If you have old clothes that you no longer wear, you should donate them. This guide explains where to donate clothes, shoes, and bedding in Madrid, including charity shops and collection bins.
You must prepare your items correctly to ensure they can be reused.
Municipal clothing recycling bins
The city of Madrid has a dedicated recycling program for textiles.
You can find official red collection containers on sidewalks across the city.
These bins are managed by the Ayuntamiento de Madrid in partnership with non-profit organizations.
Who runs the municipal bins?
The city coordinates with two main charitable organizations to manage the red bins:
- Cáritas Madrid : Through their recycling project called Moda Re-.
- Humana : Through the Fundación Pueblo para Pueblo.
They empty the bins regularly and transport the textiles to sorting plants.
What happens to the clothes?
The collected items are sorted based on their condition.
Clean, wearable clothes are sold at low prices in charity thrift stores.
Worn-out or damaged textiles are sent to industrial plants to be recycled into cleaning cloths or building insulation.
Street collection times
The red bins are accessible 24 hours a day on public streets.
However, you should avoid dropping off bags late at night.
The metal doors of the containers can make significant noise when closing.
You must respect neighborhood quiet hours by donating during the daytime.
Humana charity shops and green bins
Humana is one of the most visible recycling organizations in Spain.
They operate green clothing collection bins in many private areas, such as shopping malls and supermarket car parks.
Humana thrift stores
Humana runs a network of second-hand clothing shops in Madrid.
You can drop off your donations directly at any of these stores during business hours.
The shops are common in central neighborhoods like Lavapiés, Malasaña, and Atocha.
The proceeds from selling the clothes fund agricultural and educational projects in Africa, Asia, and South America.
Cáritas and the Moda Re- project
Cáritas is a major social assistance charity run by the Catholic Church.
Their textile recycling initiative is called Moda Re-.
Ethical recycling goals
Moda Re- focuses on social integration and environmental protection.
The sorting and retail jobs are given to people at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
Where to find red bins
You can find their red bins on public streets and inside parish properties.
They also operate dedicated Moda Re- shops in Madrid, selling affordable second-hand clothing.
Retail take-back programs
If you prefer to recycle at commercial shops, several major fashion brands in Madrid offer take-back schemes.
H&M garment collecting
You can bring any bag of unwanted clothes to any H&M store in Madrid. They accept items of any brand and in any condition.
In return, the store will give you a discount voucher.
Typically, you receive a €5.00 voucher for your next purchase of €30.00 or more.
Zara recycling program
Zara has installed clothing donation bins in its major retail stores.
You can drop off clothes, shoes, and accessories in these bins.
Zara works with the Red Cross and Cáritas to distribute the items to social programs.
They do not offer financial vouchers or discounts for donations.
Mango Second Chances
The Spanish brand Mango operates a recycling project called Second Chances.
They have collection bins inside their major stores in Madrid.
They accept clothing and footwear of any brand.
The collected items are processed for reuse or recycled into new textile fibers.
Checklist for preparing clothes to donate
You must prepare your donations carefully. Wet or dirty clothes can ruin other items in the collection bins.
Donation prep checklist
Follow these steps before dropping off your bags:
- Wash : Ensure all clothing and linens are freshly washed and dry.
- Bag : Place the items in strong, tied plastic bags. This protects them from rain and dust.
- Pair : Tie shoe laces together to keep pairs from getting separated.
- Secure : Zip up jackets and check all pockets for cash or keys.
What to do with damaged clothing
Do not throw torn or heavily stained clothes in the normal trash.
You can still place them in the municipal red bins or Humana green containers.
You can also take them to a mobile recycling center.
The municipal recycling centers are called puntos limpios.
The textile industry will shred the fibers to make new products.
Where to buy, sell and donate things in Madrid
Questions and answers
Can I donate shoes and handbags?
Yes. You can place shoes, boots, sandals, handbags, and belts in the collection bins. Ensure you place them inside a closed bag.
Can I donate bedding and towels?
Yes. Clean sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and towels are accepted by all major clothing charities in Madrid.
Does the city offer home collection for clothes?
No. The municipal 010 bulk waste pickup service does not collect bags of clothes from your door. You must carry them to a street bin or a recycling center.
Is Humana a commercial business?
No. Humana is a non-profit foundation. The money earned in their shops is reinvested in charity projects and environmental programs.
Where can I find the nearest red clothing bin?
Use the Madrid city map. The official city website at madrid.es has a directory and an interactive map showing the locations of all red bins.
Can I donate underwear?
Only if it is new. Charities will reject used underwear and socks for hygiene reasons. You must take used undergarments to a recycling center instead.
What if the collection bin is full?
Do not leave your bag on the street. Leaving bags next to a full bin is illegal and is considered dumping. You must find another bin or report the full container by calling 010.
Can I place toys in the clothing bins?
No. The bins are strictly for textiles, footwear, and accessories. You should donate toys to local parish drives or NGOs like the Red Cross during Christmas campaigns.
