Diwali 2025: Done cleaning? Here’s what to do with your old things

Pic/iStock

In most homes, Diwali prep begins with a deep cleanse of the house - from books to clothes, most people end up with boxes of things that they do not want anymore. Diwali cleaning might make you end up with a lot of "waste", but it is crucial to remember that a lot of stuff can be reused and recycled and it does not have to pollute the environment. Instead of throwing away stuff, here is a list of organisations or places that you can give your stuff to for reuse/recycling.

For a good cause

PIC/INSTAGRAM @goonj

The NGO Goonj focuses on sustainability while empowering people in rural areas, using the "cloth for work" model where communities undertake projects like repairing roads, and building schools, in exchange for donated clothes and other materials.
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Website: www.goonj.org
Contact: 8287971374

Make it come true

PIC/INSTAGRAM @wishingwellmumbai

Wishing Well acts as a bridge between donors and NGOs to ensure that clothes, books and other essentials reach the underprivileged, covering facilities such as orphanages, old-age homes, hospitals and shelters for the homeless.
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Website: wishingwellonline.org
Contact: donate@wishingwellonline.org

The bartanwala's call

PIC/INSTAGRAM @bombayrecyclingconcern

Bombay Recycling Concern addresses post-consumer textile waste, also helping recyclers who barter clothes for utensils (known as the bhandiwale/bartanwale). They offer pick-up facilities for clothes donation, have drop-off locations, and also organise clothes donation drives.
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Website: www.gobrc.in
Contact: 8600293642