Clothing Bin FAQ

What about thrift stores?
Local thrift stores play a necessary role in the resale economy, however they can only handle 10-20% of what they receive

Aren’t bins hurting non-profits?
-No, bins don’t compete with local charities, everyone competes and loses to the landfill (85% of clothes end in the landfill and incinerator)
-Bins can actually help fundraise for non-profits and community groups

Does HELPSY collect outside of the Northeast?
Not yet, but we would love our mission to be embraced all over the country

Don’t bins promote dumping?
If bins are not serviced in a professional manner, and bins are not placed in well-lit, high-traffic areas, dumping might be an issue

Where do the clothes go/do they hurt developing countries?
-All collected materials are sold to national and international retailers, wholesalers and recyclers. This works the same way as any other recycled materials collected from the public
-70% of the world buys used clothing. Our buyers sell to countries who pay for the clothes. If banned, the primary economic alternative would be more fast fashion. Reselling used clothes is the best way to give clothes a second life, mitigating their environmental impact

Do bins accept damaged materials/can’t I just give my best material to the thrift store?
Higher quality items support the entire collection process; reusing & recycling clothes and shoes can only happen at scale if bin and drives get range of quality to lesser quality items