How to Recycle Clothes: Refresh Your Wardrobe, Help the Planet

If you’re wondering how to recycle old clothes, you’re in the right place to learn more about sustainable fashion practices. Did you know that only about 1% of all textiles are recycled into new clothing? Another 12% is downcycled into something of lesser value, and the remaining 87% is straight up waste. So, thanks for thinking about recycling your old clothes!

Many of us have clothes we no longer wear, and the good news is that there are numerous sustainable ways to give them a second life. Let’s look at the various methods to recycle clothes and make eco-friendly choices that align with the principles of circular fashion (we’ll define “circular fashion” too!)

Why Recycle Old Clothes?

The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world, producing millions of tons of waste annually. Recycling old clothes helps reduce the environmental impact of textile production and waste. By recycling, you’re contributing to the circular fashion economy, where clothing is reused, recycled, or upcycled instead of being discarded.

How to Recycle Old Clothes Properly

Recycling old clothes only takes a little bit of effort, and you’ll be contributing to a reduction in the amount of clothing going to landfills (this is a very good thing). Here are some steps to help you recycle your clothes safely:

Check Local Recycling Programs

First, find out where to recycle clothes in your area. Many cities have textile recycling programs that accept old clothing, shoes, and accessories. These programs often have drop-off bins located at various points throughout the city, such as shopping centers or community centers.

As with any type of recycling, avoid including items containing chemical stains, excessive dirt, or strong odors. Funky stuff like that can ruin a whole batch of recyclable textiles.

Donate to Charities or Thrift Stores

Donating clothes is a great way to recycle them while supporting a good cause. Many charities and thrift stores accept gently used clothing, which they resell at discounted prices to raise funds for their programs.

To dispose of old clothes through donation, make sure they are clean and in good condition. Remember, someone else will be wearing those items. Any items exhibiting stains, rips, odors, or heavy signs of wear may not be acceptable.

Use Clothing Recycling Programs

Several clothing brands offer recycling programs where you can drop off old clothes for recycling. These programs often accept clothes from any brand, not just their own.

Brands Offering Recycling Programs:

• H&M’s Garment Collecting program accepts old clothes in any condition, and you can even receive a discount voucher in return.
• Patagonia will buy back your eligible pre-loved gear and help it find a new home through its Worn Wear program.
• The EILEEN FISHER Renew program is extending the lifecycle of clothes by offering $5 in Renew Rewards for each piece you return, no matter what condition it’s in.
• Many other brands have implemented similar recycling or buyback programs, including Madewell, Reformation, The North Face, Levi’s, Girlfriend Collective, and more. Check them out!

Recycle Clothes for Money

If you’re looking to make a little extra cash, consider options that allow you to recycle clothes for money. There’s no shame in making a little dough while you do good for the planet! Here are a few methods:

• Sell Old Clothes Online: Platforms like Poshmark, Mercari, Depop, and eBay allow you to sell old clothes online. These platforms enable you to reach a wide audience and earn cash for your unwanted items. We recommend getting familiar with the fee structure of each platform so you know exactly what you’ll make on each sale. Sign up for Poshmark today and get $10 in shopping credit!
• Consignment Shops: Some local consignment shops will pay you upfront or give you a portion of the sales price when your clothes sell. You’ve likely seen a Plato’s Closet, Clothes Mentor, Value Village, Uptown Cheapskate, or Buffalo Exchange store (depending where you live). These secondhand stores all operate in a similar way.
• Recycle by Weight: Some recycling centers pay for textiles by weight, offering a way to dispose of old clothes and make money at the same time. This may be a good way to get rid of items that aren’t in good enough condition to resell.

Upcycle Old Clothes for a New Purpose

Upcycling clothes is a creative way to give your garments a new life. Unlike recycling, which often involves breaking down materials, upcycling uses the existing item to create something new.

Easy Upcycling Ideas

Here are some simple ways to upcycle old clothes:

• Turn T-Shirts into Tote Bags: Easily transform old t-shirts into reusable tote bags. Simply cut off the sleeves, sew the bottom closed, and you have a new bag.
• Make Patches from Old Jeans: Denim is a durable material that you can upcycle into patches for clothing repairs or decoration.
• Create Throw Pillows: Use old sweaters or shirts to make cozy throw pillows for your home.

Get Creative with DIY Projects

Upcycling is all about creativity. There are countless DIY projects online that can help you repurpose your old clothes. From making quilts out of t-shirts to crafting jewelry from fabric scraps, the possibilities are endless.

For some upcycling inspo, check out these talented Instagram creators:

• yvonneandmitchel
• outoflinevintage
• upcyclex

Where to Recycle Clothes and Clothes Hangers

In addition to recycling clothes, you may wonder about related items like clothing hangers.

Can You Recycle Clothes Hangers?

Yes, but it depends on the type of hanger:

• Plastic Hangers: Many plastic hangers are recyclable, but check with your local recycling facility as some types of plastic may not be acceptable.
• Metal Hangers: Metal hangers are often accepted at recycling centers that take scrap metal. Alternatively, some dry cleaners accept hangers for reuse.
• Wooden Hangers: These are less commonly recycled but can sometimes be repurposed or donated to thrift stores.

Embracing Circular Fashion

Circular fashion is a movement towards a more sustainable fashion industry where clothes are designed, produced, and reused in a closed-loop system, minimizing waste. Here’s how you can participate:

Buy Sustainable and Ethical Fashion

Support brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. Look for certifications like Fair Trade, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), and B Corp to ensure the brands you support are committing to sustainable practices.

Opt for Quality Over Quantity

Invest in high-quality pieces that are designed to last. Quality items may have a higher upfront cost but will save money in the long run because they are more durable and less likely to need replacement.

Choose Organic and Recycled Materials

When purchasing new clothes, look for those made from organic materials like cotton or linen, or recycled materials like polyester made from plastic bottles. These options are more sustainable and reduce the environmental impact of fashion production. Speaking of environmental impact:

• Around 20% of industrial wastewater pollution worldwide originates from the fashion industry.
• Approximately 60% of all materials used by the fashion industry are made from plastic.
• The equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothes is burned or dumped in a landfill every second.

Keep the recycling momentum going—check out: How to Dispose of Old Cell Phones

Final Thoughts on Fashion Recycling

Learning how to recycle old clothes is a significant step towards reducing waste and supporting a sustainable future. Whether you choose to donate, sell, recycle, or upcycle your old garments, every action contributes to a healthier planet. Remember, sustainable fashion is not just a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice that helps conserve resources, reduce pollution, and promote ethical practices. So, start today by recycling your clothes and embracing a circular fashion economy.

We all live here, so let’s take care of this place.