Bra Recycling: How You Can Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time for us to come together and share hope and empowerment, all while raising awareness of breast cancer.
From participating in 10k runs to sharing a breast check guide with the ladies in your life, it's a time to rally round and support each other.
One great way to support the cause is by taking part in bra recycling, a trend gaining momentum up and down the UK. Not only does it raise money to help those affected by breast cancer, but it also helps to reduce waste and keep the climate green.
Keep reading to learn how bra recycling works and how you can join the initiative.
What Is Bra Recycling?
Bra recycling involves collecting used or pre-loved bras and donating them to women without access to this essential item.
Many of us have bras tucked away in drawers that we no longer wear, whether due to a poor fit or simply because they’ve fallen out of favour. Indeed a surprising number of women have brand new bras sitting in their drawers which they have never worn. Instead of letting them gather dust, donating them to a bra bank can give them a second life and support another woman in need.
Beyond helping individuals, bra recycling is an eco-friendly initiative that reduces textile waste, keeping more lingerie out of landfills.
In the UK alone, a staggering 300,000 tonnes of clothing are discarded into rubbish bins every year. By participating in bra recycling, you contribute to lowering this waste and making a positive environmental impact.
Where Are The Bras Sent?
When you donate your unwanted bras for recycling to a breast cancer bra bank, the bras are repurposed and sent to developing countries where r bras are often simply too expensive for many. The bras are delivered to small traders who then sell them on at affordable prices.
Bras that are beyond redemption are dismantled and the materials carefully recycled, helping to address the huge environmental challenge posed by discarded clothing, which is one of the fastest growing categories of waste and environmental pollution .
Charities like Against Breast Cancer receive £700 for each tonne of bras donated, raising valuable money for breast cancer research. So, no matter where your bra ends up, you’ve helped other women, reduced the textiles going to landfill, and played your part in the fight against breast cancer.
How To Donate Your Bra
Are you ready to participate in bra recycling? Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October is a great time to do it but you can recycle unwanted bras at any time of the year. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to ensure your bra can do some good.
- Inspect your underwear draw — First, check out your old bras and put aside the ones you do not wear. If they are uncomfortable or do not like them, put them in the pile for recycling. Another good test is to add in any bras you have not worn in the past year because you are never going to wear them All types of bras are accepted, including bralettes and padded bras.
- Wash your bra — Once you’ve chosen some bras, make sure they are clean and if not, give them a wash.
- Locate a bra bank — There are lots of bra banks throughout the UK. These include retailers and independent organisations. But more about these in the section below.
- Package your bra — If you don’t have a nearby bra bank and have to post it, package it carefully so it doesn’t get damaged on its journey.
Where Can You Find Bra Banks in London?
In London you can drop off your bras with us at Maison SL, 53 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, W11 2AA or, with any Oxfam shop.
Some other charity shops also accept used bras. However, there’s no guarantee these bras will raise money for breast cancer—it’ll depend on which shop you visit.
Not in London or can’t visit these bra banks in-person? You can also post your bra to breast cancer charities and organisations.
Against Breast Cancer (registered charity No. 1121258) accepts bras by post at the following address:
Recycling Scheme
Against Breast Cancer
Leathem House
13 Napier Court
Barton Lane
Abingdon, OXON, OX14 3YT
How To Organise Your Own Bra Bank
If you're feeling inspired to make a difference, why not go beyond donating your own bras and start your own collection?
Let your friends and family know you're gathering gently used bras throughout October, and invite them to contribute by dropping off any they no longer wear.
Once you've collected a good amount, you can send them in bulk to a charity or drop them off at a nearby bra bank. Not only will you be making an even bigger impact, but you'll also make it easier for others to get involved by handling all the logistics for them.
Stand Together To Beat Breast Cancer
Whether you choose to donate bras, take part in a sponsored event, or share infographics on social media, October is a good time to join the fight against breast cancer.
In the UK, breast cancer survival is improving and has doubled in the last 50 years. By working together, we can help to raise this statistic by donating to cancer research and by raising awareness of the importance of early diagnosis.
If you donate old bras, don’t forget to treat yourself to one or two new ones. See the latest luxury bras in the Maison SL shop.