sustainability
Article
A Survey of the Role of Charity Societies in Recycling Clothing
Waste and the Extent of Their Societal Impact in Saudi Arabia
Najla Ibrahim Bin Hamdan 1,2
Citation: Bin Hamdan, N.I. A Survey
of the Role of Charity Societies in
Recycling Clothing Waste and the
Extent of Their Societal Impact in
Saudi Arabia. Sustainability 2023, 15,
11380. https://doi.org/10.3390/
su151411380
Academic Editor: Elena Cristina
Rada
Received: 5 April 2023
Revised: 27 June 2023
Accepted: 27 June 2023
Published: 21 July 2023
Copyright: © 2023 by the author.
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
4.0/).
Sustainability 2023, 15, 11380. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151411380
1 Department of Fashion Design, College of Design and Arts, Makkah Al Mukarramah 21955, Saudi Arabia;
nihamdan@uqu.edu.sa
2 Department of Fashion Design, College of Design and Arts, Riyadh 13326, Saudi Arabia
Abstract: Clothing waste is one of the key wastes that societies discard in general, the Saudi society
in particular. This increases environmental and visual pollution if necessary measures are not taken
to reduce these pollutants. In turn, many charity societies that specialize in collecting clothing waste
in Saudi Arabia have taken advantage of this waste by recycling it and thus achieving clothing
sustainability, which, in turn, maintains environmental balance, especially since we are a clothing-
consumer society. Recently, the researcher noticed the spread of many clothing containers for
collecting used clothes by charity societies all over residential neighborhoods in the central, western,
eastern and northern regions; this study focuses on the fate of those used clothes that are disposed of
and placed in the containers designated for them. But, has this initiative of charity societies achieved
the public benefit of society by sustaining these wastes? The study includes three hypotheses, and
to verify them, we conduct variance tests, and Scheffe tests for multiple comparisons, as well as (T)
tests. The study reaches the conclusion that there are statistically significant differences between the
average scores of the sample members in how charity societies benefit from clothing waste according
to the study variables, where the (F) value is (46.369), which is a statistically significant value at a
level of (0.01). There are also statistically significant differences between the average scores of the
sample members in the methods of classifying and sorting clothing waste to achieve its sustainability
according to the study variables, where the (F) value is (15.212), which is a statistically significant
value at the level of (0.01). There are statistically significant differences between the average scores
of the sample members in the societal impact of charity societies to achieve clothing sustainability
according to the study variables, where the (T) value is (8.403), which is a statistically significant
value at the level of significance (0.01).
Keywords: sustainability; fashion; used clothes; fashion and textile; charity societies; clothing waste;
clothing recycling
1. Introduction
Saudi Arabia is a sprawling country with a population of (34,218,169) people, accord-
ing to the statistics of the Central Department for Statistics and Information (Boxes) [1].
Food and clothes are among the basic needs of a society. As a result of clothing consump-
tion, large quantities of clothing waste are produced. Recently, the researcher noticed
the spread of containers (boxes) bearing the names of many charity societies spreading
throughout residential neighborhoods in Saudi Arabia that have no previous era. There is
a large turnout from the residents of these neighborhoods to put the clothes consumed in
other boxes as charity societies undertake the responsibility for collecting and recycling
them according to what is written on those containers to achieve sustainability for them.
Hence, this study is of significance to the Saudi society, as it discusses the role of charity
societies in benefiting from clothing waste in a way that reduces environmental damage and
achieves sustainability for this waste because no studies have previously been conducted
in the field of making use of clothing waste, and how to achieve sustainability. With the
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Sustainability 2023, 15, 11380 2 of 17

modern developments that have emerged recently in the society, and with the appearance
of containers for clothing waste that have spread in all residential neighborhoods, which
did not exist a few years ago, arises a great reason to conduct the research and pose several
questions, the keys of which are as follows: Is there a benefit to society from this clothing
waste? Is there a recycling process through which sustainability is achieved? Do the study
hypotheses show the existence of statistically significant differences between average scores
of the sample members in how the charity societies benefit from clothing waste according
to the study variables? Are there statistically significant differences between the average
scores of the sample members in the methods of classifying and sorting clothing waste
in a way that achieves their sustainability according to the study variables? Are there
statistically significant differences between the average scores of the sample members in
the societal impact of charity societies to achieve clothing sustainability in accordance with
the study variables?
The study aims to shed light on the role of charity societies in collecting those wastes
and the extent of their achievement of sustainability by preserving the environment against
the environmental effects resulting from disposing clothing waste and visual pollution, in
addition to knowing the benefit to society from it.

2. Theoretical Background
2.1. Sustainability and Fashion
Sustainability is defined as “fulfilling the needs of present generations without harm-
ing future generations and their needs” [2] . The concept of sustained fashion appeared
for the first time in the sixties when consumers became aware of the effect created by the
clothing industry on the environment and they demanded the change of its practice [3].
The fashion and clothing industry instilled a strong desire in consumers for renewal and
change [4–6], whether or not this is necessary [7]. It is a phenomenon known as “con-
sumerism” [8]; an expression of the continued consumption of clothes by owning, using
and disposing of them [9]. In recent years, globalization has led to the consumption of high
quantities of contemporary fashion products throughout history. In USA alone, the volume
of consuming textiles and increasing waste reached 40% from 1999 to 2009. Moreover,
the production and consumption of clothing and fashion deplete natural resources and
generate uncontrollable solid waste [10,11]. Clothing accounts for 5–26% of total household
water use, and up to 14% of total household waste, as well as between 7% and 10% of
environmental effects, according to the country’s approach [12–14]. In addition, on average,
the buying, using and disposing of clothes generate 0.8 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) from
each household per year, or 8000 bags full of carbon dioxide [15]. Clothing also contributes
to other environmental problems, such as excessive use of groundwater, soil, and air in its
production, distribution and consumption. Sustainable fashion is part of the slow fashion
movement that has been developed over the past decades and used interchangeably with
green environment and ethical fashion [16]. Slow fashion is defined as a socially conscious
movement that moves consumer minds from quantity to quality, encouraging people to
buy high-quality clothing more often [17]. The concept of slow fashion can be dealt with
from the perspective of production and consumption [3]. These fashions require a more
holistic vision by taking into account production and consumption [3]. This is because
sustainable production could become unsustainable when clothes made of environmentally
friendly materials are worn only a few times and are quickly disposed of [18]. Additionally,
large quantities of clothing consume natural resources and generate solid waste that harms
the environment [3].

2.2. Clothing Waste Recycling and Management

So, a recycling process is of great significance in reducing environmental harm.
Ref. [19] defines this process as “a practice to reshape a useless thing into a useful one”
without wasting any raw materials or exhausting non-renewable resources. This is consid-
ered a practical solution to reduce wastes and avoid the depletion of resources. Finding
Sustainability 2023, 15, 11380 3 of 17

out methods to limit clothing waste is of great significance; thus, a recycling process is one
of the solutions to limit wastes, which achieves more sustainability for them [20]. Many
people are unaware of what happens to their clothes after they are discarded and donated
to charity societies. They think that it is a suitable way to dispose of unwanted clothes and
believe that they are given to the poor in society [21].
According to the current literature, the recycling of clothing waste can be confined
to three methods. The first is via the Internet, which has emerged recently as one of the
new channels for recycling clothes [22]. This is done when consumers apply for recycling
processes through applications and web sites. Those in charge of these applications and
sites undertake the responsibility of collecting clothing waste [23]. One of the advantages
of this method is comfort and speed [22]. This study explicated that online clothing donors
in Saudi Arabia account for 7% of total waste collection. It may be the most effective
way by the time. The second method is recycling by means of trademarks, which are
interested in the process of recycling in two methods. They are as follows. Method one:
Trademarks create channels for recycling and executing related trade works, in addition to
reusing recycled clothes. For example, H&M [24] recycles used jeans to make new clothes
and products. Method two: Recycling companies show the public where the clothing
waste will go to increase their confidence. An example is the plan proposed by Madewell
(Blue Jeans Go Green) to take jeans waste and reuse it as an insulating material [24]. The
third method is the recycling process undertaken by governments by setting policies and
procedures for the recycling and reusing of clothing waste [25], as in the European Union
(EU) (Waste Classification System) [26] and (Circular Economy Plan) [27]; in France (EPR
for Textile Management) [28]; Tokyo (A City Free of Waste) [29]; China (Requirements for
Importing Waste) [30,31]; and Korea (The Law of Green Growth). Hence, the problem of
waste management is one of the most important environmental problems encountered
currently by Saudi Arabia due to the increasing amount of waste and its impact on health,
environment and economy [32], in addition to the absence of an integrated management
system of waste, the non-availability of sufficient regulations and legislations to limit its
production, the lack of an appropriate infrastructure and its management according to its
types, and non-availability of documented data on its quantities, types and characteristics,
which represents a challenge facing its management [33].

2.3. Market of Clothing Waste

What happens to the used clothes, which charity societies cannot locally sell, is that
they are sold in international markets to factories concerned with the recycling of clothes.
They are huge factories that sort and recycle clothes [34]. A number of charity societies
in Chinese cities set up boxes (containers) for recycling clothing waste to give to public
care organizations [35]. Ref. [28] explained the practices of recycling clothes in France
and the collecting of clothing waste in containers, classifying them as clothing waste to be
delivered to charity societies to donate, sell and export them. The current study made clear
through a questionnaire that those charity societies in Saudi Arabia collect clothing waste
in containers; they sort out and distribute good ones to needy families, as well as selling the
surplus in local markets first, then in markets abroad. These charity societies are following
the example of similar societies abroad. Moreover, studies affirm that clothing waste is
an existing trade which charity societies turn into commodities for sale in international
markets under the framework of environmental protection [36]. Few people are aware
that clothing waste is a profitable business for those societies in terms of its value, volume
and impact. Both [37–39] explicate that the value of the international trade in used clothes.
reached USD 2.97 billion in 2010, with an increase of 13% over 2009. According to officials
in those societies, studies affirmed that they sell clothing waste in international markets.
The current study makes clear that societies in Saudi Arabia sell the surplus of this clothing
waste and achieve material gains, the proceeds of which go back to these societies by
making charitable investments to support needy families. The study [35] makes clear,
through literature reviews, that clothing waste donated by consumers is affected by a
Sustainability 2023, 15, 11380 4 of 17

number of factors, among which are the low quality of clothes, abundance in the markets
and fast development of fashion. All of them are factors that contribute to the rapid
disposal of clothes and the increase in clothing waste. Additionally, Ref. [7] states that
fashion companies create new fashions that increase consumers’ interest, which, in turn,
leads to an increase in consumption at alarming rates. Study [28] explains that by applying
the European Production Recycling Policies in France, recycling rates have tripled since
2006. Ref. [40], in a study, mentioned that consumers are tempted to buy recycled clothes if
they look creative.

2.4. Charitable Organizations and Their Role in the Community

The study of [41] emphasized that clothing donors to charity societies are highly
educated people who have a positive role in preserving the environment against pollution
and waste [42]. Some donors like charity work and wish to donate their clothes to charity
organizations. Some charity enterprises offer a door-to-door collection service for recycling
used clothes that they collect. On the other hand, some charity societies assign boxes
for collecting unwanted clothes in strategic places, such as residential neighborhoods or
shopping centers, to facilitate for the donors the discarding of clothes and their recycling to
help the poor [41]. During the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, containers of surplus
clothing drew the attention of consumers to the issue of clothing waste and resulted in
massive donations [43]. In 2008, charity societies collected about 26,000 tons of textiles and
used clothes for the purpose of donating them to Africa and East Europe [44], which can
extend the life of their use and, thus, reduce significantly the environmental impact caused
by clothing waste [43].

3. Results
Research Methodology: The study relies on the descriptive method for collecting data
and information of the study topic to examine its present situation in order to know the
extent of changes taking place [45].
Study Population: The study covers charity societies in the central, western, eastern
and northern regions through interviews with supervisors of gathering clothing waste,
sending e-mail, making phone calls and social media channels. Here, it needs to be
explained that the activity of the charity societies (the study sample) is not only concerned
with collecting and recycling clothing waste, but they also represent one of their activities.
The study sample: It is a purposeful sample consisting of 12 charity societies that are
distributed to 4 regions of Saudi Arabia. Five societies were excluded for non-response
by the sample members; as shown in Table 1, where the regions, names and residence of
charity societies are shown:

Table 1. Distribution of the research sample according to the kingdom’s regions.

Regions Name of the Charity Society Its Headquarters

Central Region AL-Br Society Riyadh
AL-Br Society Warehouse
Makkah
Kiswa Society Friend
Makkah
Western Region Association Charitable Society
Jeddah
AL-Br Society in Hedad Bani
Taif
Malik
Eastern Region AL-Br Society Dammam
Northern Region Saeid Society Ararr

Study instruments: Survey forms of the charity societies. They include three axes.
Axis one: It includes four items. Axis two: It consists of three items. Axis three: It covers
four items. Survey forms for twelve charity societies were distributed to the study’s target
regions. Seven charity societies were gathered to undertake the responsibility of collecting
clothing waste from containers placed in residential neighborhoods.
Sustainability 2023, 15, 11380 5 of 17

Statistical processing: The form’s validity of clothing waste and role of charity societies
were calculated by using internal consistency via calculating the correlation coefficients
(Pearson’s correlation coefficients) between the score of each phrase of the phrases con-
stituting each axis and the total score of the form axis, and between the total score of
each axis of the form and the total score in the form. Stability is calculated through alpha
Cronbach’s coefficients, the split-half method, Spearman–Brown’s correction equation,
Guttman, the use of the statistical method in the results, discussion of hypotheses, and
testing of variance analysis, in addition to Scheffe tests for multiple comparisons and the
T test.
Form validity:
1. Axis one: How do charity societies benefit from clothing waste? Validity is cal-
culated by using internal consistency via calculating correlation coefficients (Pearson’s
correlation coefficients) between the score of each phrase and the axis score. Table 2
illustrates this.

Table 2. Values of correlation coefficients between the score of each phrase and the axis score (how
charity societies benefit from clothing waste).

1st Axis Items Correlation Significance

1- 0.856 0.01
2- 0.942 0.01
3- 0.605 0.05
4- 0.807 0.01

From the above Table, it is clear that correlation coefficients are all at a significance level
of (0.01–0.05) because they are close to one integer, indicating the validity and homogeneity
of the form’s phrases.
2. Axis two: Methods of classifying and sorting clothing waste to achieve its sustain-
ability. Table 3 illustrates this.

Table 3. Values of correlation coefficients between the score of each phrase and the axis score (methods
of classifying and sorting clothing waste to achieve its sustainability).

2nd Axis Items Correlation Significance

1- 0.772 0.01
2- 0.893 0.01
3- 0.835 0.01

It is clear from the table that the correlation coefficients are at a level of significance of
(0.01) because they are close to one integer, indicating the validity and homogeneity of the
form’s phrases.
3. Axis three: Societal impact of charity societies to achieve clothing sustainability.
Table 4 illustrates this.
Table 4. Values of correlation coefficients between the score of each phrase, and the axis score (societal
impact of charity societies to achieve clothing sustainability).

3rd Axis Items Correlation Significance

1- 0.927 0.01
2- 0.639 0.05
3- 0.744 0.01
4- 0.869 0.01

It is clear from the table that the correlation coefficients are all at a level of significance
of (0.01–0.05) because they are close to one integer, indicating the validity and homogeneity
of the form’s phrases.
Sustainability 2023, 15, 11380 6 of 17

Validity by using internal consistency between the total score of each axis and the total
score of the form: Validity was calculated by using internal consistency and calculating
correlation coefficients (Pearson’s correlation coefficients) between the total score of each
axis (how charity societies make use of clothing waste, methods of classifying and sorting
clothing waste to achieve its sustainability, societal impact of the charity societies to achieve
clothing sustainability) and the total score of the form (clothing waste and the role of the
charity societies). Table 5 shows this.

Table 5. Values of correlation coefficients between the total score of each axis and the form’s total score.

Correlation Significance
Axis one: How do charity societies benefit from clothing waste? 0.872 0.01
Axis two: Methods of classifying and sorting clothing waste to
0.935 0.01
achieve its sustainability
Axis three: Societal impact of charity societies to achieve
0.846 0.01
clothing sustainability

It is clear from the table that correlation coefficients are at a level of significance of
(0.01) because they are close to one integer, indicating the validity and homogeneity of the
form’s axes.
The form’s stability: Stability means the accuracy of the test in measurement and
observation, its non-contradiction with itself, and its consistency and persistence in the
information with which it provides us about the behavior of the examinee. It is the ratio
between the variance degree on the form, which indicates the actual performance of the
examinee. Stability is calculated through alpha Cronbach coefficients, the split-half method,
Spearman–Brown’s correction equation, and Guttman. Table 6 shows this.

Table 6. Values of stability coefficients of the form’s axes of clothing waste and the role of charity societies.

Alpha Split-Half
Axes Spearman–Brown Guttman
Coefficients Method
Axis one: How do
charity societies
0.853 0.827 0.881 0.847
benefit from
clothing waste?
Axis two: Methods
of classifying and
sorting clothing 0.779 0.746 0.805 0.760
waste to achieve
its sustainability
Axis three:
Societal impact of
charity societies to 0.905 0.873 0.936 0.892
achieve clothing
sustainability
Form’s stability of
clothing waste and
the role of charity 0.816 0.789 0.840 0.807
societies as a
whole

From the previous table, it is clear that all values of stability coefficients—alpha
coefficients, split-half, Spearman–Brown, Guttman—are at a level of significance of (0.01),
which indicates the form’s stability.
Sustainability 2023, 15, 11380 7 of 17

3.1. Hypothesis One

There are statistically significant differences between the average scores of the sample
members in how charity societies benefit from clothing waste according to the study
variables. To verify this hypothesis, the variance analysis of the sample members’ scores
was calculated as regards how charity societies benefit from clothing waste. Table 7
illustrates this.
Table 7. Variance analysis of the sample members in methods of collecting clothing waste by charity
societies.

Methods of Collecting
Clothing Waste by Charity Total Number of Squares Average Squares Freedom Degrees Value (F) Significance
Societies
Between groups 441.548 110.387 4
Inside groups 4.761 2.381 2 46.369 0.01 D
total 446.309 6

It is clear from Table 7 that value (F) is (46.369), which is a statistically significant value
at a level of (0.01). It signifies that there are differences in the scores of the sample members
in the methods of collecting clothing waste by charity societies. To know the significance
direction, Scheffe tests for multiple comparisons were applied. The following Figures 1 and 2
and Table 8 illustrate this.

Figure 1. Vehicles of the charity society.

Table 8. Scheffe tests for multiple comparisons.

Methods of
Containers for To be Delivered The Society
Collecting
Collecting Vehicles to the Society’s Receives from
Clothing Waste Via Internet M = 7.090
Clothes M = 18.250 Premises by the the Donor’s
by Charity
M = 14.077 Donor M = 10.389 Home M = 6.851
Societies
Containers for
-
collecting clothes
Vehicles 4.173 ** -
To be delivered by
the Donor to the 3.238 ** 7.411 ** -
Society’s Premises
The Society
receives from the 7.226 ** 11.399 ** 3.988 ** -
donor’s home
Via Internet 6.987 ** 11.160 h 3.749 ** 0.239 -
**: significance of 0.01.
Sustainability 2023, 15, 11380 8 of 17

Figure 2. Vehicle in a Riyadh street.

From (Figures 1 and 2 and Table 8), the following is clear:

• There are statistically significant differences in the methods of collecting clothing waste
by charity societies at a level of significance of (0.01) in favor of vehicles, containers
for collecting clothes, and in favor of delivering them by the donor to the society’s
premises.
• There are no statistically significant differences in the charity societies’ methods of
collecting clothing waste via the Internet, as the charity society receives them from the
donor’s home.
Thus, in first place come vehicles, where they reached a rate of (18.250), which is the
highest among the methods of collecting clothing waste. This is attributed to the charity
societies’ reliance on vehicles for collecting clothes in the containers that are disposed of by
the residents of the neighborhoods, in addition to collecting clothes from the consumers’
homes. Then come the containers for collecting clothes, which the donor delivers to the
society’s premises (via the Internet). Lastly, the society receives from the donor’s home,
which is the last method used because of the increasing costs of vehicles, fuel, human
cadres, etc., that are incurred by charity societies. But they addressed this problem by
placing a large number of containers in one residential area.
It is clear from Table 9 that the value of (F) is (43.817), which is a statistically significant
value at the level of (0.01). This signifies the existence of differences between the scores of
the sample members in permanent times for the collection of clothing waste. To find out
the direction of the significance, Scheffe tests for multiple comparisons were applied. The
following Table 10 illustrates this.
Table 9. Variance analysis of the scores of the sample members in permanent times for collecting
clothing waste.

Permanent Times for Collecting

Total of Squares Average Squares Freedom Degrees Value (F) Significance
Clothing Waste
Between groups 381.486 127.162 3
Inside groups 8.706 2.902 3 43.817 0.01 D
Total 390.192 6
Sustainability 2023, 15, 11380 9 of 17

Table 10. Scheffe tests for multiple comparisons.

Permanent Collection
Times of Daily M = 13.075 Weekly M = 9.347 Monthly M = 5.229 As Needed M = 18.359
Clothing Waste
Daily -
Weekly 3.728 ** -
Monthly 7.846 ** 4.118 ** -
As needed 5.284 ** 5.284 ** 13.130 ** -
**: significance of 0.01.

There are statistically significant differences in permanent times for the collection of
clothing waste at a significance level of (0.01) in favor of ‘as needed’, then in favor of ‘daily’,
and lastly, in favor of ‘weekly’. Thus, ‘as needed’ comes in first place, and this is due to
the fact that families do not dispose of clothes daily, weekly, or monthly. There are several
factors, such as growth and the quality of the clothing items, involved in this.
From Table 11, it is clear that the value of (F) is (20.871), which is a statistically
significant value at the level of (0.01). This indicates that there are differences between
the scores of the sample members in how charity societies benefit from recyclable clothing
waste to achieve sustainability for it. To find the direction of significance, Scheffe tests for
multiple comparisons were applied. The following Table 12 illustrates this.

Table 11. Variance analysis of the scores of sample members as regards how charity societies benefit
from recyclable clothing waste to achieve sustainability.

How Charity Societies Benefit from

Recyclable Clothing Waste to Total of Squares Average Squares Freedom Degrees Value (F) Significance
Achieve Sustainability
Between groups 288.148 57.630 5
Inside groups 2.761 2.761 1 20.871 0.01 D
Total 290.909 6

Table 12. Scheffe tests for multiple comparisons.

Charity Societies’
To Send to
Benefit from To Send to To Distribute to To Distribute to Holding Bazaars
Factories
Recyclable Factories Inside the Poor Inside the Poor Outside for People with Selling Them
Outside Saudi
Clothing Waste Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia Limited Incomes M = 8.382
Arabia
to Achieve M = 4.001 M = 19.256 M = 5.035 M = 16.115
M = 12.094
Sustainability
To send to
factories outside -
Saudi Arabia
To send to
factories inside 8.093 ** -
Saudi Arabia
distribute to the
poor inside Saudi 7.162 ** 15.255 ** -
Arabia
To distribute to
the poor outside 7.59 ** 1.034 14.221 ** -
Saudi Arabia
Holding bazaars
for people with 4.021 ** 12.114 ** 3.141 ** 11.080 ** -
limited incomes
Selling them 3.712 ** 4.381 ** 10.874 ** 3.347 ** 7.733 ** -
**: significance of 0.01.

From Table 12, the following is clear:

Sustainability 2023, 15, 11380 10 of 17

• There are statistically significant differences in how charity societies benefit from
recyclable clothing waste to achieve sustainability at a significant level of (0.01) in
favor of distributing it to the poor inside, then in favor of holding bazaars for people
with limited income, and in favor of sending it to factories outside Saudi Arabia, and
lastly, in favor of selling it.
• There are no statistically significant differences in how charity societies benefit from
recyclable clothing waste to achieve sustainability by distributing it to the poor outside
Saudi Arabia and sending it to factories in Saudi Arabia.
Thus, in first place is distributing it to the poor in Saudi Arabia, followed by holding
bazaars for people with limited income, then sending it to factories outside Saudi Arabia,
selling it, distributing it to the poor outside Saudi Arabia, and lastly, sending it to factories
inside Saudi Arabia. The researcher visited The Birr Society, north of Riyadh, while they
were collecting and classifying clothes according to age, then treating clothes by washing
and repairing the damaged ones, then reserving a large hall where clothes are displayed
and the beneficiaries registered with the society are summoned by calling the head of the
family to take what they and their family need. The clothes given to them are wrapped and
resemble new clothes when presented to them to achieve psychological reinforcement for
families by owning new clothes. Figures 3–5 illustrate this.
From Table 13, it is clear that value (F) is (39.716), which is a statistically significant
value at a level of (0.01). This indicates that there are differences between the scores of
the sample members as regards how the charity societies dispose of non-recyclable waste
to achieve sustainability. To find the direction of significance, Scheffe tests for multiple
comparisons were adopted. The following Table 14 illustrates this.

Figure 3. Sorting clothes.

Table 13. Variance analysis of the scores of the sample members in how charity societies dispose of
unsuitable clothing waste for recycling to achieve sustainability.

How Charity Societies Dispose of Non-Recyclable

Total of Squares Average Squares Freedom Degrees Value (F) Significance
Waste to Achieve Sustainability
Between groups 378.191 94.548 4
Inside groups 4.761 2.381 2 39.716 0.01 D
Total 382.952 6
Sustainability 2023, 15, 11380 11 of 17

Figure 4. Wrapping clothes.

Figure 5. Displaying clothes in showrooms after cleaning and sorting clothes for poor families.

There are statistically significant differences in how charity societies dispose of unsuit-
able waste and recycle it to achieve sustainability at a significant level of (0.01) in favor of
disposing of, followed by recycling, remanufacturing, and, lastly, selling it.
Thus, in the first place comes disposing of it by burning those clothes, followed by
recycling, re-manufacturing, selling, and lastly, sending them to poor countries. If burning
the clothes comes in first place, it will cause environmental pollution, which reduces the
quality of sustainability because optimal use is not achieved, contrary to what this study
seeks. This study agrees with study [46] on the formation of clothing waste when the
consumer decides to dispose of it and it is given to charity societies or sold as used clothes.
However, they are often disposed of in the garbage, and they end up in municipal landfills,
where more than one million tons of textiles are disposed of annually, while about 25% of
them is recycled.
Sustainability 2023, 15, 11380 12 of 17

Table 14. Scheffe tests for multiple comparisons.

How Charity
Societies
Dispose of By Remanufac-
Recycling By Disposing of By Selling it
Non-Recyclable turing By Sending to Poor Countries M = 5.023
M = 16.038 M = 19.358 M = 9.408
Waste to M = 12.581
Achieve
Sustainability
Recycling -
Remanufacturing 3.457 ** -
Disposing of 3.320 ** 6.777 ** -
Selling 6.630 ** 3.173 ** 9.950 ** -
Sending to poor
11.015 ** 7.558 ** 14.335 ** 4.385 ** -
countries
**: significance of 0.01.

3.2. Hypothesis Two

There are statistically significant differences between the average scores of the sample
members in the methods of classifying and sorting clothing waste to achieve its sustain-
ability according to the study variables. To verify this hypothesis, variance analysis of the
scores of the sample members is calculated as regards methods of classifying and sorting
clothing waste to achieve its sustainability. The following Table 15 illustrates this.
Table 15. Variance analysis of the scores of the sample members as regards methods of sorting
clothing waste by charity societies.

Methods of Sorting Clothing Waste by

Total of Squares Average Squares Freedom Degrees Value (F) Significance
Charity Societies
Between groups 368.329 92.082 4
Inside groups 12.106 6.053 2 15.212 0.01 D
Total 380.435 6

From Table 15, it is clear that value (F) is (15.212), which a statistically significant value
at a level of (0.01). This indicates that there are differences between the scores of the sample
members as regards methods of sorting clothing waste by charity societies. To find the
direction of significance, Scheffe tests for multiple comparisons are applied. The following
Table 16 illustrates this.
Table 16. Scheffe tests for multiple comparisons.

Methods of Sorting
Type of Clothes Per Their Quality Per Consumption
Clothing Waste by Age M = 14.888 Color M = 3.001
M = 11.528 M = 8.202 M = 5.103
Charity Societies
Age -
Color 11.887 ** -
Disposing of 3.360 ** 8.527 ** -
Selling 6.686 ** 5.201 ** 3.326 ** -
Sending to poor
9.785 ** 2.102 ** 6.425 ** 3.099 ** -
countries
**: significance of 0.01.

From Table 16, the following is clear:

• There are statistically significant differences in the methods of sorting clothing waste
by charity societies at a level of significance (0.01) in favor of age, type of clothes, then
per their quality.
• There are statistically significant differences in the methods of sorting clothing waste
by charity societies per consumption and color at a level of significance (0.05) in favor
of per consumption.
Sustainability 2023, 15, 11380 13 of 17

Thus, in the first place comes age, followed by type of clothes, then per their quality,
per consumption and, lastly, color. Sorting according to age facilitates distribution among
families by the societies, as selection is made according to the ages of the family members.
It is clear that charity societies are indifferent to the quality, type, and consumption of
clothing, as they come at lower levels of age and type.
It is clear from Table 17 that value F is (32.562), which is a statistically significant value
at a level of (0.01).This indicates that there are differences between the scores of the sample
members as regards cleaning clothing waste after the sorting process. To find the direction
of significance, Scheff tests for multiple comparisons were applied. The following Table 18
illustrates this.

Table 17. Variance analysis of the scores of the sample members as regards cleaning clothing waste
after sorting it.

Is the Clothing
Waste Cleaned
Total of Squares Average Squares Freedom Degrees Value (F) Significance
after the Sorting
Process?
Between groups 285.781 142.890 2
Inside groups 17.553 4.388 4 32.562 0.01 D
Total 303.334 6

Table 18. Scheffe tests for multiple comparisons.

Is the Clothing Waste

Cleaned after the Yes M = 12.358 Sometimes M = 8.320 No M = 6.002
Sorting Process?
Yes -
Sometimes ** 4.308 -
No ** 6.356 ** 2.318 -
**: significance of 0.01.

The following is clear from Table 18:

1. There are statistically significant differences in cleaning clothing waste after the sorting
process at a significance level of (0.01) in favor of respondents (yes).
2. There are statistically significant differences in cleaning clothing waste after the sorting
process at a significance level of (0.05) in favor of respondents (sometimes).
Thus, in the first place comes ‘yes’, followed by ‘sometimes’, and, lastly, ‘no’.
It is clear from Table 19 that value F is (39.584), which is a statistically significant value
at a level of (0.01). This indicates that there are differences in the scores of the sample
members in the most donated types of clothing to charity societies. To find the direction of
significance, Scheffe tests for multiple comparisons were applied. The following Table 20
illustrates this.
Table 19. Variance analysis of the scores of the sample members in most types of clothing donated to
charity societies.

The Most Types

of Clothes
Donated to Total of Squares Average Squares Freedom Degrees Value (F) Significance
Charity
Societies
Between groups 268.503 134.252 2
Inside groups 13.566 3.392 4 39.584 0.01 D
Total 282.069 6
Sustainability 2023, 15, 11380 14 of 17

Table 20. Scheffe tests for multiple comparisons.

The Most Donated

Children’s Clothes Women’s Clothes Men’s Clothes
Types of Clothing to
M = 14.222 M = 9.527 M = 6.108
Charity Societies
Children’s clothes -
Women’s clothes ** 4.695 -
Men’s clothes ** 8.114 ** 3.419 -
**: significance of 0.01.

From Table 20, it is clear that there are statistically significant differences in most
types of clothing donated to the charity societies at a level of significance (0.01) in favor of
children’s clothes, then in favor of women’s clothes. Thus, in the first place come children’s
clothes, followed by women’s clothes, and, lastly, men’s clothes. This is consistent with what
is stated in the Introduction that the large percentage of the society’s groups is children.

3.3. Hypothesis Three

There are statistically significant differences between the average scores of the sample
members as regards the societal impact of charity societies to achieve sustainability of
clothing according to the study variables. To verify this hypothesis, the T test and the
calculation of the variance analysis are applied for the scores of the sample members
as regards the societal impact of charity societies to achieve clothing sustainability. The
following Table 21 illustrates this.
Table 21. Differences in the average scores of the sample members in registering the beneficiary
groups in charity societies.

Are There
Beneficiary
Groups Arithmetic Standard Freedom
Sample Value (T) Significance
Registered in Mean Deviation Degrees
Charity
Societies?

Yes 18.886 2.096 6 5 8.403 D 0.01 in favor

of Yes
No 11.327 1.452 1

It is clear from Table 21, that value T is (8.403), which is a statistically significant value
at a level of (0.01) in favor of ‘yes’. The average score of ‘yes’ is (18.886), while the average
score of ‘no’ is (11.327).
It is clear from Table 22, that value T is (10.883), which is a statistically significant value
at a level of significance (0.01) in favor a registered group to be communicated with. The
average score of a registered group to be communicated with is (16.609), while the average
score of bazaars is (5.020).

Table 22. Differences in the average scores of the sample members in the method of communication
between charity societies and beneficiary groups.

Method of
Communication
Arithmetic Standard Freedom
between Societies Sample Value (T) Significance
Mean Deviation Degrees
and Beneficiary
Groups
Bazaars 5.020 1.114 1 5 10.883 D at 0.01 in
favor of a
registered
A registered group to 16.609 2.088 6 group to be
be communicated with communi-
cated with
Sustainability 2023, 15, 11380 15 of 17

From Table 23, it is clear that value F is (27.405), which is a statistically significant
value at a level of (0.01). This indicates that there are differences between the scores of the
sample members in the most clothes that benefit from recycling. To find out the significance
direction, Scheffe tests for multiple comparisons were applied. The following Table 24
illustrates this.

Table 23. Variance analysis of the scores of the sample members in the most clothes that benefit
from recycling.

The Most
Clothes that
Total of Squares Average Squares Freedom Degrees Value (F) Significance
Benefit from
Recycling
Between groups 252.353 126.177 2
Inside groups 18.416 4.604 4 27.405 D 0.01
Total 270.769 6

Table 24. Scheffe tests for multiple comparisons.

The Most Clothes That Children’s Clothes Women’s Clothes Men’s Clothes
Benefit from Recycling M = 17.333 M = 13.520 M = 11.297
Children’s clothes -
Women’s clothes 3.813 ** -
Men’s clothes 6.036 ** 2.223 ** -
**: significance of 0.01.

The following is clear from Table 24:

1. There are statistically significant differences in the most clothes that benefit from
recycling among children’s clothes, and both women’s and men’s clothes at a level of
significance of (0.01) in favor of children’s clothes.
2. There are statistically significant differences in the most clothes that benefit from
recycling between women’s and men’s clothes at a significance level of (0.05) in favor
of women’s clothes.
Thus, in first place comes children’s clothes, followed by women’s clothes and, lastly,
men’s clothes.
It is clear from Table 25 that the T value is (6.237), which is a statistically significant
value at a level of significance (0.01) in favor of ‘yes’, where the average score of ‘yes’ is
(15.558), whereas the average score of ‘no’ is (8.773).

Table 25. Differences in the average scores of the sample members as regards the societies’ voluntary
role in clarifying the damage of clothing waste and its impact on the environment.

The
Voluntary
Role of
Societies in
Clarifying Arithmetic Standard Freedom
Sample Value (T) Significance
the Damage Mean Deviation Degrees
of Clothing
Waste and Its
Impact on
Environment
D at 0.01 in
Yes 15.558 2.028 6 5 6.237 favor of yes
group to be
No 8.773 1.359 1

4. Conclusions
The study shed light on the extent with which the Saudi charity societies manage
clothing waste that consumers discard. Results show that these societies offer a voluntary
Sustainability 2023, 15, 11380 16 of 17

community service with individual efforts through the process of recycling these clothes.
They need to upgrade from individual volunteer work to work under an integrated system
gathering all charity societies in Saudi Arabia to achieve the principal goal of sustainability.
Results show that they also need more organization and support by creating legislations
and regulations by the National Center for Waste Management to organize clothing waste
management. Data and statistics on clothing wastes should be available (MWAN), which
are utilized in the processes of sustainability and are disposed of in landfills in order to
preserve the environment. The study also shows the few numbers of factories specialized
in sorting and recycling clothing waste in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, there should be work
for establishing a strong infrastructure and making use of the potential since Saudi Arabia
has a promising future, in addition to conducting further studies on the waste market and
sales made by charity societies of surplus clothes. Finally, consumers in both Saudi and
Arab societies should be aware of the importance of sustainable clothing and the impact of
clothing waste on the society and environment.
Future research: Study the concept of the consumer’s awareness of clothing and the
management of sustainability in the clothing sectors. Study local markets for clothing waste.
Study the interest in environment and sustained purchases. In the end, recycling processes
and the sustainability of clothing waste in Saudi Arabia are still in their early stages.

Funding: This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: Not applicable.
Acknowledgments: The author would like to thank the Deanship of Scientific Research at UMM-
ALQuea University for Supporting Work by Grant Coude (23UQU4282158DSR01).
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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