A good bra can last years, but when it’s time for its end, what do you do? Most places don’t accept bra donations, which sadly means they will be tossed in the trash. Luckily these organizations make it easier to donate and dispose of bras, without negatively impacting the environment.
Where to Donate Bras
1. Harper Wilde
Harper Wilde isn’t just a cool company that sells affordable bras. They’re a cool company who recycles bras, too. They up-cycle them into yarns and fabrics, and also break them down to turn them into rugs, insulation or cleaning textiles. Find their recycling program here.
2. I support the girls
The organization I Support the Girls collects and distributes essential items such as bras, underwear, and hygiene products to women and girls experiencing homelessness. They have 50 North American affiliates and 4 internationally in Australia, Canada, Pakistan and the Philippines. They have collected and distributed over 740,000 bras to women and girls in need. They accept bras in new and used condition and they accept donations by mail or at one of their drop-off locations.
3. free the girls
Free the Girls is an organization with a mission to help women rescued from sex trafficking reintegrate into their communities. Founded in 2011, after a trip to Mozambique the co-founders, Dave Terpstra and Kimba Langas, wanted to create a model to provide a safe opportunity for the victims of sex trafficking. If you have bras to donate, you can drop them off at one of their many locations or you can mail your bras directly to them.
Where to Trade in Bras
1. Aerie
Aerie partners with Free the Girls donation program. You can bring in any bra, from any brand, and they will recycle it or donate it. You’ll also get 15% off your next Aerie bra with any donation.
2. soma
Soma has been donating bras to women in need since 2010 by partnering with I Support the Girls, and for the bras that can’t be reused they partnered with the Bra Recyclers to keep bras out of landfills. When you donate a new or gently used bra at a Soma boutique you can be rewarded up to $10 in “Love Soma” reward points.
Where to Recycle Bras
bra recyclers
The Bra Recyclers is a recycling company specializing in bras and other lingerie. The average American throws away 81 pounds of clothing per year, even though 95% of worn or torn textiles can be recycled. Their goal is to educate and influence consumers on how to benefit from a circular economy. You can drop off your bras at one of their locations or mail them in.
