Making a material difference to recycling

Five clothing banks will be installed in Plymouth at locations across the city as part of a push to reuse and recycle unwanted textiles.

JMP Wilcox will be installing the banks so that people can drop off old clothing shoes and even  bedlinen and curtains so that they can get a second lease of life. However, items like duvets and pillows are not suitable in these recycling banks.

The company is the largest textile reclaimers in the country and specialise in recovering donated clothes and other textiles for reuse and recycling.

The better quality items are marketed as pre-loved and retro items and resold in the UK and Europe, while a large percentage is sent to less fortunate people in developing countries.

Cabinet Member for Street Scene Councillor Brian Vincent said: “We’ve been looking at ways to encourage people to think about reusing and recycling and know that some decent and reusable clothing ends up in our brown bins.

“These banks are not just for old clothes, but can take other items – provided they are in a reasonable condition and are clean – such as bed linen, curtains, and blankets.”

The banks can also take shoes with pairs tied together and under wear (providing items are clean, of course).

The banks have been put in at the following locations:

Plymstock Broadway
Morice Street Devonport
George Park and Ride
Southway Shopping Centre Car Park
Windmill Pub Car Park Leigham