Gilbert nonprofit launches October bra recycling campaign

A Gilbert-based social enterprise is preparing for its annual Bra Recycling Month campaign in October, aiming to collect and redistribute 25,000 bras and underwear through a network of nonprofit organizations.

The Bra Recyclers, founded in Gilbert in 2008, works to divert bras and other intimate apparel from landfills while helping provide needed items to people facing hardship.

Bra Recycling Month 2026 will run from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31. The campaign's goal is 25,000 "Acts of Support," which includes bras and underwear collected for recycling and redistribution through more than 140 nonprofit partners. The items are distributed to people affected by domestic violence, breast cancer and human trafficking.

This year's campaign includes a community participation effort known as the 3-Bra Challenge and a partnership with Impact One Breast Cancer Foundation. The October initiative also coincides with Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Dropoff locations can be found on the website.

Founder and CEO Elaine Birks-Mitchell established the organization after a career in corporate information technology. The organization reports that it has distributed more than 4 million items during its 18 years of operation.

The Bra Recyclers is headquartered in Gilbert and operates alongside its charitable program, The Undie Chest.