A textile recycling bank has been installed at the RSPCA on Holgate Street, Oldham.

It’s hoped the bank will reduce the number of clothes going to landfill, as well as raising much-needed funds.

The donation point is located in the car park of the animal centre, and allows members of the public can deposit old clothes, shoes, textiles and more, year-round. 

Money raised by the recycling bank will directly fund the local charity, as they receive no day-to-day funding from donations made to the national RSPCA.

Vincent Sherard-Bornshin, CEO of the Bury, Oldham & District RSPCA, said: “We get lots of donations and are often asked if we can take clothes and textiles that cannot be sold due to them not being of saleable quality.

“Until now, we have had to sadly turn these valuable donations away.  We looked at various options and locating a recycling bank at our animal centre is the perfect solution. 

“Not only can people deposit items destined for the tip, but they can also visit our shop on site for highly discounted cat and dog food, accessories, beds, cages and a selection of cold drinks and snacks.”He added: “The clothes collected are sorted by colour and material, which negates the need for re-dying with polluting chemicals.

“The clothes are then pulled into fibres to be reused – so we raise money and do our bit for the environment. It’s a win-win.”

Shoes, clothing, belts, bags, and textiles are all accepted, though soiled clothing, textiles, duvets, carpet, rugs, pillows, towels, and blankets are not.

Clean towels can be left at the animal centre reception for use with the animals. 

The recycling bank is located at the RSPCA Oldham animal centre, just behind the Waterhead Academy.

The Oldham Times: The donation point is located in the RSPCA’s car park.The donation point is located in the RSPCA’s car park.