Saturday, 25 October 2025
Oxfam and An Post Launch Doorstep Donation Scheme to Support Circular Economy Oxfam Ireland has partnered with An Post to launch PostBack, a doorstep donation scheme designed to make donating clothes, books, and toys easier while supporting sustainability and the circular economy. Since its limited launch earlier this year, the initiative has already diverted significant […]
Oxfam Ireland has partnered with An Post to launch PostBack, a doorstep donation scheme designed to make donating clothes, books, and toys easier while supporting sustainability and the circular economy. Since its limited launch earlier this year, the initiative has already diverted significant volumes of textiles from landfill and raised funds for Oxfam’s humanitarian work.
Households across Ireland can order a free PostBack donation bag online at oxfamireland.org or by calling 1800 062 062. Each bag can hold up to 10kg of items such as clothes, books, and toys. Multiple bags can be requested, and they are recyclable.
An Post delivers the donation bags directly to homes, and donors can either arrange a free collection of the filled bags or drop them off at a post office. This convenience encourages more donations while promoting recycling and reuse.
Since April, over 20,000 PostBack bags have been ordered, resulting in more than 40 tonnes of textiles being diverted from landfill. The donated items, with a resale value exceeding €205,000, have been sold through Oxfam shops across Ireland, funding vital humanitarian aid and development projects.
Donation programs like PostBack don’t just benefit the environment. They also provide social and economic advantages. Reselling donated goods generates income that funds humanitarian projects worldwide. Additionally, it promotes community engagement, fosters social responsibility, and helps create jobs in sorting, logistics, and retail within charity networks.
Minister of State for the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon, praised the scheme as “a brilliant example of how innovation can make sustainability simple and accessible for everyone.” He highlighted that each bag donated is a step toward a circular economy and a cleaner, greener Ireland.
Oxfam Ireland Chief Executive Jim Clarken described PostBack as “more than a donation scheme,” emphasising its role in promoting conscious living. He noted that donations help fund emergency responses, such as humanitarian aid in Gaza, as well as long-term development work including food security, climate action, and women’s empowerment in Africa.
Textile waste is a growing environmental concern globally. Discarded clothing often ends up in landfills, where synthetic fibres can take decades to decompose, releasing greenhouse gases and toxic chemicals into the soil and water. Initiatives like PostBack help reduce this impact by diverting textiles for reuse and recycling, contributing to lower carbon emissions and reduced resource extraction.
David McRedmond, CEO of An Post, said the partnership demonstrates how collaboration and innovation can support the common good. He underlined the importance of growing the circular economy as a priority for An Post and for Ireland’s people and charities.
Oxfam noted that after sorting, approximately 52% to 55% of clothing received is classified as wearable and sold in their shops, extending the life of pre-loved items and reducing waste.
To take part in the PostBack scheme, simply order a free donation bag from Oxfam Ireland’s website or call the dedicated phone line. Fill the bag with suitable items, then arrange a collection with An Post or drop it off at a local post office.
In addition to donating, consumers can support sustainability by choosing durable, ethically produced clothing, repairing rather than discarding items, and opting for second-hand purchases. Educating consumers on these practices complements initiatives like PostBack, collectively fostering a more sustainable fashion ecosystem.
Oxfam and An Post’s PostBack scheme is transforming charitable giving in Ireland by making donations easy, accessible, and sustainable. By diverting textiles from landfill and raising funds for crucial humanitarian work, this initiative supports a circular economy while making a positive impact locally and globally. Every donated bag helps build a cleaner environment and a fairer world.
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