Did you know that 85% of clothing and textiles go to a landfill, even though 95% can be reused and recycled? Earth Day is April 22, and this year’s theme is “Invest in Our Planet.” Now is an excellent time to act and participate in the solution. One impactful way to make a difference is through textile recycling. Clothing and household textiles currently comprise 6.3 percent of the waste stream, or about 81 pounds per person, thrown away annually in the US.
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Textile reuse and recycling reduce the need to create more landfill space reduce pollution created by incinerators, and save the environment from tons of harsh chemicals. Most donated textiles are reused and recycled into usable clothing, fiber conversion grade, and wiping cloth grade. Your unused fabrics are transformed into pillow stuffing, household insulation, wiping rags, and more.
According to the Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART), a global organization of companies involved in reusing and recycling textiles and related secondary materials, 95 percent of fabrics can be reused and recycled. These materials include old clothing, curtains, bath towels, bed sheets, pillowcases, table linens, shoes, stuffed animals, scarves, pet beds, and more.
Even if the item is stained, torn, overly worn, or out-of-date, it has a purpose in the textile recycling industry. Only items that are wet or exposed to a solvent-type liquid (like gasoline) cannot be recycled.
Where can I find textile recycling near me?
SMART recommends looking for clothing collection boxes in your neighborhoods to recycle textiles. Like SMART members, companies that operate these bins follow a strict code of conduct and are deeply committed to recycling and waste reduction. Through their business activities, SMART members are responsible for diverting billions of pounds of used textiles and other household wastes from landfills each year.
You can also check with your local charity or thrift store about collection locations, such as Goodwill, Salvation Army, St. Vincent DePaul, or Savers, who will recycle any textile that is not sellable in their stores. Another option is to ask your town or city if they have a textile recycling program or to check your local landfill for collection boxes. Additionally, charities may offer curbside pick-up of clothing and textiles, depending on your area.
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How can I recycle old clothes?
Many creative ways exist to reuse or “upcycle” their items throughout the home. Recycling clothing can even be a fun family activity. It is an excellent way to do spring cleaning while teaching children to “Invest in Our Planet” and make a difference for the environment.
Before recycling your clothes, sort through them to determine what can be recycled and what cannot. Wet clothing (mildewed) or used with a solvent-type liquid, such as gasoline, cannot be recycled. However, most clean, dry, and odor-free clothing, household textiles, or commercial linen textiles can be reused and recycled.
Donating your clothes to charity is an excellent way to recycle them. Many charities, thrift stores, and secondhand shops accept used clothing in good condition. Some organizations even offer pick-up services, making it easy to donate your clothes. Donating your clothes is a great way to give them a second life and support a good cause.
If your clothes are too worn out or damaged to donate, consider repurposing them into something new. For example, you can cut up old t-shirts and use them as rags or a worn pair of jeans can become shorts. Many online tutorials and resources can help you turn your old clothes into something new and useful.
We can all make a difference in the environment through fabric recycling. By doing so, we can reduce textile waste, conserve resources, and support sustainable and circular practices in the fashion industry. Join the environmental movement and invest in our planet this Earth Day.
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