Almost all textiles can be recycled, even past wearing. The key is keeping them out of your general waste bin — recycled textiles become insulation, padding, cleaning cloths and new fibres.
What can I recycle?
More than you’d think. When in doubt, recycle rather than bin.
- Yes: worn-out clothes, odd socks, towels, bedsheets, curtains, fabric offcuts.
- Yes: shoes and bags (pair shoes up and tie them together).
- Make sure it’s clean and dry — wet or dirty textiles can spoil a whole collection.
- Keep wearable clothes for donation instead — see Pass on what you don’t wear.
Never put textiles in general waste. In landfill they release greenhouse gases — and a usable resource is lost. Recycling is free and easy in Sefton.
Sefton recycling centres
All four of Sefton’s Household Waste Recycling Centres accept clothes and textiles. They’re run by Veolia on behalf of MRWA.
Southport HWRC
Formby HWRC
Sefton Meadows HWRC
South Sefton HWRC
Opening hours: usually 8am–8pm summer (Apr–Sep), 8am–5pm winter (Oct–Mar). Always check sefton.gov.uk before travelling. Vans and trailers need a free booking.
Clothing & textile banks
For a quick drop-off closer to home, look for textile banks in local car parks and outside some shops.
British Heart Foundation clothing bank — Lakeside Christian Centre
- Supermarket and retail car parks often have clothing banks too — look for the textile-specific bins.
- High-street “bring back” schemes at retailers like M&S and Primark take unwanted clothing in-store.
- Bag it securely so items stay clean and dry inside the bank.
Find one nearer you: textile banks move and change operator fairly often, so for the most current list near your postcode, use the Recycle Now locator.
Find your nearest
The four Sefton recycling centres on a map. Tap a location for directions.
Map shows approximate locations. For exact directions and live hours, check sefton.gov.uk.