Uniform For All: the school uniform recycling project making a difference in Rochdale

Date published: 23 May 2023

A school uniform recycling project is making a big impact in the Rochdale borough by providing school uniforms to families in need.

The Uniform For All project collects used school uniform items, such as blazers, skirts, trousers, shirts, t-shirts, ties, sportswear, coats, shoes and bags, from generous donations. The items are then washed, repaired if necessary, and ironed before being distributed to families who need them.

In the last year, the project has already helped over 503 families in the borough, distributing over 7,201 items of school uniform to those in need.

The uniforms are delivered to the nearest library, which also acts as a donation point. Currently, 18 libraries across the borough, along with some local churches in Spotland, Kingsway and Bamford, are on board, as is Crystal Wash launderette on Rooley Moor Road, and the project’s first partner, the Co-op at Cutgate shopping precinct.

Uniform For All now has a permanent storage space at Globe House: on Saturday 13 May, the then-Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Ali Ahmed, came to celebrate the project's achievements and cut the ribbon to acknowledge the hard work of the volunteers.

He said: “The response from the community has been amazing.

“I am grateful to everyone who has donated their used school uniforms, and to the small group of volunteers who work tirelessly to clean and prepare them for distribution.

“The fact that they have been able to help so many families in need is a testament to the generosity and kindness of the people of Rochdale."

The chair of Uniform For All said: “Thank you to all the people that take the time to donate outgrown uniforms. We are only as good as our donations.”

By recycling used school uniforms, Uniform For All is also tackling the climate emergency by stopping good quality clothing from going to landfill as well as helping families who may not be able to afford to purchase new items with the soaring costs of school uniforms.

In the UK, an estimated 350,000 tonnes of clothes end up in landfill every year and encouraging families to use second-hand uniform can reduce waste and bring down emissions from manufacturing new garments, while making it cost-effective for families. 

By reusing school uniforms, Uniform For All is helping to ensure that all children have access to the resources they need to succeed in their education and attend school in full uniform.

Young children are getting on board too. Uniform For All sponsored an Easter Egg competition for children at the libraries to make and design recycling posters about why it is important to recycle school uniform.

The results showed that children know the issues facing the planet, as the posters on display at the weekend event featured phrases like, ‘If there’s life in it, don’t bin it!, and pictures of older children handing down school uniform items that don’t fit anymore to their siblings, who in return say, ‘Thank you’.

Councillor Rachel Massey said: “I meet many children as Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services and all of them have a passion for environmental awareness. They want to do everything they can before it’s too late and with Uniform For All they can play their part and help others at the same time.

“We know that there are many challenges facing the future of our planet. But the children and Uniform For All have shown us that by facing these head-on it will make a difference in our community. Recycling school uniforms encourages a culture of sustainable consumption.

“It teaches children the importance of reusing and reducing waste, promoting responsible consumption habits from a young age. By instilling these values early on, children are more likely to adopt sustainable practices in other aspects of their lives for a brighter future for all.”

The group ask that towards the end of the upcoming school year please consider donating any good quality, reusable items of school uniform for any school across the borough to Uniform For All.

For more information, including how to volunteer, or donate or request school uniform, please visit the Uniform For All Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Uniform4A