Bra banks: latest in recycling in UK

Women in Britain are being asked to donate their unwanted bras to help women in the developing world.ShotlistStory
Discarded bras are being given a new lease of life.

Women in the UK are being encouraged to recycle their unwanted underwear.

It's all part of a campaign set up by BCR Global Textiles to stop thousands of tonnes of garments ending up in landfill sites.

The bras are also sent to the developing world where women in countries like Kenya can use the much needed items.

ADRIAN BAILEY MP, SAYING:

"By working with the local authority, in collecting clothes and in particular collecting items like bras which are very difficult to recycle, they are both creating jobs and employment locally; they are saving the local authority and local council tax payer money by saving on landfill charges."

There are more than 1500 Bra banks across Britain in shopping centres and bingo halls.

Even the Houses of Parliament has its own bank.

Most of the bras which are sorted here are sent to Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa.

Esther is just one of the many women benefiting from the programme.

ESTHER, TEXTILE IMPORTER, SAYING:

"It's good we get money and that is why we work so that we can get our daily bread."

With an increasing demand for second hand bras its unlikely these kind of banks will go bust.

Basmah Fahim, Reuters.