FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does Byronswell aim to donate to charity?

Our goal is to build annual donations to Samuel’s Charity to at least £200,000 over a 2 - 3 year period. Research shows that other charities receive £hundreds of thousands, even £millions, every year from the recycling of textiles. Our aim is to make a major and positive difference to Samuel’s Charity and especially to the many children they help.

2. How will you achieve this aim?

Byronswell has a formal agreement with Samuel’s Charity that we will collect clothing and other items on behalf of the charity (see full list below). The amount donated per tonne is:

Door to door collections (bags through letterboxes):   £75
Textile banks (usually in recycling sites, e.g. car parks):  £120
One-off collections (usually schools and businesses):    £120

Samuel’s Charity is happy that these figures are fair and represent very good value, especially as the charity bears no risk, administration or costs.

3. Does Byronswell make a profit?

Samuel’s Charity has no problem with Byronswell being profitable. We are making a very substantial investment in equipment, manpower, vehicles, fuel, storage and administration, to set up and manage a commercial operation of this size. We are bearing 100% of the financial risk.

The fact that the charity has asked a professionally managed, commercial recycling company like Byronswell to do everything for them really makes sense. Samuel’s Charity receives substantial funding at no cost and no risk.

4. What type of items do you collect?

Yes please:

No thank you:

Wearable clothing
Belts, hats, handbags, purses
Paired shoes
Towels, sheets, bedding, blankets, curtains (but not duvets or pillows)
Jewellery
Unopened cosmetics
Bric a brac and small household items
Toys (soft toys, puzzles)

Soiled items
Duvets, pillows and sofa cushions
Carpets and rugs
Large electrical goods (such as television sets, washing machines)
Glass/metal/paper/leaking liquids/rubbish
Videos/DVDs/CDs/audio tapes
Books
Furniture

5.What happens to the items I donate?

The bags of donated textiles and other items are collected, weighed and then transported for onward sale in Eastern European second-hand shops, as well as other worldwide markets including Africa and Pakistan where recycled goods are much needed.

You can have total confidence that your unwanted clothes, textiles and household items are being partly turned into funding for Samuel’s Charity, and that they are being used again by people who really need them rather than going into a landfill site.

6.Can I use my own bags as well as yours?

No problem – the more items you donate the more the charity receives. Please ensure that all bags left outside are waterproof and clearly show the name ‘Samuel’s Charity’.

7. What day and time will you collect the bag?

The collection will take place between 8am and 5pm on the day marked on your collection bag. The collection day is usually 3 – 4 days after the bag is left. Please put the bags outside where they can easily be picked up.

8. What do I do if I miss the collection or my bag is missed?

It would be unusual for your bag not to be picked up on the day shown. If this happens please call 0800 084 2757 and we will try to arrange to have your bags collected at a later date.

9. Do your bag collectors ever offer cash payments for recycled items?

Never! Please let us know if this has happened.

10. Will Byronswell give cash for clothes and other unwanted items?

Yes. Please get in touch via our contact page and we will be pleased to help you.

11. What should I do if I am worried about a collection?

If you are worried about any aspect of a Samuel’s Charity/Byronswell collection, please call us free on 0800 084 2757.