At Image First, we believe our responsibility should extend beyond making and selling school uniforms. It should also include what happens when those uniforms no longer fit, are no longer needed or have reached the end of their useful life.
That is why we have partnered with Africa Collect Textiles (ACT) to introduce dedicated school uniform collection points at selected Image First branches.
Parents can now bring in old school uniforms when visiting us to purchase new ones. ACT will collect and sort the textiles so they can be directed towards the most appropriate next use, including reuse, upcycling or recovery into other useful materials.
Why this partnership matters
School uniforms are made to be worn repeatedly and to last. However, children grow, schools update their uniform requirements and garments eventually become too worn for continued use. Too often, these uniforms remain forgotten in wardrobes or are discarded with general household waste.
This partnership creates a simple and more responsible alternative. By placing ACT collection bins at busy Image First branches, we are making it easier for families to clear out unwanted uniforms while helping keep usable textile material in circulation for longer.
It is a practical step towards reducing textile waste and supporting a more circular approach to school clothing in Kenya.
How it works
- Gather the school uniforms your family no longer needs.
- Make sure the items are clean and completely dry.
- Place them in a securely closed bag.
- Drop the bag into the ACT collection bin at any participating Image First branch.
- ACT will collect and sort the donated textiles by hand before directing them to the appropriate reuse, upcycling or material-recovery channel.
Depending on their condition and material, collected textiles may be kept in use, transformed into products such as bags or rugs, or converted into other useful materials.
Protecting school identities
We understand that school crests and logos are sensitive identifiers and must be handled responsibly.
For uniforms collected through this initiative, the school logos will be removed during processing. The removed logos will be kept together by ACT and held for supervised destruction. The remaining textile can then proceed through ACT's sorting and recovery process without the school identity being carried onto a new product.
Where to drop off old uniforms
Dedicated collection bins are available at the following Image First branches:
- Two Rivers Mall
- Valley Arcade Mall
- Juja City Mall
- Regal Plaza
You can view our outlet information and directions at our retail outlets page.
About Africa Collect Textiles
Africa Collect Textiles is a Kenya-based circular textile organisation that collects, sorts and transforms used textiles and shoes. Its work includes reuse, upcycling and material recovery, with the aim of reducing textile waste while creating economic opportunities within local communities.
Through accessible collection points and partnerships with schools, institutions and businesses, ACT helps make responsible textile disposal easier for the public.
Bring your old uniforms on your next visit
The next time you visit Image First for new school uniforms, bring the old ones with you. Please ensure that all donated items are clean, dry and packed in a closed bag before placing them in the collection bin.
One family's outgrown uniform can become part of a better cycle — one that keeps textiles out of general waste and gives the material a useful next chapter.
Bring it back. Drop it off. Give it a second life.