Introduction
So, you’ve decluttered your closet and now face a mountain of empty hangers. Where can you donate clothes hangers? The short answer is yes, you absolutely can and should donate them to give them a second life. Giving hangers away is a simple way to help your community and cut down on waste.
The best place to donate depends on what kind of hangers you have and what shape they’re in. Thrift stores, dry cleaners, and shelters are common places that take hangers, but you might not have thought of some other great options. This guide will help you find the perfect new home for every hanger you don’t need anymore.
In short, you can donate clothes hangers to:
- Thrift Stores & Charities
- Local Dry Cleaners
- Community Shelters & Theaters
- Online Giveaway Groups
Your Go-To Donation Spots: 5 Places That Welcome Hangers
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National and Local Thrift Stores (Goodwill, The Salvation Army)
Thrift stores are often the first place people think of, and for good reason. These shops get lots of clothing donations all the time and need hangers to display those items neatly on the sales floor.
Their need is so steady that home experts confirm most charity shops gladly accept used hangers, as long as they’re clean and sorted. Each store has its own rules based on how much space they have and what they already have in stock.
- Best for: Standard plastic hangers, sturdy wooden hangers.
- Pro Tip: Always call your local store before you go. A quick call saves you a wasted trip if they’re not taking hangers that day.
Local Dry Cleaners
Yor local dry cleanser use hangers every day . They go through cenntury of tellegram hanger each workweekk and are oft happy to convey yous to restock theeir supply .
This is a great way to help a local business while being part of a reuse cycle. They get free hangers, and you get rid of those flimsy wire hangers in a good way.
- Best for: Wire hangers.
- Pro Tip: Just bring your wire hangers with you next time you drop off or pick up your cleaning. Ask at the counter if they take them.
Shelters, Community Centers, and Crisis Centers
For a donation that helps people directly, look at local shelters and outreach centers. These places give clothing to people in need, and hangers help them organize donations better.
Having hangers lets them set up clothing in a neat way for their clients to see. For example, the Star of Hope Mission Accepted items include… clothes hangers, showing how important this small gift can be for their daily work.
- Best for: All types of hangers in good, clean condition, especially sturdy plastic ones.
- Pro Tip: Search online for “women’s shelter near me,” “homeless outreach,” or “community closet” to find places in your area. Call to ask what they need right now.
Schools and Theaters
Think outside the box. Local schools, especially elementary and middle schools, can use hangers for art projects, drying paintings, or keeping classroom stuff in order.
School theater groups are another great place. They have many costumes to take care of and almost always need hangers to keep them neat and in good shape.
- Best for: Different types, but especially sturdy plastic or basic wire hangers.
- Pro Tip: Contact the art teacher or drama teacher directly through the school’s main office.
Online Groups (Freecycle, Buy Nothing Project)
For giving directly to another person, online groups work really well. The Buy Nothing Project, Freecycle Network, and even Facebook Marketplace let you post free items to people who live near you.
Someone in your area might be setting up their first home, organizing a clothing swap, or just need extra hangers. Posting on your local Freycycle group is a fast way to give your hangers to someone who wants them.
- Best for: Any kind of hanger, especially lots of them or special types like velvet or kids’ hangers.
- Pro Tip: Take a clear picture of your hangers bundled together. In your post, say what type they are and about how many you have.
The 3-Step Prep: How to Donate Hangers the Right Way
Before you drop off your hangers, a few minutes of getting them ready makes a big difference. Being a “good donor” means your items help rather than make more work for the place you’re giving to. This small effort shows respect for the volunteers.
Step 1: Sort and Select
First, go through your pile and sort them. Put plastic hangers with plastic, wire with wire, and wood with wood. This is also when you check their quality.
Throw away any hangers that are broken, cracked, badly bent, or very dirty. Donating broken items makes the charity waste time and money on throwing them away. Only donate what you would want to receive yourself.
Step 2: Clean and Bundle
Once you have your “keep” pile, clean them up. For most plastic, wood, and wire hangers, a quick wipe with a damp cloth removes dust and dirt.
Next, bundle them together. Group hangers by type in small stacks (10-20 hangers works well). Use a rubber band, string, or twist tie to hold each bundle. This keeps them from getting tangled during transport.
On our last donation trip, we used rubber bands to group 15 matching plastic hangers together. It made them much easier to carry and give to the volunteer, who was happy they weren’t in a messy pile.
Step 3: Make the Call
This is the most important step. Call ahead before you go. Donation needs change daily based on space and what others have recently given. A quick phone call saves everyone time and makes sure your hangers will be accepted.
Have a few simple questions ready:
- “Hello, I was wondering if you currently accept donations of used clothes hangers?”
- “Are there any specific types you need or cannot accept right now?” (e.g., “We have tons of wire but really need plastic.”)
- “What is the best day and time for me to drop them off?”
A Hanger for Every Home: Matching Hanger Type to Donation Spot
Not all hangers are the same, and different places need different types. By matching what you have to the right place, you increase the chance your hangers will be used right away.
This table gives you a quick guide, followed by more details on each type.
| Hanger Type | Best Donation Bets | May Not Be Accepted By | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic Hangers | Thrift Stores, Shelters, Community Closets, Online Groups | Some picky retailers, may be rejected if broken | The most versatile and widely accepted hanger for general clothing donations. |
| Wire Hangers | Dry Cleaners, Metal Recyclers (if donation fails) | Most thrift stores and shelters (they’re too flimsy) | The absolute top choice for dry cleaners, who reuse them constantly. |
| Wooden Hangers | Thrift Stores, Online Groups, Consignment Shops | Some shelters (can be bulky) | Considered a “premium” donation. Great for displaying heavier items like coats. |
| Velvet/Padded | Online Groups, Theaters, Consignment Shops | Dry Cleaners, Metal Recyclers | A specialty item. Best given directly to someone who wants them via an online group. |
Plastic Hangers (The All-Rounder)
These are the workhorses of the closet. Their strength and standard shape make them the most useful hanger for charities like Goodwill and local shelters. Make sure they aren’t brittle or cracked before donating.
Wire Hangers (The Dry Cleaner’s Favorite)
While most thrift stores don’t want wire hangers because they bend easily and can snag clothes, dry cleaners use them all the time. Before you think about throwing them away, call your local cleaner. They will almost certainly take them.
Wooden Hangers (The Premium Donation)
Sturdy and stylish, wooden hangers are valued by thrift and consignment shops for displaying heavy items like suits and coats. If you have a matching set, offer it on a platform like the Buy Nothing Project, as people often want these to upgrade their closets.
Velvet or Padded Hangers (The Specialty Item)
These “non-slip” or cushioned hangers are great but not needed by everyone. Their special design makes them perfect for giving away through online groups. A local theater costume department might also love to get them for delicate costumes.
When Donation Isn’t an Option: Responsible Alternatives
What if you’ve called around and no one wants your hangers, or you have broken ones? Don’t just throw them in the trash. You still have some good options.
The Truth About Recycling Hangers
This is tricky. Hangers are “tanglers”—their hooked shape often jams expensive sorting machines at recycling facilities. For this reason, do NOT put hangers of any kind in your curbside recycling bin. They cause major problems in recycling systems.
However, there are still options. Some big stores, like Target, have bins at the front specifically for plastic hangers. Your local recycling center may also take them if you sort them by material and bring them directly. Some sources confirm that hangers can be recycled at some out of home recycling points, but you need to check first.
- Ask your local waste management company for specific rules.
- Check if your favorite big store has a hanger take-back program.
- Take apart metal and plastic parts if possible before taking them to a recycling center.
Creative Repurposing and Upcycling Ideas
Before giving up, think about new uses for hangers around your home. You don’t need to be crafty to find new ways to use them.
- Cable & Cord Organizers: Use a hanger to store extension cords, holiday lights, or spare electronic cables.
- Accessory Holders: A simple hanger can organize scarves, belts, or necklaces in your closet.
- Garden Stakes: Cut the ends off a wire hanger and use the straight parts to support small plants.
- Chip Clips: In a pinch, a plastic hanger with built-in clips for skirts can seal a bag of chips.
The Bigger Picture: Why Donating Hangers is a Small Act with a Big Impact
It might seem small, but choosing to donate your clothes hangers helps your community and the environment. Your effort matters more than you might think.
Environmental Benefits
Every hanger you donate is one less thing in a landfill. It means fewer new resources are needed to make new hangers. Reusing is the most direct form of recycling, making products last longer and saving energy and materials.
Community Support
For non-profits, every penny counts. Donating hangers might seem minor, but it’s one less expense for them to worry about. As noted by groups like DonateNYC, having hangers allows them to help us easily display the clothing items for their clients, making their services more dignified. Your donation directly helps these organizations focus their limited money on their main mission of helping people.
FAQ:
- What are the best places to donate clothes hangers in 2025?
Thrift stores (Goodwill, Salvation Army), local dry cleaners, community shelters, schools/theaters, and online platforms like Buy Nothing or Freecycle are excellent places to donate clothes hangers. - Should I clean my clothes hangers before donating them?
Yes, always clean your hangers and bundle them by type (plastic, wire, wooden) before donating. This makes them more likely to be accepted and useful to organizations. - Do dry cleaners still accept wire hanger donations in 2025?
Yes, most dry cleaners gladly accept wire hangers for reuse. They’re typically the best destination for wire hangers specifically. - Can I recycle clothes hangers instead of donating them?
Never put hangers in curbside recycling as they jam sorting machines. Some retailers like Target offer hanger recycling, or check with specialized recycling centers. - What should I do with specialty hangers like velvet or padded ones?
Specialty hangers are best donated through online community groups, consignment shops, or theater costume departments where their unique properties will be appreciated.
