I've researched this questions for hours at various times, and have never gotten a reasonable response.
I worked at a second-hand store a number of years ago, and the big concern was how much stuff we had to trash -- $$$ for dumpsters cut in to the non-profit's profits. Unbelievable what junk (real trash) people would give away, instead of trashing it themselves.
But then I heard that some places don't mind stained clothing, etc. because they can sell that stuff (by the ton) for rags.
So when I give stuff away I wonder how good the stuff needs to be? It's interesting to think about --- some things that I've been so happy to find (a carafe from a scruffy coffee machine or a replacement handle for my nearly new pan with a melted handle :-( from a dented/scratched pan at the thrift store -- make me think of "one man's trash, another's treasure," but still wonder about guidelines...
One friend used to pride herself on repurposing zippers, buttons, trim etc. from the stained, torn clothes she gets at a bag sale for next to nothing.... so any thoughts on what to ditch and what to pass on? And does 100% cotton, whether stained or torn, still have value as stuffing, etc. so that I can avoid the landfill?
Does anyone have real experience on this or is in a business that would shed light on the topic?
Clearly I don't give away worn out shoes, broken toys, etc. but have wondered about the clothing in particular...
