‘I will be going to the news soon’

A former Goodwill employee speak out about alleged waste practices at the nonprofit second-hand retailer, claiming the company threw away usable donations instead of giving them to people in need.

What happened?

A Reddit user shared his experience working at the retailer on the r/Goodwill subreddit, posting photos of overflowing donation centers and fire damage.

“I’ll be getting to the news about all this soon,” the poster read.

The former employee claims blankets, bedding and unsold clothing were dumped at the main location rather than donated to community members. According to the former employee, the company prohibits the use of cameras in certain areas to prevent employees from witnessing this destruction.

The former employee also said they received a verbal warning after giving a worn-out blanket to a homeless person during the winter storm, and managers told them it was a violation of company policy.

A commentator replied: “I congratulate you for speaking the truth out loud. Not many people can do that.”

Why is textile waste a concern?

Textile waste creates serious environmental problems. Americans are throwing upwards 11 million tons Every year textiles increase and most end up in landfills, where as they break down they release a polluting gas called methane.

Throwing away functional blankets and clothing means using more resources to make new ones. Vulnerable community members lose access to basic needs such as heating in the winter.

The alleged practice contradicts the circular economy model promoted by second-hand stores. Reusing existing items keeps them out of landfills and reduces the demand for new production.

Is Goodwill doing anything about this?

Goodwill has not publicly responded to these allegations. company states Recycling products that are not suitable for retail sale or selling them to textile recyclers.

Different Goodwill locations operate semi-independently within regional organizations; This means policies may vary by region. Some Goodwill branches have donation programs, partnering with shelters and community organizations for unsold items.

The poster’s description suggests this may be a local issue rather than a company-wide policy. Without approval from Goodwill leadership or independent verification, it is unclear how widespread these alleged practices may be.

What is being done about textile waste in a broader sense?

Some organizations divert usable donations from landfills. National Council of Textile Organizations It connects donation centers to recycling facilities that turn fabric into insulation, cleaning cloths and new textiles.

Some thrift stores have begun partnering with homeless shelters and disaster relief organizations. These programs ship unsold seasonal produce to where it is needed most.

You can help reduce textile waste by doing research. local donation centers Before dropping off the items. Call ahead to inquire about redistribution policies for unsold merchandise.

Look for “free shops” or mutual aid networks in your community. These grassroots organizations distribute clothing and household goods without selling them first.

buy second hand whenever possible. Every product saved is one less new product that needs to be produced.

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