What Most Tradies Do — And Why It’s Not the Best Option
If your work pants are falling apart or your Hi-Vis is faded beyond use, odds are you’ve either tossed it in the bin or shoved it to the back of the wardrobe "just in case." But here’s the truth: tossing it in the general rubbish ends with it in landfill — and textiles aren’t breaking down anytime soon. That old cotton drill shirt might stick around longer than your ute. There’s a better way to deal with worn-out workwear — one that’s better for the environment and, in some cases, your community.
1 – Recycling Textiles Through Aussie Drop-Off Centres
A growing number of councils and clothing retailers offer textile recycling programs. These accept clean, worn-out clothes and break them down into: - Rags for cleaning - Industrial absorbents - Shredded fibre for insulation or padding. Tip: Remove all buttons, zips and tags before dropping them off to improve acceptance. Check your local council’s recycling page or look into programs like: - Upparel (Australia-wide pickup available) - H&M Garment Collection (yes, even workwear) - SCRgroup bins in select locations
2 – Repurpose It for the Shed or Site
Before you bin it, think: can it still serve a purpose? - Old shirts make great rags or oil wipes - Cut-off trousers can be reused for dirty jobs - Faded jackets can be worn during paint work or concrete pours. If it’s no longer site-ready, it might still earn its keep off-site.
3 – Donate (Only If It’s Still Wearable)
If your workwear is still in decent condition — maybe it doesn’t fit or it’s just not your go-to anymore — consider donating it. Organisations like: - Workwear Relief Programs (local tradie support networks) - Op shops and shelters (especially in regional areas) …can sometimes repurpose your kit for those doing it tough. Make sure it’s clean, undamaged and ready to wear.
What Not to Do
🚫 Don’t burn old clothing — it releases toxins and pollutes the air.
🚫 Don’t throw it in general rubbish unless it’s truly beyond use.
🚫 Don’t donate damaged or unclean workwear — it creates more work for volunteers.
Looking to Replace What You Just Retired?
If you’ve just cleared out your old workwear, now’s the time to restock with pieces made to last longer, wear better, and keep up with your workdays. 👉 Shop Fresh Workwear at Workstitch
