non-profit partners handle reuse and recycling.
Book a Zara donation or find your nearest store →
John Lewis FashionCycle: Recycle Clothes & Earn Vouchers
John Lewis members can use FashionCycle at any store. Bring five or more items of pre-loved clothing — any brand — to the fashion tills. You’ll walk away with a £5 off £50 voucher. No app needed. John Lewis also runs BeautyCycle for cosmetic packaging. Both schemes sit within its wider circular economy commitment. John Lewis has several London locations, making it an easy add-on to a shopping trip.
Learn more about FashionCycle at John Lewis →
TRAID: Free Home Collection to Recycle Clothes Across London
TRAID runs 12 charity shops across London and offers a free home collection — the only scheme on this list that comes to your door. Have at least one large bin bag ready, then book online or call 020 8733 2595. A TRAID van collects from your doorstep at a time that suits you. Clothes should be in re-sellable condition. They also take shoes, accessories, and home textiles. Funds raised support garment workers, organic cotton farmers, and anti-child-labour projects worldwide. If you want to recycle clothes in London without leaving the house, TRAID is the one.
Book a free TRAID home collection →
Most London boroughs list local textile recycling banks on their council websites — worth a quick check for a neighbourhood drop-off. You can also search nearby collection points via the Recycle Now website. And if you’re still deciding what to keep, our guide to the best charity shops in London is a good place to start.
