Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive calls on Aussies to box up and donate

Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive calls on Aussies to box up and donate, as latest research unveils $25bn worth of garment goldmine are gathering dust in the nation’s wardrobes

New research released ahead of the seventh annual Uber and Australian Red Cross Clothing Drive shows that Aussies are sitting on more than 231 million pieces of unused clothing - enough to fill 139 swimming pools.

Australia has a hidden fashion fortune with an estimated $25 billion worth of clothing sitting unworn in wardrobes across the country.*

New Research from Uber and Australian Red Cross reveals that while the average Australian owns 63 items of clothing, nearly a fifth (17%) of these garments go unworn. That adds up to over 231 million items of clothing sitting idle in wardrobes nationwide, enough to fill 139 swimming pools or 42 football fields.**

This spring, Uber and Australia Red Cross are making it easier than ever for Aussies to turn their unused fashion into meaningful action through the Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive, now in its seventh year.

On Saturday 18 October, Aussies in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth can book a free Uber Courier pick up from 10AM to 4PM local time, to donate high-quality pre-loved clothes straight from their doors to Australian Red Cross.

At a time when Australian Red Cross is supporting thousands of people across the country - from helping those impacted by natural disasters to building connection and resilience through community programs - every piece of unused quality donated clothing helps fund vital programs and make a real difference.

The annual clothing drive aims to remove the main barriers to donating clothes that the research revealed, including:

• Almost two-thirds of Australians (61%) would give more to charity if it were easier.
• Confusion and time pressure are also leading to poor donation habits. More than a third (35%) admit to leaving clothes outside an op shop after hours, despite knowing they might be thrown away.
• Almost one in five (18%) admit to donating items that they know are not quality enough to be sold.
• A fifth (20%) said they don’t donate as they are unsure what items charities would accept.

Richard Wood, Head of Retail, Australian Red Cross said: “Our research shows Australians are proactive about decluttering, with nearly half clearing out their wardrobes every 6 to 12 months, but some people are confused about what - and how - to donate.

“The nation is holding onto billions of dollars’ worth of clothes that can be helping people in need. With Uber by our side, the clothing drive is a simple, free way to give back without even leaving your home.

“We’re now calling on Australians to do their spring cleaning with a great cause in mind, and donate clothes that are clean, wearable and in good condition. Every item helps stock our Australian Red Cross Shops, which directly fund our humanitarian programs to support some of our most vulnerable communities. We see the impact these donations make every day, and all Aussies can be a part of this.”

Emma Foley, Managing Director of Uber ANZ, said: “We know that in our busy lives, convenience is often the missing link when it comes to donating clothes. In fact, almost two-thirds of Australians say they’d be more likely to donate if it were easier.

“That’s why we’re excited to be bringing the Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive back again this year, helping Australians give their pre-loved clothes a great purpose. With 80,000kg collected during last year’s drive, we’re hoping Aussies dig deep into their wardrobes again this year - and finally give those ‘just in case’ jeans a new home!”

How Australians can donate from their doorstep

On Saturday 18 October between 10AM and 4PM local time, Uber and Australian Red Cross are on a mission to give a second life to pre-loved clothes. By offering free Uber Courier deliveries to Australian Red Cross Shop drop-off locations across Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, Uber is making it easier than ever to donate quality pre-loved clothing to fund vital programs that support those in need. Just follow these simple steps to do so:

1. Open the Uber or Uber Eats app
2. Scroll to the Red Cross Clothing Drive image, and tap.
3. You should see 'Red Cross Clothing Drive’ set as the drop off spot
4. If you’re in an eligible city, the Red Cross Clothing Drive promotion should automatically apply, so check that the trip is showing as a $0 amount
5. Confirm!

Having issues or can't see the tile? Head to the Uber App > Courier > type in 'Red Cross Shop' > Pick the first option shown > Confirm

Keep an eye on the app and meet the delivery person picking up your donation at the door, or kerbside if you can.

Your donation can help support communities in need right across Australia. By donating quality, pre-loved and clean clothing, you are helping contribute valuable funds to Australian Red Cross humanitarian programs. These programs offer support where it’s needed every day of the year. A few tips on how to find the right items to donate:

1. Refresh and reset: When it comes to decluttering your wardrobe, adopt a pragmatic approach. If you haven't worn an item in the last 12 months but it's still in great condition, consider donating it. Australian Red Cross is on the lookout for high-quality, saleable clothing and accessories. They can't accept homewares, underwear, or clothing that's worn out or dirty. If it's something you'd happily give to a friend due to its quality, it's definitely something Australian Red Cross would appreciate!
2. Create pre-loved bundles: Gather your pre-loved items into a bag or box, no heavier than 20kg, so it comfortably sits in the boot of a midsize car.

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Notes to Editors:

For more information, please contact:

Jack Hazeldine | History Will Be Kind | jack.hazeldine@historywillbekind.com.au | 0493 540 547

Helen Little | History Will Be Kind | helen.little@historywillbekind.com.au | 0461 353 038

Phillip Hanlon | Australian Red Cross | phanlon@redcross.org.au | 0412 696 774

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About the research:

The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,000 18+ respondents in Australia & New Zealand, 1,000 nationally representative per market. The data was collected between 21.08.25 - 29.08.25.

*Censuswide’s research revealed Australians estimate they have an average of $1,226 worth of unworn clothing in their wardrobe. Multiplied by the adult Australian population of 21 million (sources: statistics about children's rights and profile of Australia's population), this equates to a potential of over $25 billion worth of unworn clothing in the nation’s wardrobes.

**The research also found the average Australian has 63 items of clothing in their wardrobe, and 17.5% of these are left unworn - equating to an average of 11 unworn pieces of clothing per Australian. Multiplied by the adult Australian population of 21 million, this equates to a potential 231 million items of unworn clothing nationwide.

Assuming the average garment has a volume of 1.5 litres, this is enough to fill approximately 139 sports-sized swimming pools (2,500 m³) and 42 Australian football fields (16,336 m² at a 0.5m depth).