Reusing unwanted clothes – whether through creative repurposing, donation, swaps, or resale – is the fastest and most responsible way to reduce the environmental impact of textile waste. This solution is especially relevant now, as separate textile waste collection became mandatory in Romania starting January 1st, 2025, though Romanians still lack access to functional infrastructure and effective awareness or educational campaigns regarding sustainable use of textiles.

Humana People to People Romania encourages individuals to adopt a responsible approach to unwanted clothing and offers a series of recommendations on how to prepare clothes for donation or resale, as well as ways to redirect or repurpose them effectively.

Reusing textiles: a better alternative to recycling

An overwhelming percentage of Romanian textile waste ends up in landfills, mixed with household waste. Annually, we collect only 0.5 – 0.7 kg of textiles per person, compared to up to 16 kg in Western countries. More specifically, according to ARETEX, we discard approximately 160,000 tons of textiles, of which only 6 – 10% is recycled or reused.

"The most responsible option is repairing and reusing clothes, while recycling should be the last resort, after the lifespan of a garment has been extended as much as possible. Only by doing this can we discourage the overconsumption of new clothes, reduce textile waste quickly, with a minimal carbon footprint, and support the transition to a circular economy", emphasizes Mădălina Corciu, PR & CSR Manager at Humana People to People Romania.

Unlike recycling, reusing clothes extends their lifespan and allows for their direct reuse without complex industrial processes. "A simple change in our habits can make a huge difference! Imagine this: if each of us were to contribute just 2 kilograms of clothing for reuse each year (equivalent to a pair of jeans and 5 t-shirts), we could recover thousands of tons of textiles that would otherwise end up in landfills. That would mean we could recover thousands of tons of textiles that would otherwise end up in landfills", adds Mădălina Corciu.

To encourage the population to get involved in this effort, Humana People to People Romania provides a series of recommendations on how to responsibly dispose of unwanted clothes:

Repurposing via collection points

Drop off at textile collection points. Local authorities and major retail or fashion brands provide outdoor containers for used clothes, which are later sorted into reusable, recyclable and downcyclable.

But pay close attention to the following guidelines:

  • Containers must be clean and able to protect clothes from weather conditions: Dampness and dirt can ruin them, meaning they would end up in the landfill instead of being reused.
  • Ensure easy access: The design of the containers should allow items to be placed inside without getting damaged.
  • Sort correctly: Follow the clear instructions at the drop-off location on what can be reused and what falls under other textile categories.?
  • Use secure containers: To prevent vandalism or unauthorized access, the containers should be properly locked.
  • Rely on dedicated transport: Clothes should be transported in separate vehicles from other waste to prevent contamination and keep them in the best condition for reuse.

Humana People to People Romania encourages residents of Romania to consult the Recycling Map to locate these centers. Developed by Viitor Plus, the Recycling Map is the most comprehensive and up-to-date resource, providing information on drop-off locations across the country for all categories of recyclable and reusable materials, including textiles.

Prepare your clothes for their new life

Whether you choose to donate them for reuse and recycling or sell them at community fairs, make sure to follow a few simple rules to extend the life of the clothes:

  1. Give the clothes one last chance: Are you sure you no longer want them? Maybe you could wear them one more time, in different combinations, to see if they still suit you.
  2. Repurpose locally: Check with friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues to see if they’d like any items you no longer wear.
  3. Create a dedicated storage space: Set up a specific area in your wardrobe or a box to gather the clothes you wish to part with.
  4. Clean clothes before donating or selling: Make sure the items are clean, and odor-free to ensure they’re ready for reuse.
  5. Protect clothes during transit: Use bags or clean boxes to safeguard the clothes from any damage while moving them.
  6. Repair before passing on: Simple fixes, like replacing buttons or mending seams, can make clothes more desirable for reuse.

What you don’t need might be exactly what someone else is looking for

For those who want to redirect their clothes to people in need, there are several options:

  • Social media groups for direct donations: Platforms like Facebook host many active communities dedicated to clothing donations.
  • NGOs and charitable organizations: Many organizations accept clean, sorted clothing to support disadvantaged families. Examples include DGASMB, Red Cross, Samusocial, Banca de Haine, and more.
  • Donation events: Participate in campaigns organized by authorities or businesses that collect clothing to distribute for free. Be sure to check the specific needs of the donation call (clothing types, sizes, gender, etc.).
  • Social stores: Donate to stores that prioritize social good over profit. These stores collect, clean, and sell the clothes, with proceeds invested in social causes. Examples include social stores such as Taica Lazăr or Bine Boutique.
  • Fashion upcycling: Partner with creative workshops that transform old garments into new, bespoke pieces.

A win for you, a win for the planet

If your clothes are in good condition and you're looking to sell or swap them, here are some options that give them a second chance at being treasured:

  • Second-hand stores: Sell your clothes to stores that specialize in reselling gently used items. These can be both physical or online shops.
  • Second-hand fairs: Participate in events dedicated to selling items directly to interested buyers.
  • Consignment shops: Collaborate with stores that sell clothes on your behalf, sharing the profits.
  • Pre-loved clothing groups on social media: Use platforms like Facebook or Instagram to find people interested in your clothes (e.g., the “Nu mai port” community)
  • Online marketplaces: Use platforms such as OLX, LaJumate, or Facebook Marketplace to quickly find buyers.
  • Swap meet sessions: Take the initiative and regularly organize meetups with friends or colleagues to swap clothes.
  • Return clothes to fast-fashion stores: Some retailers offer buy-back programs where you can trade in old clothes for shopping vouchers. These items are either recycled or donated to charitable initiatives.

Humana People to People Romania encourages residents of Romania to consult the Recycling Map (Harta Reciclării) to identify these centers. Developed by Viitor Plus, the Recycling Map is the most comprehensive and up-to-date resource available, providing information on collection locations across the country for all categories of recyclable and reusable materials, including textiles.

Humana People to People SRL was established in Romania in 2006 and currently employs over 300 people, operating 42 second-hand stores nationwide. Through its activities, Humana has been supporting the circular economy for decades and aligns with the European Green Deal, the European Union's directive aimed at building a climate-neutral economy by 2050.

The profits from its store chain are reinvested to support community development projects in some of the world's poorest regions. Through its programs in education, health, sustainable agriculture, and community development, Humana People to People assisted 19.9 million people in 2023. In the same year, the organization contributed €4 million to the State Budget.