September is Second Hand month

Published: Wednesday 3 September 2025

This image shows clothes on a rail

Everyone is being encouraged to think twice before discarding clothing and a range of household items.

During this annual campaign the focus is on clothing – asking people to think more about donating, reusing, rewearing and restyling rather than just wearing and discarding.

Clothing is the most environmentally damaging type of household waste, accounting for nearly a third of the carbon impacts of Scotland’s household waste despite being only 4% by weight that goes into our bins.

Councillor Norman Rae, the Chair of the council’s Climate and Sustainability Committee, said: “Without realising it, many of us are disposing of so many items that can easily be recycled or reused in such a way that it does not impact adversely on our environment.

“So, let us all think about what we are simply just throwing away when there are so many other ways that we can make unwanted items viable again, reducing waste and our carbon footprint so that we can help improve the climate we all live in.”

This month it is hoped that everyone will start to think more about unwanted clothing and other household items.

More information is available on the council’s What you can recycle and how pages as well as:

And you can even save or make money from second hand items:

  • Clear out your wardrobe using online selling platforms like eBay or Vinted
  • Use local buy and sell platforms such as Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace
  • Find out about local car boot sales and markets on What’s On Lanarkshire

More information about Second Hand September is on Oxfam’s website along with their guide to sustainable, eco-friendly shopping.

This month is also the Lanarkshire Climate Festival - events in your area include:

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