Fancy dress costume

Also called: fancy dress, halloween costume, costume, fancy dress outfit, dressing up clothes, dress up outfit

Drop-off point

National rules. Choose your council to see its answer.

Your council's answer

The answer can differ by council. Choose your council to see its rules for this item.

How to prepare it

  1. Wearable costumes: donate to a charity shop, a school or nursery dressing-up box, or swap with friends
  2. Clean costumes that are worn out can go in a textile bank
  3. Costumes made mostly of plastic, PVC, glitter or sequins, or with wigs, masks or plastic props, go in general waste
  4. Take batteries out of light-up costumes: they go to a battery point
  5. Bag them to keep them dry

Get the app

Snap a photo instead of typing, and get a reminder the evening before bin day.

Get it on Google PlayiPhone: coming soon

National rules

The answer isn't the same in every UK nation. Choose your council to see the one that applies to you.

England

Drop-off point

Not in your home bins. Take it to a drop-off point.

Donate wearable items to charity shops; use textile banks for worn clothes, shoes and bedding.

Also: Recycling centre

England-wide guidance, checked 26 Sep 2026. View the source

Scotland

Drop-off point

Not in your home bins. Take it to a drop-off point.

Donate wearable items to charity shops; use textile banks or recycling centres for worn clothes, shoes and bedding.

Also: Recycling centre

Scotland-wide guidance, checked 27 Sep 2026. View the source

Wales

Drop-off point

Not in your home bins. Take it to a drop-off point.

Check your council: some Welsh councils collect clothes and textiles with your recycling; otherwise donate to charity or use textile banks.

Also: Recycle at home, Recycling centre

Wales-wide guidance, checked 27 Sep 2026. View the source

Northern Ireland

Drop-off point

Not in your home bins. Take it to a drop-off point.

Donate wearable items to charity shops; use clothing banks for worn clothes, shoes and bedding.

Also: Recycling centre

Northern Ireland-wide guidance, checked 27 Sep 2026. View the source

In our guides

Recycle This isn't run by or endorsed by any council or the government. Councils change their services, so check anything important with your council.