Inner Relm & UPPAREL are talking textile waste for the benefit of the next generation.
Together we can stop textiles from entering landfills and transform what would otherwise be considered waste into a valuable resource. Simultaneously protecting the planet and creating a more sustainable future for the next generation.
We’re closing the loop and have made it possible for you to send your clothes back for reuse and recycling. Plus, we’re rewarding you for doing so.
We’ve made it easy and convenient to make an impact.
Not only will you free up space in your home, but you’ll also be joining us in the fight against the textile waste crisis. For every 1kg of textiles that avoids landfill, you’ll prevent an average 3-4kg of greenhouse gases from polluting the atmosphere.
Not to mention that 100% of the items that come to UPPAREL are reused, recycled or repurposed within Australia – meaning absolutely nothing is sent off-shore or to landfill.
Keeping unwanted textiles out of the bin. That’s easier and more rewarding than ever.
Have 10kg of your old, unwanted clothing collected for just $35, and receive a $25 Inner Relm store credit!
Now there’s just 3 easy steps to recycling your pre-loved textiles.
*Terms and Conditions
Coupon issued for first collection only, Minimum spend $100, not valid on sale items, not valid in conjunction with any other offer
Step 1
Purchase a $35 collection, pack and reuse a box of your own that can hold up to 10kg of clothing, linen, shoes, and other textiles. As an introductory offer, we’re gifting you $25 off at Inner Relm!
Step 2
Pack the box with textiles you want us to recycle and repurpose. We accept the majority of textiles, but since we sort them by hand, please give clothes a quick wash and shoes a wipe-over before you send them to us.
Step 3
Now you’re ready to give those unwanted textiles a second life! Simply book your collection through the link in your confirmation email, then print and attach the generated labels to your box(es) and leave them outside for collection. We’ll take care of the rest!
We’ll keep it out landfill and give it a second life.
Reuse
If it’s sent in a suitable condition, then we can donate it to one of our local charity partners for someone else to love.
Upcycle
If it’s past its prime, then we’ll work with our recycling partners to turn it into something new like a tote bag.
Recycle
If it’s damaged, it can be used to create new products like insulation, furniture filling or stuffing for pet beds.
Reuse
If it’s sent in a suitable condition, then we can donate it to one of our local charity partners for someone else to love.
Upcycle
If it’s past its prime, then we’ll work with our recycling partners to turn it into something new like a tote bag.
Recycle
If it’s damaged, it can be used to create new products like insulation, furniture filling or stuffing for pet beds.
We’re on target to make a real difference.
Need to know more?
That’s what we’re here for.
Clothing items (jeans, shirts, coats, etc)
Hats
Wireless Bras
Swimwear
Socks and stockings
Shoes
Linen (bedding, towels, tea towels, etc)
Fabric mattress protectors (not waterproof/plastic)
Fabric off-cuts and sewing scraps
Fabric couch covers and curtains
Bathers & Swimwear
Wetsuits
Unwashed items
Underwear
Carpet
Bags (handbags, duffel bags, etc)
Duvets/Doonas
Pillows/Cushions
Soft Toys
Wired Bras
Once you’ve got your textiles boxed and ready to be collected, simply book your collection through the link in your order confirmation email. After selecting your desired date this will then generate labels that will be sent to your email address for you to print and attach to your box(es). Now you can leave your package(s) outside for collection. We’ll take care of the rest!
To reduce waste and emissions we don’t send you anything to collect your items in. Your textiles can be packaged into ANY type of box (no larger than check-in luggage) — a food delivery box, grocery box or moving box would work! You can also pack your items into a durable bag or satchel.
As a reference, the package should be approximately 46cm x 41cm x 42cm, however, it doesn’t have to be these dimensions exactly!
Please note: The courier cannot collect garbage bags.
Check out our suggested packaging video below for ideas!
You will have to place two separate orders, one for each box size. Since we’ve simplified our booking process, these orders directly integrate with our scheduling system. This means booking the two separate orders will be quick and easy!
Unfortunately not. We don’t currently have the resources, infrastructure or team to manage drop-offs from the public. We’ll be sure to let our community know if this changes in the future, but for now you can organise a contactless-collection HERE.
Currently 65% of items that UPPAREL is receiving are in new or fit-for-wear condition and are prepared to be passed onto our epic Australian partners; Save The Children, Sacred Heart Mission, Ready Set Australia, St Kilda Mums and Good360 Australia! The remaining 35% are assessed for their suitability to be up-cycled into new items or recycled into new materials.
Environmentally it is best to reuse items wherever possible, so we’ll always try to reuse or repair shoes if we can! If we cannot reuse them then their materials can be of use in many ways — rubber can be shredded and developed into new products or track surfaces, basketball courts and playgrounds. Their soles can also be used to create soles for fresh shoes!
Once the textiles are sorted and identified as suitable for recycling, they are first decommissioned to remove all hardware such as buttons and zips that may contaminate the final recycled product. From there, the textiles are broken down into fine fluffy fibre through a unique mechanical process. This fluffy fibre can then be utilised as is, or compressed and used as home insulation, office partitions, couch cushions, pet beds, acoustic panelling, and so much more! Additionally, this recycled product is also completely circular. So once it reaches the end of its life, it can be thrown straight back into the recycling process and given a new life!
Please note — couriers do not collect on weekends. If you live in an apartment building and do not have a safe place to leave your items, reach out via [email protected] for assistance.
Great question! The recycling fee helps to contribute towards a number of the costs involved in operating a textile recycling initiative. There are the costs associated with transporting and storing items, separating them, sorting them based on their second life use and preparing new or fit-for-wear items to be distributed to our epic Australian partners; Save The Children, Sacred Heart Mission, Ready Set Australia, St Kilda Mums and Good360 Australia! Not to mention the expenses involved with our specialised recycling process.
These costs add up quickly, which may be the reason so few retailers are engaging in on-shore textile recycling initiatives. As an independent business without any government funding, the $35 collection fee is really important in contributing towards these costs and supporting our mission as a small Australian start-up to keep textiles out of landfill and create a circular life cycle for the products we manufacture.
A credit is only issued for your first collection. Each subsequent collection that you purchase will not qualify for an additional store credit.