Rzut beretem: a new app in wrocław helps you find where to donate clothes
Rzut Beretem (rzutberetem.eco) is a map that allows anyone with unwanted clothing to quickly find a container where they can donate them, giving the items a second life. The app shows locations that accept household textiles, clothing, shoes, and even categorizes them as reusable or worn-out. This way, users can easily identify the nearest drop-off point.
“Our goal is to prevent these items from ending up in landfills. Instead, we want them to enter a second life cycle—whether through sorting facilities, second-hand shops, or donation programs. Our app is the first essential step in that direction.”
Agnieszka Franus, from the Problematy Foundation, which is developing Rzut Beretem
A user-friendly search tool with reliable data
Rzut Beretem is a web-based application accessible through an internet browser. According to its creators, a mobile app has not yet been planned, though users occasionally request one. However, like with any NGO initiative, much depends on available funding.
“To develop a mobile app and introduce additional features, we first need to secure funding. We operate as a grassroots initiative and are currently looking for partners who would like to support our project.”
Agnieszka Franus
The Problematy Foundation also has an account on Patronite, where supporters of its mission can donate as little as 5 PLN to help sustain the project.
Throwing old clothes in the trash is now illegal
The idea for Rzut Beretem was conceived about three years ago, but the full implementation of the project only happened last year. The app’s rapid growth was supported by participation in the InQube accelerator. Now, new regulations banning textile disposal in mixed waste bins will further drive its adoption. Previously, discarded clothing would either end up in landfills or be incinerated.
“Many of these items can be repurposed—for example, cotton T-shirts can be used as cleaning cloths. Even a torn sock isn’t necessarily waste; it can still serve a purpose.”
Agnieszka Franus
Most of the collection points listed in Rzut Beretem are containers that volunteers have personally verified.
“We walk around cities and manually add them to the map. This ensures that the locations in the app are accurate.”
Agnieszka Franus
According to Agnieszka Franus, in some cases, container owners provide lists of their locations, but it’s not always clear whether they are in a courtyard, a parking lot, or next to a gate.
Funding needed for further development
Rzut Beretem does not generate revenue, but securing funding is essential for its future growth.
“We do not charge fees for adding a textile collection point or highlighting it on the map. It wouldn’t be fair if a company’s collection bins were promoted just because they paid us. Our primary focus is on users who want to donate their textiles to the right places.”
Agnieszka Franus
According to Agnieszka Franus, the app cannot favor companies that collect donated clothes and blindly export them to Africa without transparency, simply because they have the means to pay for promotion.
“We are independent. We believe that this gives greater value to our users.”
Agnieszka Franus
Wrocław residents will have no trouble finding a container
Currently, most locations in the app are concentrated in Lower Silesia, particularly in Wrocław, where the Problematy Foundation has the strongest network of contacts and volunteers. There is also significant coverage in Silesia and Tricity. However, the ultimate goal is to create a detailed map of the entire country. Since the beginning of the year, Rzut Beretem has seen a significant increase in users. This trend is expected to continue as the new regulations take effect. According to Agnieszka Franus, the app will soon gain additional features and will continue to evolve.
