Look out for the blue bins in stores.

Penneys is launching a new clothes and textile recycling scheme in its 36 outlets nationwide as it aims to make it more convenient for people to donate their pre-loved clothes and help give them a second life.

New research into Irish consumers’ recycling behaviour found that a lack of drop-off locations is a barrier to donating unused items, with the vast majority more likely to recycle clothing and footwear if they could do so in a store.

The Penneys Textile Takeback scheme accepts clothing, footwear, bags and even some textiles such as towels and bedsheets, from any brand in any condition via the new collection boxes in stores. These are then collected, sorted and either re-used, recycled or repurposed.

“We’ve recently launched our bold new ambition to become a circular and more sustainable business: making it easier for customers to donate or recycle their pre-loved clothes is an important part of this,” said Damien O’Neill, Head of Sales at Penneys.

“While it was very encouraging to see how many people already donate their pre-loved clothes and footwear, we’ve learned that there is still more to do to help educate customers about what can be recycled and where.

“Our new scheme in Penneys is part of our goal to help people make more sustainable choices and to recycle or donate with convenience.

All profits from the Textile Takeback scheme will go to UNICEF, one of Primark’s global charity partners.