give your swimwear a second life 

Next time you clean out your wardrobe and create a “donation” pile, consider adding your swimwear to the stack!  Just like other clothing items can be given new life by others, swimwear can also be donated for for reuse or repurpose.      

I did some research and came up with a list of organizations that want to recycle your once-loved swimmies.  Most accept gently-used and clean swimwear, while others will take swimwear that has seen better days.  These organizations put your swimwear to use, benefiting both the environment and your community.  The alternative – the landfill – literally benefits no one.  I have personally contacted all of these organizations, some with a national presence and some in my local Washington, DC area, to ensure that they do indeed accept swimwear.  

national organizations

GoodWill.

This international nonprofit will use your donated swimwear to create jobs in your community and fund job training initiatives.  You can drop-off your goods at one of the many designated drop-off locations nationwide or in a donation bin.  Donations are tax-deductible.  To find a location, please click here; to find out more about their donation programs, please click here.

The Salvation Army.

Another large, international non-profit that has locations across the country!  Your donated swimsuit will be sold at a Family Store; proceeds will be used to fund Adult Rehabilitation Centers for those fighting addiction.   Donations are tax-deductible.  In addition to dropping off your goods, you can also schedule a pick-up to your home or office.  For donation locations and more information on the Salvation Army’s programs, please click here.

Bras for a Cause.

This Arizona based non-profit serves as a clearing house for donated swimsuits, bras, lingerie, and other breast cancer survivor items, distributing them to those in need.  If the donated garments are too damaged to be re-worn, they will be turned into art sold to raise money.  This is a great option if your swimsuits have holes and are no longer in wearable condition.  Your donations are tax-deductible.  For instructions on mailing your donations to them, please click here.

Suga.

If you have a wetsuit you’d like to recycle, Suga will gladly accept your donation in exchange for a 10% discount off the yoga mats that will be created with your discarded wetsuit.  They ask that the wetsuits be dry at the time of donation.  There are several drop-off locations in California and British Columbia, Canada, and you can also mail-in donations.  For more information, please click here.

DC LOCAL organizations

GREEN DROP.

This Mid-Atlantic non-profit collects swimsuits (and clothing and household items) on behalf of organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the National Federation of the Blind, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Philadelphia.  These charities sell the goods in thrift stores to raise funds for their programs.  Donations are tax-deductible.  For more information on drop-off locations (in VA, DE, MD, PA, & NJ), or to schedule a pick-up, please click here.

MARTHA’S TABLE.

This DC institution serves children, families, and communities, and gladly accepts donations of swimwear from April to August in order to stock their stores with spring/summer seasonal clothing.  The stores provide an affordable shopping option right here in DC, and no-cost clothing for select program participants.  Donations are tax-deductible.  For more information on donations, drop off locations, and programs, please click here.

The National Center for Children and Families.

NCCF’s donation store, Dr. C’s Boutique, allows disadvantaged children, youth, and their families in the Washington Metropolitan Region participating in their programs to shop at no cost.  Donations are tax-deductible.  For information on donations, locations, and programs, please click here.

The Clothing Recycling Company.

Operating in the DMV area since 1999, the Clothing Recycling Company collects clothing and household goods in bins in and around the city, sorts the donated items locally, then sources the items to local charities to help them raise funds and fulfill needs.  For information on donations, locations, and programs, please click here.

Before I started researching this post, I had no idea how many opportunities there are to recycle swimwear.  Even swimwear that isn’t in mint condition can become a work of art that benefits others.  I will continue to research this topic and will share updates as I find more opportunities.  If you know of any organizations that accept swimwear donations, please share with me below!    

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