GREENSQUARE
Singapore generates heaps of textile waste, but only a meagre 7 per cent gets recycled. Greensquare aims to increase that number by collecting recyclable textiles. They’re then sorted out according to their condition – items in good condition are sold to secondhand textile importers in developing countries to help support their free collection services and other eco-educational activities. Those that cannot be resold will be recycled and sold as industrial cleaning cloth.
What they accept: Clothes, shoes, household linen or accessories. Do not donate dirty, stained, wet or mouldy items. Soft toys, fabric, books, kitchenware, used undergarments and socks, comforter and pillows are also not accepted.
How to donate: Drop off pre-loved items at over 30 locations islandwide, including Funan Mall, Fusionopolis or stores like G2000 (full list here). If you have five bags or more of donations, Greensquare will pick them up at your doorstep for a fee of S$3 – just schedule an appointment on their website.
More info
MINDS SHOPS
MINDS is a voluntary welfare organisation that provides vocational opportunities to people with intellectual disabilities. Among these are MINDS Shops that sell donated items. Net revenue from sales go towards paying their monthly allowances and lunch expenses during training.
What they accept: Clothes, shoes, accessories, baby and kids toys and supplies, home appliances (less than one year old), electronics, kitchen and homeware, furniture, sports equipment, tools (hardware, design and craft), and more.
How to donate: Drop items off at MINDS Shops at Margaret (800 Margaret Drive, Singapore 149310), Woodlands (30 Woodlands Ring Road, Singapore 737883). Opening hours vary. More info
METTA WELFARE ASSOCIATION
The non-profit organisation accepts various types of in-kind donations. For pre-loved clothes, Metta Welfare Association donates them to a recycling organisation to be recycled, in exchange for donations based on the total weight of items collected.
What they accept: Generally, new electronics and furniture, and wearable preloved clothes (no belts, bags, books, toys). However, the list of specific items varies according to their current needs and wishlist. Check the updated list here.
How to donate: Deposit items at the Metta Building’s recycle bins at Basement 1, 32 Simei Street 1, Singapore 529950. Open on weekdays 7.30am-5.30pm and on weekends at 8.30am-4pm.
H&M
The fast fashion giant’s Garment Collecting programme takes in old clothes and home textiles. Depending on their condition, these are then sorted into three categories: To rewear (sold as secondhand clothes), reused (turned into other products like cleaning cloths) or recycled for other uses (like insulation material, for instance). In return, you get a 15 per cent discount voucher for your donations.
What they accept: Pre-loved clothes or textiles in any condition.
How to donate: Drop your pre-loved clothes off at the recycle bin at payment counters at any H&M outlet.
PASS IT ON
Think of this as the Tinder for secondhand items. Pass It On connects the people with items to donate to the folks who need them, via its online platform.
What they accept: Voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) registered on the site can submit requests for items they need on the Wish List section of the website. Got stuff to donate? Trawl through the listings and fulfil someone’s wishlist. Or if there isn’t a match, post a picture and description of your items anyway and wait for Pass-It-On to connect you to someone who might need them.
How to donate: Keep an eye out for requests at www.passiton.org.sg.
SG MUMMIES UNITED
Set up during the circuit breaker in 2020, this Facebook group is a blessings community that aims to help mothers who may be struggling to make ends meet.
What they accept: Mums can make requests for items they need – it could be anything from baby or household supplies, and anyone who’s willing to help can step forward to provide these items. Choose to buy or donate items you already have on hand – most popular items requested for are formula milk and diapers, followed by groceries. However, secondhand items such as clothing, shoes, breast pumps and even books are welcome as well.
How to donate: Join the SG Mummies United Facebook group here.
