Some are sold back through charity shops to generate revenue, some are sent directly to developing countries for re-use while poorer-quality textiles are sold through the rag trade for industrial cleaners, etc.

Occasionally, however, there are organisations that purport to be charities or employ similar doorstep collection methods, but are, in fact, businesses collecting textiles for commercial purposes.

Some of the methods used by businesses include using names that imply that they are a charity, quoting a company registration number so it looks like a charity.

Many of the leaflets can be cleverly worded so as not to break the law, but still mislead the householder into donating clothes.

When you consider that cast-off clothing can represent £90 million worth of business each year, it is perhaps not surprising that black-marketeers want a slice of the cake.

If you get a leaflet from a "charity" that you do not recognise asking for donations of clothing, there are a few simple steps you can take.

Check whether the charity has included full contact details including a postal address, telephone number and sometimes even a website address.

Have they included their registered charity number?

You can also check the authenticity of any charity by contacting the Charity Commission through their website at www.charity-commission.gov.uk or telephoning 0845 3000218 between 8.30am and 6pm Monday-Friday.

Household collections also have to be licensed by the local authority, so if in doubt you could ring the licensing department at your local council.

Of course, you could choose to use one of the many textile banks in the area, thus guaranteeing where your clothing is sent.

Wherever you choose to send your unwanted clothing, remember that this is a very important component of recycling and don't let a few rogue traders put you off!


-------------------------------------
Click here for more Greenwatch.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: letters@worthingherald.co.uk

Want to read this page in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Urdu or 48 other languages? click here for Google translate.