Children and parents may be thinking about new school uniforms for September, but it doesn’t mean that it’s the end of the road for old uniforms, shoes and other school equipment.
More than eight out of ten people in Wales (84%) donate old clothes of any kind for reuse; over half of us (56%) recycle textiles. As part of the nation-wide Waste Awareness Wales campaign, Gwynedd Council is calling on mums and dads to think before they throw their children’s unwanted school clothes and equipment away.
Waste Awareness Wales’ Georgina Taubman said:
“The end of the school year is traditionally a time for having a clear-out, as parents get rid of outgrown uniforms and old PE kit to make space for new. But just because something no longer fits your child doesn’t mean that it can’t be used again.
“Clean school uniform in good repair can be donated to charity shops, or to specialist clothes reuse organisations.”
Gwynedd Council’s Senior Portfolio Leader for Environment, Councillor Gareth Roberts added:
“If the school clothes are no longer wearable they may still have life left in them as dusters or pet bedding. If you can’t find a good use for them take them down to one of the Seren and Antur Waunfawr clothes banks located in the Council’s Recycling Centres or some recycling points, or you can take them to a local charity shop.
“The world’s raw materials are running out so it is vitally important that we get the full use out of every material and reduce waste – for the sake of our children’s future.”
For more information about recycling in Gwynedd, visit www.gwynedd.gov.uk/recycling or contact Gwynedd Council’s Waste and recycling helpline on 01766 771000.
