FAQs
Donate to Reduce offers free, regular collections of unwanted clothing and household items across Hertfordshire. We collect straight from your doorstep and ensure items are reused or resold rather than sent to landfill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I pack my items?
You can pack clothing in clean bags (bin liners are fine) or boxes. If you’re including other items like DVDs or small electricals, please use separate bags or boxes.
Where should I leave my items?
If you’re not going to be home, just leave your items covered and protected from the weather. We’ll collect them without disturbing you.
Do I have to be home at the collection time?
No, you don’t need to be present. Just let us know during booking, or leave items in a safe, weather-protected place.
I live in a flat, can you still collect?
Yes. If you’re home, our driver will buzz your flat. If not, you can leave items in a communal area and let us know via booking notes.
Do you accept more than just clothes?
Yes, we can also collect good-quality books, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, toys, and small working electrical items. Please pack these separately from clothing.
Please refer to our items we accept page which details what we can and can’t accept.
When will I receive a collection confirmation?
You’ll get an email confirmation right after booking. We’ll also send a reminder with your collection window on the morning of your pickup.
Can you collect furniture?
Unfortunately not. We recommend booking a furniture collection with emmaus.
Do you collect on weekends?
Saturday slots are available occasionally. If one is open in your area, it will show at booking.
Remember: You do not need to be at home. Just leave your items in a safe place that is protected from the weather.
What happens with the clothes collected?
All items are sorted by quality. High-quality items are made available for resale, and lower-grade items are sent to appropriate companies for further processing. We prioritise reuse wherever practical to reduce textile waste.
Are you a clothing charity collection service?
No. We are a private collection service. We operate locally and arrange for collected items to be reused or resold where appropriate. We do not operate as a charity.
100 tonnes of clothing is disregarded every day in Africa, find out more from The Guardian article by clicking here.
What items don't you accept?
Please refer to our items we accept page which details what we can and can’t accept.
How can I make changes to my booking?
If you need to make changes or cancel your clothing collection please contact us by clicking here or reply to your collection confirmation email.
What areas do you collect from?
We are a clothing collection service covering most of Hertfordshire. When you make a booking online you will be asked to enter your postcode, if we cover your area you will be able to book online.
I have a large collection to make, can you help?
If you have more than 20 bags, please contact us with further details and photos if possible. We will then be able to plan accordingly.
List of accepted items
Clothes
Shoes (in pairs)
Handbags & Backpacks
Accessories
Jewellery
Books
Toys
CDs, DVDs & Video Games
Small Electricals
Kitchenware
Hand/Power Tools
Kids Clothing
We are unable to accept
Stained Clothing
Damaged Clothing
Bed Linen
Towels
Duvets or pillows
Food items
Furniture & Bulky Items
Bikes
Mattresses
