Thousands up for grabs in second-hand fashion challenge

Waste experts at the Biffa BDR Waste Partnership, which serves 345,000 homes across Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham, are challenging residents to put together a pre-loved outfit that proves second-hand doesn’t have to mean second best.

The Biffa BDR plant deals with non-recyclable household waste and can handle up to 250,000 tonnes of residual waste each year with over 97% of the waste being diverted from landfill.

Fast fashion has been criticised for promoting a throwaway culture resulting in thousands of tonnes of textile waste every year. The Biffa BDR Waste Partnership is looking to highlight the issue with its Second-Hand Style Challenge and encourage everyone to get more wear out of existing clothes rather than buying new.

Did you know?

• The fashion industry produces 10% of global carbon emissions – that’s more than the international aviation and shipping industry combined.
• We consume 62 million tonnes of textiles per year.  By 2030, this is expected to reach 102 million tonnes. (Climate action charity WRAP)
• Using clothes for an extra nine months can reduce their environmental footprint by up to 30%!

Abi Reid, Biffa’s Community Education Liaison Officer, at Manvers, said:

We hope our style challenge will not only be great fun but also bring home how much perfectly good clothing is thrown away every year.

Our competition is split into five situations where people might be shopping for a new outfit. The challenge invites entrants to design an outfit for one or all of the categories using pre-loved clothes. Our aim is to encourage people to shop second-hand rather than buying brand new clothing.

How to enter:

Create and photograph or video an outfit made entirely of pre-loved pieces to fit any or all of the categories listed below. All you need to do is let us know where you found each item of pre-loved clothing, the price, the thought behind the outfit, and the area you’re from. Then share your completed outfit with us by tagging us on our socials listed below, or by email to bdr.events@biffa.co.uk.

Outfit Categories:

• Time to Party
• Job Interview
• Wedding Guest
• Festival Fashion
• Cosy Day In

When the competition is running:

2 February 2026 to 8 March 2026

More information and full terms and conditions can be found on our website:

Visit the Waste Less South Yorkshire website

If you are under the age of 18, parental consent will be required. The consent form can be found with the terms and conditions.

Tag us on social media:

Instagram: @wastelesssouthyorkshire

Facebook: @WLSYorks / Waste Less South Yorkshire

TikTok: @wastelesssy