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Have some unworn or old clothes from H&M that you probably won’t be wearing anytime soon? then The first step to recycling clothes at H&M is as simple as taking a look in your wardrobe. I recommend you carefully examine each item and determine its worth. Ask yourself if you will wear it in the near future, and if not, it’s a prime candidate for recycling.
TL;DR: H&M’s recycling initiative is a global effort to prevent textile waste by taking back unwanted clothes in exchange for a discount coupon. They accept clothes from any brand and in any condition. All you need to do is drop off your old clothes in one of their garment collecting boxes available at every H&M store.
Packaging Your Clothes
Once you’ve identified the clothes you wish to recycle, the next step is to pack them. H&M doesn’t specify a certain type of bag to use, so you can use a simple garbage bag or any other type of bag you have available.
It doesn’t matter if the clothes are torn, worn out or in perfect condition, all are acceptable.
Visiting an H&M Store
After packaging your unwanted clothes, take them to the nearest H&M store. You will find a designated box for collecting garments, typically near the entrance or the cash register. If you’re unsure where to find it, don’t hesitate to ask an employee.
Receiving Your Discount Coupon
Once you’ve dropped your bag of clothes in the collection box, you will receive a discount coupon for your next purchase.
Not only have you contributed to a greener planet, but you also get a reward in the process.
What Does H&M Accept In Their Program
H&M’s recycling program is designed to take a wide range of textiles, ensuring that they don’t end up in landfills.
Not only does the company accept clothes from any brand, in any condition, but it also includes home textiles such as bed linens, curtains, and towels.
The aim is to recycle, reuse, or repurpose these materials, making it a comprehensive initiative. However, there are certain items that are not accepted, such as carpets, due to the complexity of their materials.
| Accepted | Not Accepted |
|---|---|
| Clothes from any brand | Carpets |
| Clothes in any condition | |
| Bed linens | |
| Curtains | |
| Towels |
Terms and Conditions:
- The clothes and textiles must be dry and clean when dropped off.
- The discount voucher received may vary by region and has specific conditions, typically offering a 15% discount on one item of your choice in your next purchase.
- The recycling initiative is part of H&M’s broader sustainability goals, and by participating, individuals contribute to these aims.
How H&M Recycles Your Clothes
You might be curious about what happens to your clothes after you drop them off. H&M works with several organizations to recycle, reuse, or repurpose the clothes, making sure no fabric goes to waste.
Some clothes will be sold as second-hand, others will be turned into other products like cleaning cloths or insulation material, and the rest will be recycled into textile fibers.
Why Recycle Clothes At H&M?
Let’s first understand the “why”. Fast fashion’s environmental footprint is significant, with vast amounts of clothes ending up in landfills each year.
By recycling, we contribute to lessening this impact. So, when you choose to recycle your clothes at H&M, you’re not just clearing out your wardrobe, but also taking an active step towards reducing textile waste.
Understanding the Impact of Your Contribution
The volume of textile waste diverted from landfills through H&M’s recycling initiative is significant. According to H&M’s sustainability report, the company collected 29,005 tonnes of textiles for recycling in 2019, equivalent to about 145 million T-shirts.
To put it in perspective, if every H&M customer brought back just one single t-shirt a year, this would save 2100 liters of water, illustrating the cumulative impact we can achieve through simple actions.
Planning Your Visit
To make the most of your trip to H&M for recycling, I recommend combining it with your shopping. If you’re planning to buy new clothes, take your old ones along.
That way, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint by avoiding multiple trips, and also make immediate use of your discount coupon.
What to Expect When You Recycle
When you drop your bag of clothes into H&M’s collection box, an employee will offer you a discount voucher. This coupon typically offers a 15% discount on one item of your choice in your next purchase. Please note that the terms and conditions of the discount may vary by region.
Beyond Clothes: Recycling Other Textiles
While we’ve focused on clothing, it’s essential to mention that H&M accepts more than just clothes for recycling. They will also take home textiles, such as bed linens, curtains, and towels. However, they do not currently accept carpets, due to the complexity of their materials.
More Than Just Recycling: H&M’s Sustainability Efforts
H&M’s recycling initiative is a part of its broader sustainability efforts. Their goal is to become 100% circular and climate positive. This means they aim to use only recycled or other sustainably sourced materials in their products by 2030.
By recycling your clothes at H&M, you’re contributing to this mission.
How H&M’s Recycling Initiative Stands Out
H&M stands out for its commitment to making recycling accessible and rewarding for customers. Not only do they accept clothes from any brand and in any condition, but they also offer an immediate incentive – the discount coupon.
Moreover, H&M has collection boxes in all their stores worldwide, demonstrating a global commitment to sustainability.
So, whether it’s that worn-out pair of jeans, a faded shirt, or the dress you just fell out of love with, remember: they all have a place in H&M’s recycling box. By taking these simple steps, you’re contributing to a more sustainable and fashion-conscious future.
A Few Tips and Insights
Here are a few additional tips and insights that I’ve found useful:
- Maximize your impact: Consider organizing a clothes drive in your local community, school, or workplace. The more clothes you recycle, the more impact you make.
- Wash your clothes before recycling: While it’s not mandatory, it’s a good practice to wash your clothes before dropping them off.
- Don’t limit yourself to clothes: H&M also accepts home textiles like bed linens, towels, and curtains.
Conclusion
Recycling your unworn or old clothes at H&M is a simple and rewarding process that contributes to a greener planet. By identifying clothes for recycling, packing them, and dropping them at an H&M store, you not only prevent textile waste but also receive a discount coupon.
H&M’s global initiative accepts all types of clothes and textiles, turning them into second-hand items, cleaning cloths, insulation material, or new textile fibers. Whether it’s a lone shirt or a community-driven clothes drive, your contribution supports H&M’s broader sustainability goals towards a 100% circular and climate-positive future.
FAQ
Does H&M recycle clothes from other brands?
Yes, H&M accepts clothes from any brand, not just their own.
Can I recycle shoes at H&M?
Yes, H&M accepts shoes as part of their recycling program.
Note: The H&M recycling initiative is part of a larger global effort to reduce textile waste. Other retailers offer similar programs, so don’t limit yourself to just one store.
What does H&M do with the recycled clothes?
The recycled clothes are either reused, recycled into new textile fibers, or repurposed into other products. None of the clothes end up in a landfill.
How many clothes do I need to recycle to get a discount coupon?
You receive a discount coupon for every bag of clothes you drop off, regardless of the number of clothes in the bag.
