A bird's eye view of Beckum
© Wolfgang Immig

Old clothes

Used clothing container
© your beckum

Clothing, shoes and home textiles in good condition do not belong in the residual waste. They can be donated, reused or recycled. However, many people are unsure about what can and cannot be put in the used clothing collection. Incorrect waste makes recycling more difficult and can affect the entire collection process.

Notes on the disposal of used clothing

Regulations on the collection of used clothing

Clothing, shoes and home textiles in good condition can be handed in to used clothing containers or charitable organisations. It is important: Only clean, wearable items should be donated so that they can be reused or recycled. Heavily damaged or soiled clothing does not belong in the collection - it makes sorting more difficult and causes additional disposal costs.

In principle, used clothing containers may only be used for textiles and shoes. What exactly is collected is usually labelled directly on the container. Shoes should also be thrown in in pairs and preferably bundled.

Household waste, wet clothing, mattresses or carpets do not belong in the used clothing collection. If you are unsure, you can find out from the city or your local waste disposal company what collection options are available and how to dispose of textiles correctly.

New regulation since 1 January 2025: Separate collection obligation

And what about intact clothing? Since the beginning of the year, all local authorities have been legally obliged to offer a separate collection service for used textiles if this was not previously the case. This is intended to conserve valuable resources. The following options are still available in Beckum:

  • Commercial used clothing containers:
    • There are still a few used clothing containers set up by commercial collectors in Beckum. They accept wearable clothing in good condition.
    • The Franzpötter recycling centre at Auf dem Tigge 34 also accepts intact clothing.
  • Clothes banks and social organisations: Flawless clothing can still be donated to the following charitable organisations: DRK Kleiderkammer (Obere Wilhelmstraße 124), DRK Kleiderladen (Werseweg 5), DRK Kleiderladen Neubeckum (Hauptstraße 15), Kleiderkeller der Evangelischen Kirchengemeinde Beckum (Nordwall 40), Kleiderstube der Katholischen Kirchengemeinde St. Franziskus (Kirchstraße 3) and BE Ukraine e. V. (Neißer Straße 17).
  • ECOWEST disposal centre in Ennigerloh: this is where the non-profit organisation Horizonte Ennigerloh e. V. collects clothes in good condition.

Note opening hours

Clothing may only be handed in to clothing banks and shops during their opening hours. It is not permitted to leave bags of clothing outside of these times or even overnight in front of the doors.

Anyone who donates recyclable items, disposes of unusable items correctly and treats collection points with respect is actively helping to conserve resources and protect the environment.