Where to Donate Scrubs in the UK and How to Do It

The Most Sustainable Choice: Reuse Before Recycling

When it comes to unwanted scrubs, the most sustainable option is always reuse. Extending the life of garments reduces textile waste, saves resources, and supports those who need practical workwear. Before considering recycling or disposal, think about donating your scrubs to healthcare professionals, students or charities. Passing them on not only helps the environment but also makes a real difference to people delivering essential care.

If your scrubs are sitting at the back of a cupboard you’re not alone. From changing roles to updated colour codes it’s easy to end up with sets you no longer wear. Rather than letting them gather dust you can donate scrubs and help someone else do vital work with confidence.

This guide explains where to donate scrubs in the UK, how to prepare them and what to do next if you’re refreshing your uniform. Along the way you’ll find helpful prompts to explore AWB’s range of professional scrubs in trusted brands and colours.

Can You Donate Old Scrubs?

Yes. You can donate old scrubs if they are clean and in good condition. Many UK causes will welcome gently used tops, trousers and jackets especially where funding is tight or supplies are limited. When you donate used scrubs you cut textile waste and support the people who care for our communities.

If your current sets no longer suit your role you can donate nursing scrubs and free space for a uniform that fits today’s needs. When you’re ready to upgrade explore AWB’s ranges including 1st Choice Scrubs Uniforms & Hospital Gowns and First Choice Pro Cotton Scrubs for durable everyday performance. Prefer branded options? Take a look at Cherokee Scrubs, Dickies Scrubs, Healing Hands Scrubs, Skechers Scrubs, Wink Scrubs, Galaxy Scrubs, Galaxy Stretch Scrubs and Xtreme Stretch. Need comfortable layers for early starts or long nights? Try Onna Underscrubs and Baselayers.

Where to Donate Scrubs in the UK

If you’re wondering where to donate scrubs near you these routes are a good place to start.

NHS Trusts and Teaching Hospitals
Some Trusts and hospital education teams accept donations for students, bank staff or contingency use. Contact the Trust’s voluntary services team or the medical education department to ask about current needs and drop off points.

Community Healthcare and Hospice Charities
Charity-run care services may accept gently used scrubs for clinical or training use. Reach out to local community health projects, hospice shops and social enterprises that support healthcare workers.

Veterinary Practices and Animal Shelters
Vets, rescue centres and animal charities often use scrubs for hygiene and practicality. Call your local practice or shelter to check what sizes and colours are helpful.

Further Education and Training Providers
Colleges that run health, social care, dental or vet nursing courses sometimes welcome donations for students during placements. Contact course administrators to see if they accept scrubs and how they distribute them.

UK Charity Shops and Reuse Networks
Well-known charity shops may accept clean, wearable scrubs for resale which funds local services. You can also check reuse networks in your area for textile donations.

How to Donate Scrubs: Step-by-Step

A little preparation makes your donation more useful.

1. Wash and check
   Launder your scrubs following the care label. Inspect for stains, tears or worn cuffs. Donate only items that are clean and presentable.
2. Remove personal identifiers
   Unpick or cover name badges, embroidered departments or employer logos where possible to protect privacy.
3. Sort by condition and size
   Bundle tops and trousers by size. If you have mixed sets add a simple note like “Women’s Medium tops x2, Men’s Small trousers x1” to help volunteers.
4. Package neatly
   Place items in a clean bag or box. If donating multiple sets list contents on the outside.
5. Confirm drop off
   Call or email the organisation to check they’re accepting donations, which sizes they need and the best time to visit.

What Not to Donate

Avoid items with heavy stains, rips, missing ties or broken zips. Dispose of worn-out textiles via local fabric recycling instead of general waste where facilities allow.

After You Donate: Refresh Your Work Wardrobe

Donating is a great moment to choose scrubs that match your current role, trust policy and shift pattern. AWB offers breathable, durable fabrics across a wide size range with styles from classic to modern jogger fits. Use the links below to navigate by colour policy.

• Black Scrubs
• Blue Scrubs
• Green Scrubs
• Grey Scrubs
• Lilac Scrubs
• Navy Blue Scrubs
• Pink Scrubs
• Purple Scrubs
• White Scrubs If your trust prefers performance stretch look at Galaxy Stretch Scrubs and Xtreme Stretch. If cotton comfort is your priority try First Choice Pro Cotton Scrubs. For long shifts add Onna Underscrubs and Baselayers for warmth without bulk.

Common Questions About Donating Scrubs

Alongside helping UK communities, AWB is proud to support international healthcare. We donate end-of-line stock to Inter Care – Medical Aid for Africa, a charity that supplies medical resources to rural health units across sub-Saharan Africa. This partnership ensures surplus scrubs reach professionals who need them most, reducing waste and improving access to essential care.

Make a Difference Today

When you donate scrubs you support colleagues, students and charities that keep the UK’s communities healthy. Once you’ve sent your sets on choose comfortable, professional replacements from AWB’s collections:

• 1st Choice Scrubs Uniforms & Hospital Gowns
• Cherokee Scrubs
• Dickies Scrubs
• First Choice Pro Cotton Scrubs
• Galaxy Scrubs
• Galaxy Stretch Scrubs
• Healing Hands Scrubs
• Onna Underscrubs and Baselayers
• Skechers Scrubs
• Wink Scrubs
• Xtreme Stretch

And shop by colour with Black Scrubs, Blue Scrubs, Green Scrubs, Grey Scrubs, Lilac Scrubs. Navy Blue Scrubs, Pink Scrubs, Purple Scrubs and White Scrubs.

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