How and where to donate kids’ clothing in NZ

Got a pile of kids’ clothing - some barely worn, some worn to bits?

No problem. Ripple is set up to take it all, in any condition, as long as it’s clean.

Just bag it at home and send it our way. We’ll sort it, give the good stuff directly to families who need it (for free), and turn the rest into new products or materials - all right here in Aotearoa. You’ll even get an impact statement showing how your donation made a difference.

It’s the easiest way to pass things on with purpose - no sorting, no guessing, no waste.

What we accept:

We currently collect clothing for tamariki newborn to 16 years. 

We accept clothes in any condition - as long as they’re clean. We also accept swimwear in any condition and sneakers if they are in good condition (unfortunately we cannot recycle shoes at this point). 

• Wearable items are reused or given away
• Damaged items are repurposed or recycled into something new
• Keeping onshore and out of landfill

We do not accept underwear, socks and nappies.

How to donate:

✅ Option 1: Collection from your place

Order a Ripple Collection Bag, fill it with outgrown clothing, and send it back using the prepaid label. You’ll receive an impact statement showing exactly how your items were used. → Order a Bag.

🏢 Option 2: Workplace or Community Bin drop-off

Drop your items into a Ripple clothing bin at Envirohub Bay of Plenty. Many are now QR-enabled so you can scan and track your ripple in action. 

Don't have a Ripple Bin near you? Ask your council, Envirohub or local business community to sponsor a Ripple Bin in your area.

What makes Ripple different?

Ripple is a social enterprise, not a charity. We’re exploring new ways to fund our work while making impact visible and waste useful.

• We accept clothes in all conditions - as long as they’re clean
• We don’t sell clothing
• We give everything away to families in need, free of charge
• We repurpose or recycle anything we can’t give
• We keep everything onshore
• We provide an impact statement for every donation
• We collect from your home, workplace, school and hopefully soon, your local community

RePack sleeves, or fully recycled - every item stays onshore and creates local impact.

FAQs: Donating kids’ clothing

What condition should the clothing be in?

Any condition - as long as it’s clean. We’ll make sure it’s reused, repurposed, or recycled here in Aotearoa.

Do you accept teen clothing?

Yes! We now collect clothing for tamariki from newborn to 16 years.

Do families pay for the clothing?

Never. All items are given away for free through our Gear Box program and partner network. We don’t sell anything other than our collection bags, bins, and recycled products made from our own waste.

Ready to Make a Ripple?

Don’t let clothes go to waste. Help us turn clutter into care - for kids who need it most.

✅ Purchase a Ripple Collection Bag
✅ Learn more about our School Programme
✅ Learn more about our Workplace Bins