Clothes Recycling in Northfield
A Northfield.org reader emailed to ask about clothes recycling in Northfield. She had read a story about Denmark-based group called The Teacher's Group that collects recycled clothing allegedly as part of a money-laundering scam. The story, which you can find here, identifies USAgain as a for-profit subsidiary of the group. USAgain used clothing bins can be found in several locations in Northfield. According to published news reports (from the Lincoln Courier in Nebraska and KIRO-TV in Seattle), USAgain disclaims any connection with The Teacher's Group. Update: In an email to Northfield.org, a representative from USAgain writes: "USAgain is based in Chicago and owned by an American citizen. We have no affiliation whatsoever with the Teacher's Group."
Northfield.org was able to confirm (from looking at the USAgain bins in the Econofoods parking lot, pictured here) that USAgain is up front about being a for-profit venture. Donations to USAgain are not tax deductible. If you have used clothing to donate to charity, here are some other options in Northfield:
- The local Community Action Center Clothes Closet. Tax-deductible donations of clean, reusable clothing are accepted at the CAC Monday-Saturday, 9 am-noon. The CAC is located in the Northfield Community Resource Center, 1651 Jefferson Parkway.
- United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota. UCP accepts donations of used clothing. A bin is located behind Just Food Co-op.
- Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota. The Epilepsy Foundation regularly schedules curbside pickup of used clothing in Northfield.
- Goodwill. The nearest Goodwill location is in Apple Valley (map), and accepts clothing donations.
If you have additions to make to this list, or have further information about locations of bins, etc., please contact us.
