Wondering what to do with old clothes in Poznań? Learn where to donate wearable items, recycle damaged textiles at PSZOK and why textiles no longer belong in mixed waste.
Whether you’re having a summer wardrobe clear-out, making space for new purchases or simply trying to live more sustainably, it’s worth knowing that getting rid of unwanted clothes is no longer as simple as throwing them in the bin.
Since the beginning of 2025, clothing and household textiles have become a separately collected waste stream across Poland. That means old clothes, shoes, bedding and other textiles should no longer be disposed of in mixed household waste.
The change is part of wider efforts to reduce textile waste and encourage more reuse and recycling. For residents of Poznań, there are now several straightforward ways to ensure unwanted clothing finds a new home or is recycled responsibly.
Clothing no longer belongs in mixed waste
Many households are still unaware of the new regulations.
Items including clothing, towels, curtains, blankets, bedding, shoes and other textiles should no longer be placed in the black mixed waste container. Instead, residents are encouraged to separate textiles just as they already do with paper, glass and plastics.
The aim is simple. Every year millions of tonnes of textiles end up as waste, despite many items still being suitable for reuse or recycling. By separating them correctly, valuable materials can be recovered while wearable clothing can continue to benefit others.
Donate clothes that are still wearable
If your clothes are clean and in good condition, donating them is often the best option.
Across Poznań, many osiedla, housing cooperatives and neighbourhood councils organise clothing collections throughout the year, often working with local charities. Collection dates vary depending on the area, so residents should check their local osiedle website, noticeboards or Facebook pages for upcoming collections.
Several charities and community organisations also welcome donations of good-quality clothing, particularly items suitable for families, children and people experiencing financial hardship.
Before donating, it’s always worth making sure clothing is clean, dry and in a condition that someone else would genuinely be happy to wear.
Damaged clothes should be taken to PSZOK
Not every item is suitable for donation.
If clothing is badly stained, torn or beyond repair, it should be taken to one of Poznań’s Punkty Selektywnego Zbierania Odpadów Komunalnych (PSZOK).
These facilities accept textile waste that can no longer be reused, ensuring it enters the correct recycling or recovery process instead of ending up in mixed household waste.
Residents can also take advantage of Gratowóz, the City’s mobile waste collection service, which visits neighbourhoods throughout the year and accepts a range of household waste, including unwanted textiles. Collection dates are published on the City of Poznań’s waste management website.
Other places that accept clothing in Poznań
PSZOK isn’t the only option.
Across the city you’ll also find organisations and initiatives that help extend the life of unwanted clothing, including:
- Charity clothing collections organised by local organisations
- Community swap events
- School and church donation drives
- Social organisations supporting vulnerable residents
- Selected authorised clothing donation containers
Residents should be aware that Poznań has removed many unauthorised clothing containers in recent years, so it’s always best to use recognised collection points or organisations.
Small changes can make a big difference
Before throwing any item away, it is worth asking a few simple questions:
- Could someone else wear it?
- Could it be sold online?
- Could it be donated to a charity?
- Is it suitable for textile recycling?
Making the right choice not only keeps textiles out of the waste stream but also supports local charities, reduces demand for new clothing production and helps create a more circular economy.
For many Poznań residents, clearing out a wardrobe is no longer just about making space at home. It is an opportunity to reduce waste, support the local community and make more sustainable choices.
Give your clothes a second life
The days of throwing unwanted clothes into the household bin are over. Fortunately, Poznań offers plenty of alternatives, from local charity collections and neighbourhood donation drives to PSZOK recycling centres and online resale platforms.
By taking a few extra minutes to choose the right destination for unwanted textiles, residents can help reduce waste, support those in need and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable Poznań.
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