In Melbourne, worn-out textiles are commonly accepted at Savers locations for rag or recycling streams, and some stores also route items through partner charities or recyclers. Other options mentioned for Melbourne include H &M garment collection bins and Paddy Pallin on Bourke Street for textile recycling.

Places to try

  • Savers, Footscray — a reported drop-off point for clothing that can’t be worn anymore; items are often accepted as rags.
  • H &M stores — accepts garments for recycling regardless of condition via in-store collection bins.
  • Paddy Pallin, Bourke Street — noted as having a textile recycling option in the city.
  • Council or local drop-off points — Melbourne councils may offer textile recycling locations, and directories like Recycling Near You can help you find the nearest one.

What to expect

Textiles that are too worn or damaged usually should not go in kerbside recycling bins, because they can cause sorting problems at recycling facilities. If the items are still in decent condition, donation is better; if they are beyond repair, look for a textile recycler, rag collector, or store take-back bin.

Practical tip

If you’re taking them to a shop drop-off, bundle the items and label them clearly as rags or recycling only so they don’t get mixed up with usable donations.

Useful next step

A good quick check is to search your suburb on Recycling Near You, since textile drop-off options can vary a lot by council area.