Give Your Clothes
a Second Life

What Can Be Recycled?

Almost all textiles can be recycled — even stained or torn items. Acceptable items include:

• Clothing (all types and conditions)
• Shoes (tied together in pairs)
• Bed sheets, towels, and curtains
• Belts, bags, and accessories
• Stuffed animals

Preparing Your Items

A little prep goes a long way:

• Wash and dry items before donating
• Place items in a sealed bag to keep them dry
• Separate donations (good condition) from recycling (worn/torn)
• Check pockets for personal items
• No wet or mildewed items — these can contaminate a batch

Donate vs. Recycle

Donate items in good, wearable condition to thrift stores and charities — they'll be sold or given to someone in need.

Recycle worn-out, stained, or torn items through textile bins or retail take-back programs. They're shredded into fibers for insulation, rags, or new fabric.

Upcycling Ideas

Before tossing it, get creative:

• Turn old t-shirts into reusable shopping bags
• Convert jeans into shorts or a tote bag
• Use fabric scraps for quilting or patches
• Make cleaning rags from worn towels
• Create pet toys from old socks

Retail Take-Back Programs

Many major retailers now accept old clothes for recycling — regardless of brand or condition:

• H&M: Any brand, any condition — get 15% off coupon
• The North Face: Clothes the Loop — any brand clothing or shoes
• Madewell: Bring denim, get $20 off new jeans
• Patagonia: Worn Wear trade-in program

Why It Matters

The average American throws away about 81 pounds of clothing per year. Textile waste accounts for roughly 6% of municipal solid waste.

By recycling just one bag of clothes, you help save water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and keep textiles out of landfills. Every item counts.