Textile Donations FAQ
Best Ways to Donate Textiles (Responsibly)
1. Sort First
Start by separating wearable vs. non-wearable items. This makes donating easier and more effective. If you can also sort by size and type of item (like if it’s special occasion or maternity), that’s even better!
2. Donate Locally First
Before dropping items off at organizations or businesses, ask what they actually need and find out when they accept them. Please do not ever just dump items on their porch (ahem!) or leave on their doorstep without getting approval first (this is considered illegal dumping and Share Club deals with it all the time).
Check with mutual aid groups, shelters, or schools
Ask local non-profits if they’re accepting donations and what they need
Ask pet rescues or animal hospitals if they need old towels or blankets
Save items for seasonal swaps (like the MAEVE West Adams clothing swaps)
Example: Share Club has partnered with groups giving away prom dresses, winter clothing, and business attire, but needs vary by season.
3. Thrift Stores (Goodwill Alternatives)
If you’re looking to donate to a thrift store and avoid Goodwill, try:
Share Club (of course!)
Even when donating, it’s important to pre-sort thoughtfully and only pass along items you’d genuinely feel good about giving to someone else.
4. Resale for Credit or Cash
Some shops offer store credit or payouts, though they’re (rightfully!) picky.
Kids: Grow Kid Grow, Green Bean
Adults: The Leftbank, Trove (consignment)
You could also try selling online with resellers like Poshmark, Mercari, etc.
These options are best for curated, on-trend items in like-new condition. Check out their websites and socials for more info.
5. Buy Nothing Groups
Are you in your local Buy Nothing Group? These are often the fastest and lowest-waste option. Truly one person’s trash might be another person’s treasure! The closest ones to Share Club are the Buy Nothing Jefferson Park/University Park, Leimert Park/Expo Park, and Mid-City/West Adams Groups.
6. Non-Wearable or Damaged Textiles
For stained, holey, or unusable items (underwear and socks), consider recycling them, which often cost money or time and planning. Here are a few options:
Ridwell (paid recycling program)
Suay Sew Shop (purchase recycling bags)
Trashie (purchase recycling bags)
Check brand buyback programs
See if your city, county or local orgs offers textile recycling
Even when donating, it’s important to pre-sort thoughtfully and only pass along items you’d genuinely feel good about giving to someone else. A good rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t gift it to a friend, it probably shouldn’t be donated.
We also want to gently push back on the “well they should just be grateful” mentality. Everyone deserves access to clean, wearable, dignified clothing and goods. Donation-based spaces are not dumping grounds for unusable items, and treating them that way creates a huge burden on the people doing the sorting and the communities these items are meant to serve.
We can’t tell you how many bags like this come through every single week, and it’s not just a small inconvenience. It takes real time, labor, and money for us to sort, handle, and properly dispose of what ultimately becomes trash. At that point, it’s not a donation—it’s dumping.
We know most people mean well, but being a little more mindful about what gets donated makes a huge difference for small shops and community spaces like ours.
Bottom line: doing the “right thing” with textile waste takes time, effort, and sometimes money — but it’s a meaningful step toward reducing waste and supporting your community.
Check out our Resources Page for more info and to read through our Donations Policy.
