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The fashion industry significantly contributes to environmental degradation through resource-intensive production, high carbon emissions, massive waste generation, microplastic pollution, and more. The best thing you can do for the planet is BUY LESS and buy pre-loved. But what do you do with the stuff you already have? You can, of course, donate clothes that are clean and still in good condition, but only about 25% of donated clothes actually get resold (see more here). A great way to combat this issue is by recycling clothes and textiles. Recycling not only reduces waste but also conserves resources and supports a more sustainable fashion industry. Here’s how you can recycle your clothes and textiles responsibly.

Why Recycle Clothes and Textiles?

Before diving into how to recycle, it’s important to understand the reasons behind it:

  • Reducing Landfill Waste: Every year, millions of tons of textiles end up in landfills. These materials can take decades to decompose, releasing harmful chemicals and greenhouse gases.
  • Conserving Resources: Recycling clothes saves raw materials, energy, and water that would otherwise be used to produce new textiles.
  • Promoting Sustainable Fashion: By recycling, you help decrease the demand for fast fashion, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable practices in the industry.

    Steps to Recycle Clothes and Textiles

    • Sort Your Clothes
    Begin by sorting through your wardrobe and separating the items you no longer wear or need. Divide these items into three categories: clothes in good condition, items that can be repurposed, and textiles that are no longer usable.
    • Donate or Sell Usable Items
    Clothes in good condition can be donated to various organizations that help those in need and reduce landfill waste. Avoid big chain thrift stores if you can and choose smaller shelters or community charities instead to ensure your donations directly support local causes and have a more meaningful impact on those in need. Here are some excellent alternatives to Goodwill:
      • The Salvation Army: Supports programs for individuals struggling with poverty, addiction, and homelessness.
      • Dress for Success: Provides professional attire to women in need, helping them secure employment.
      • Career Gear: Offers professional clothing to low-income men seeking employment.
      • Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA): Proceeds support programs that benefit veterans and their families.
      • Planet Aid: Proceeds support sustainable development projects worldwide.
      • Big Brother Big Sister Foundation: Supports mentoring programs for children and youth.
      • Soles4Souls: Distributes shoes to those in need globally, combating poverty and promoting sustainability.
      • Housing Works: Supports services for people living with HIV/AIDS.
      • Domestic Violence Shelters: Provides essential clothing to survivors of domestic violence, helping them rebuild their lives after fleeing abusive situations.
      • Local Homeless Shelters: Directly helps those in need in your community by providing essential clothing items.
      • School or Church Clothing Drives: Often distribute donations directly within the community.
      • Buy Nothing Groups: Encourage the direct exchange of goods within communities, reducing waste and helping neighbors in need.
    Alternatively, you can sell items on online platforms such as Poshmark, ThredUp, or through in-person consignment stores. This is a great way to extend the life of your clothes by giving them a new home.
    • Repurpose Old Textiles
    Get creative with repurposing. Old t-shirts can be turned into cleaning rags, quilts, or reusable shopping bags. Denim can be transformed into patches or even used for DIY projects like tote bags or upholstery.
    • Use Retailer Recycling Programs
    These programs offer sustainable solutions for recycling clothes and textiles, allowing you to participate in eco-friendly practices without supporting fast fashion brands:
      • Patagonia - Worn Wear and ReCrafted
    What They Accept: Used and damaged Patagonia clothing.
    Program Details: Patagonia’s Worn Wear program encourages customers to return used Patagonia items, which are either repaired and resold, or recycled. For items that are too damaged to be resold, Patagonia transforms them into new, unique products through their ReCrafted line. Both initiatives are part of Patagonia’s commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainability in the fashion industry.
      • The North Face - Clothes the Loop
    What They Accept: Any brand of clothing, footwear, and gear.
    Program Details: The North Face’s Clothes the Loop program accepts worn clothing and footwear from any brand. Items are sent to a recycling center where they are repurposed into materials for insulation, carpet padding, and more. Participants receive a discount on future purchases.
      • REI - Used Gear Trade-In
    What They Accept: Gently used outdoor gear and apparel.
    Program Details: REI members can trade in gently used gear and receive REI gift cards in return. The items are then resold through REI’s Used Gear section, promoting sustainability in the outdoor community.
      • Terracycle - Zero Waste Box
    What They Accept: All types of clothing, textiles, and accessories.
    Program Details: TerraCycle offers Zero Waste Boxes for clothing and textiles, allowing you to recycle a wide variety of items that might not be accepted by traditional recycling programs. The collected items are recycled or repurposed into new materials.
      • Eileen Fisher - Renew
    What They Accept: Used Eileen Fisher clothing.
    Program Details: Eileen Fisher's Renew program encourages customers to return their used Eileen Fisher garments. These items are then cleaned, repaired, and resold or transformed into new designs through their waste-no-more initiative.

     

    Find Textile Recycling services

     

     

     

     

    Check if your community has textile recycling bins. These are often located in public areas or near recycling centers. Items deposited here are sorted and recycled into new materials, such as insulation, carpet padding, or industrial rags.

    Retold Recycle: This subscription-based service allows you to recycle a wide range of textiles from the comfort of your home. They send you a prepaid bag to fill with your unwanted items, which you can then drop off at the post office. Retold Recycle sorts the items for reuse or recycling, making the process easy and convenient. We are one of their RETOLD REWARDS PARTNERS!

       

       

       

       

       

       

      Tips for Reducing Textile Waste

      1. Buy Less, Choose Wisely: Invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that you will wear often, rather than following fast fashion trends and shop secondhand when possible. 

      2. Extend the Life of Your Clothes: Take care of your clothes by washing them less frequently, using gentle cycles, and air drying. Mending small tears and replacing buttons can also prolong the life of your garments.

      3. Participate in Clothing Swaps: Organize or join clothing swaps with friends or community groups. This is a great way to refresh your wardrobe without buying new clothes.

      Recycling clothes and textiles is a simple yet powerful way to reduce your environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable and circular fashion industry. By donating, repurposing, and using clothing recycling programs like Retold Recycle, you can ensure that your old clothes don’t end up in a landfill. 

      Additionally, consider donating to organizations like domestic violence shelters vs big chain thrift stores, which provide essential clothing to those in dire need. Remember, every small action counts, and together, we can create a more sustainable future. So next time you’re decluttering your closet, think about how you can give your old clothes a second life while staying true to our Mother Earth.

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