Clothes recycling for Against Breast Cancer – your questions answered
Every day we get contacted by people who have either received a charity bag through their letterbox or want to know more about our doorstep clothing collection scheme.
We want you to feel reassured that when you fill one of our clothing collection bags you will be supporting research into secondary spread, the main cause of breast cancer related deaths.
We created this page to address some of the most frequent questions we receive about clothes recycling. If your question is not listed, please contact us. Details of how to get in touch are at the bottom of this page.
Are charity bags for clothes recycling legitimate?
It is so important you know the bag you have received is genuine. Collection bags should clearly display the logos of both the charity and the company undertaking the collection. The charity name must not be given greater prominence than the company undertaking the collection.
Against Breast Cancer’s collection bags comply with these regulations and more. Our goal is to provide the public with the confidence that they are giving safely and to their preferred cause. Our collectors are required to carry an ID and the vans collecting the bags display the Against Breast Cancer Logo.
Our collection bags display our registered charity details including our charity number (1121258). The Fundraising Regulator logo also appears as does a web address to our website. If you are concerned, we encourage you to check the Charity Commission website where you can find out everything you need to know about Against Breast Cancer, so you can give with confidence.
How often are collections?
Our collection teams work for Recycling Clothes company Ltd (RCC), the teams each cover a large area and may visit you more than once, usually 4-6 weeks apart.
On the back of the bag, you will find the day that the collection is due. This is usually in two working days’ time. We are more than happy for you to contact us on the day of your collection to let us know of your donation and we can advise our recycling partner to collect from you. Please email your address details to recycling@againstbreastcancer.org.uk noting your collection day.
If you miss your collection date, please call or email us. We will do what we can to make sure your unwanted goods are collected.
What if I need more than 1 bag?
You can use any bag and as many of them as you like, as long as they are marked ‘AGAINST BREAST CANCER RECYCLING’ our drivers are authorised to take them.
What can I put in my breast cancer collection bag?
We don’t just recycle clothes. We can also collect bed linen, pairs of shoes, handbags, perfumes, physical media such as CDs and DVDs, and even toys. We cannot collect bric-a-brac, books, duvets, furniture and electricals. If you want to donate your old bras, please look online at our bra recycling scheme. If you wish to make a donation, please leave a full bag of your items outside on the day shown on the bag. Our collectors are unable to accept cash donations on behalf of the charity.
My bags were not collected
Unfortunately drivers sometimes miss bags. If this has happened to you, we are sorry. Please contact us, we will be able to advise you when the collectors are back in your area.
Are your licensed to collect in my area?
Recycling collections are licensed by local authorities, Against Breast Cancer holds a national exemption certificate which allows RCC to carry out collections nationwide – although this depends on the availability of teams in each area. RCC do not currently cover everywhere in the UK, but we can check when a team is in your area.
Who are the Recycling Clothes Company?
Recycling Clothes Company (RCC) are our commercial partners. They manage the clothing collections on our behalf and provide all staff and transportation. No running costs of this scheme are incurred by Against Breast Cancer. RCC also manage our popular bra recycling scheme.
Is Against Breast Cancer a real charity?
Yes. For over 30 years Against Breast Cancer have been raising funds for our research into secondary spread which is the main cause of breast cancer related deaths. We fund research projects taking place at some of the UK’s most respected academic institutions. We are registered in England and Wales; these details are displayed on the bag and at the foot of every page on our website.
“No-one should feel duped into thinking they are donating directly to a charity if that’s not the case”
Shahriar Coupal, Director of the Advertising Standards Authority, 2017.
Who do I contact if I have any questions?
If you have any questions about collections, or are worried that the bag you have received is not genuine, you can call the helpline which is managed by our partners Recycling Clothes Company, on 01293 612515, or email info@recyclingclothescompanyltd.co.uk.
If you have any other questions about our doorstep clothes recycling scheme or you would like to know more about Against Breast Cancer, you can call us on 01235 534211 or email recycling@againstbreastcancer.org.uk.