School uniform recycling scheme

School uniform recycling scheme

15 June 2022

SCHOOL uniforms in good condition are being sought for a recycling project in the Newcastle, Castlewellan and Dundrum area due to the rising cost of living crisis.

All items of primary and secondary school clothing, from skirts, trousers and blazers, to sports kits and bags, are wanted for a three-day collection event.

People are asked to off washed items and kit to one of three local collections sites – and all local schools – in Newcastle, from Monday, June 27 to Thursday, June 30.

The collection points, outside schools, are SureStart in Lidl car park, the SERC campus, Castlewellan Road and Homestart Centre, Donard Street. 

Items that can be donated include jumpers and sweatshirts, shirts, trousers, skirts and pinafores, coats, ties, blazers, PE kit, sports tops, PE bags, schoolbags, book bags, shoes and PE shoes.

Sharon Robinson, of Homestart, said: “Following the success of previous schemes once again we our asking for the local community across Castlewellan, Dundrum and Newcastle to support us and make the back-to-school time of year a little less stressful for families.

“To help us local primary schools and post primary schools and a range of partner agencies including County Down Rural Community Network, Newcastle Sure Start, Newcastle Homestart, Newry Mourne and Down District Council, South Eastern Regional College & Unit T are also involved.”

Kathy Black, of Unit T, said: “As parents we understand that rising costs of school uniforms can put financial stress upon all families.

“There is also the environmental impact of clothes production. For example, cotton is the world’s most polluting crop, responsible for 25% of all pesticide use in the world each year.”

There will also be a back-to-school uniform recycling event at the SERC campus on Thursday, July 7, from 10am to 7pm. The first 20 families to attend will receive free family swim tickets.