Environment

Donate used clothing or dispose of it in an environmentally friendly way

What to do with used clothes if they no longer fit, have fallen or are damaged? An overview.

3 June 2025 by Sandra Berges
Container

Even without the usual DRK containers, there are numerous ways to dispose of used textiles in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner. The City of Beckum's Environment and Greenery Department would like to point this out. Where items of clothing that are no longer worn belong depends on their condition.

Residual waste is the last choice

Clothing that is heavily soiled, torn or otherwise no longer wearable may be disposed of with the residual waste. These items are no longer suitable for recycling and count as household waste.

New regulation since 1 January 2025: Separate collection obligation

And what about intact clothing? Since the beginning of the year, all local authorities have been legally obliged to offer a separate collection service for used textiles if this was not previously the case. This is intended to conserve valuable resources. The following options are still available in Beckum:

Commercial used clothing containers:

  • There are still a few used clothing containers set up by commercial collectors in Beckum. They accept wearable clothing in good condition.
  • The Franzpötter recycling centre at Auf dem Tigge 34 also accepts intact clothing.

Clothes banks and social organisations:

  • Flawless clothing can still be donated to the following charitable organisations:
    • DRK clothing store (Obere Wilhelmstraße 124),
    • DRK clothes shop (Werseweg 5),
    • DRK clothes shop Neubeckum (Hauptstraße 15),
    • Clothes cellar of the Protestant parish of Beckum (Nordwall 40),
    • Clothes room of the Catholic parish of St Franziskus (Kirchstraße 3)
    • and BE Ukraine e. V. (Neißer Straße 17).

ECOWEST waste disposal centre in Ennigerloh:

  • This is where the non-profit organisation Horizonte Ennigerloh e. V. collects clothes in good condition.

Note opening hours

Clothing may only be handed in to clothing banks and shops during their opening hours. It is not permitted to leave bags of clothing outside of these times or even overnight in front of the doors.

Anyone who donates recyclable items, disposes of unusable items correctly and treats collection points with respect is actively helping to conserve resources and protect the environment.