What to do with textiles that cannot be donated, or repaired, is always a challenge for me. I covered this in my recent post on recycling outdoor clothing and shoes. However, I am always excited to find out about another option.

The M&S Trial

Marks & Spencers have partnered with Oxfam (and DPD), to encourage the nation to donate both reusable, and non reusable textiles. This is a trial to see if the public can be trusted to separate their items! Read the press release here.

How this is different

Previously donations to charity shops in person, and by post, (should) be only items which can be sold, and used again. This does not include items that need mending or at the end of life.

The trial forms part of the ‘ACT Project’ which is being led by the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT). The UKFT is working to develop a new framework towards a UK-based automated-sorting and pre-processing facility (ATSP) that will recycle textiles unsuitable for re-sale to make new clothing which can be sold in the UK to create a completely circular system.

How does it work?

I filled in a simple form to order a bag. This is made of recycled plastic. Normally I would use my own bag for this kind of thing, but for writing this post I wanted to see how the process worked. Also it didn’t seem for this trial you can use your own bag. Unlike when sending items to Oxfam via their regular route. That maybe something that changes if this becomes permanent.

I am required to sorted my textiles in to the two categories. Very clear instructions are provided.

Consumers can use the service to donate any item of preloved clothing from any retailer, as well as soft furnishings textile waste such as bed linen, towels, cushions, tablecloths, and tea towels.

The parcel can’t weigh more than 10kg.

UK Tax payers can claim the gift aid in the normal way. I have an Oxfam gift aid card so I included the details of this. However if you don’t have one you can register for gift aid with Oxfam via the QR code.

I then take the parcel to my local DPD drop off point for postage. There is a QR code or link to find my closest one.

Who is paying?

There are postage costs. Someone still has to check and sort the bags coming in! Plus the items that are for recycling still have to be transported and processed.

Plan A Accelerator Fund is paying for the trial.  A £1m fund to support projects that address challenges and support innovation that will help reduce emissions. M&S is working with long-term supplier partners and business partners to focus on key areas where they are well placed to make a difference – from improvements in store operations and distribution centres, to piloting new materials in fashion and exciting partnerships on recycling.

Is it GreenWashing?

Some return schemes in the past have been accused as fuelling over consumption, or helping consumers feel less guilty about buying things they don’t need.

This scheme is certainly different as it actively encourages items that are worn out. Logically they should have at least had a lot of wears out of them. M&S are not giving out vouchers encouraging more buying. Oxfam are getting good publicity. The worn out items are not being shipped overseas. We are dealing with our own waste, for once! Win win.

Oxfam have been awarded an Ethical Consumer “Best Buy” badge in their review of charity shops.

When does the trial end?

Oxfam have informed me that even though they had 7,000 bags printed, they have already nearly run out (late May 2024)!

I hope to find out the results of the trial and have my fingers crossed for positive news. I will update this post, or a make a new post at that time.

Update May 2026 – Oxfam are still doing a postal service but it is only for items they can sell not for recycling. Link here.