Trash, Charity, and Secondhand Stores: An Empirical Analysis of Clothing Disposition

The purpose of this research was to analyze the relationship between socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and reasons for disposal using trash, charity, and (nonprofit) secondhand stores as clothing disposal methods. An online survey was used to collect data for the study in July 2012 from a panel of U.S. consumers ( N = 423). Logistic regression equations were estimated. The results indicated that respondents who were aged 55 and over, were employed, and had higher income levels were more likely to donate to charity. Use of trash as a disposal method was associated with consumers aged 55 and over, as was the dislike of, and need to replace, a garment. Consumers aged 18 to 34 were more likely to donate to secondhand stores than consumers aged 55 and over. The desire to donate was positively associated with giving to both charity and secondhand stores. The results have implications for consumer education and secondhand clothing markets as well as the impact on landfills.