Almost 1,500 tonnes of clothes have been saved from the landfill through a clothing recycling programme from Marks and Spencer and Oxfam.

Britain’s largest retailer and the UK’s largest charity shop network said 500,000 customers had taken part in the Clothes Exchange since it began one year ago.

M&S says its customers have saved £2.5 million through the partnership, while Oxfam said it had raised £1.8 million.

The scheme rewards shoppers for recycling clothing, with customers bringing M&S clothing to Oxfam shops being given a £5 voucher redeemable on purchases over £35 in M&S.

David McCullough, Oxfam’s director of trading, said the “amazing” success of the partnership would help the charity buy 1.7 million schoolbooks, feed 83,000 people in Kenya for six months, provide water for 2.2 million people and offer emergency shelter to 53,000.

“The extra £1.8 million we have generated from the scheme can make a colossal difference to people in the developing world,” he said.

“The reason it has succeeded so well is that British consumers love it – you can save money; reduce, reuse and recycle; get rid of clothes you don’t wear; declutter your home and do something for charity. It’s the recession-proof way to an ethical 2009.”

Richard Gillies, director of Plan A, M&S’ 100 point eco-plan, added: “The Clothes Exchange is working so well because it lets shoppers help some of the world’s most needy – in a way that saves them money too in what is a tough year.

“We believe it has also tapped into a changing consumer mood which is shifting away from ‘throwaway fashion’. Despite the recession its still important to our customers to do the right thing – and here you’re helping to save the planet as well as your wallet.

“We’re creating a virtuous fashion cycle – incentivising shoppers to not only think ethically when they buy clothes but also when they dispose of them”.