Swapping is a clever and thrifty way to update your wardrobe, save money and help fight textile waste.

In celebration of National Recycling Week, The City of Ryde Council and The Clothing Exchange are teaming up to bring an eco-friendly clothes swap to the Ryde community!

If you have garments in excellent condition you once loved but are no longer your favourites, join us at Ryde Library for a swap. Find out more below about what you can and can't bring.

Please note there is a 1 hour check-in period of set-up time. Depending on when you check in, this means you could have up to 1 hour of downtime before the swap begins. You might like to grab a coffee, meander through the library or simply mingle with fellow fashion enthusiasts.

Register here for the free event

Timing:

Check-in: 11am to 12 noon

Swap starts promptly: 12:00pm to 1:00pm

What you can bring:

Bring up to 6 items of seasonally appropriate, excellent condition clothing for any size, gender and age. Excellent condition means the clothing is clean, pressed and free from rips, holes, stains or major faults. Only bring items you would proudly give to a friend.

• Tops, shirts, blouses and jackets

• Pants, jeans and shorts

• Skirts, dresses and suits

• Belts, bags and shoes

• Scarves, ties and hats

All styles and brands are accepted, provided they're in excellent condition – so keep in mind that items will range from on-trend pieces to older classics. And although we love receiving them, we can't guarantee everyone who brings a designer item will take home an equivalent piece.

What you can't bring:

Items are checked before being put out for the clothes swap. If your items are unsuitable, you may be asked to take them home.

• Jewellery and wigs

• Underwear, socks and swimwear

• Sportswear and activewear

• Anything stained, torn or unclean

• Noticeably worn out, shabby, pilling or frayed items

What to expect on the day:

1. Bring your items: If you like to take part in the clothing swap, please bring up to 6 items of clothing in excellent condition.

2. Check-in: When you arrive, head to the check-in desk with your items. You'll exchange them for tokens—one token per item. Check-in will be open for an hour starting at 11 am, with 15 minutes set aside for set-up.

3. Swap time: You’ll have one hour to browse through all the clothes and pick your new favourites! Depending on what’s brought on the day, you might find more women’s, men’s, or children’s clothing.

4. Swap Etiquette: To keep things safe and fun, please don't run or hoard clothes. If you no longer want an item, return it neatly to the racks or tables. If you have any leftover tokens, share them with fellow swappers. This will help us rehome as many clothes as possible.

5. At the end of the swap: Take your items and tokens to the check-out desk.

This is a Waste Education program brought to you by the City of Ryde.

If you have any questions about the event, please contact City of Ryde Waste team via email at waste@ryde.nsw.gov.au or by phone at 9952 8222.

Register now as spots are limited!