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What can be recycled?

Why should I recycle used clothing and household textiles?

Any clothing and shoes, household textile, or commercial linen textile as long as it is DRY and has NO ODOR can be reused and recycled. Even if the item is stained, torn, overly worn, or out-of-date, do not throw it away; it has a use in the clothing recycling industry. Only items that are wet (mildewed) or have been used with a solvent-type liquid (gasoline, Goof Off, etc.) cannot be recycled.

Textile reuse and recycling reduce the need to create more landfill space. It also reduces pollution created by incinerators. Used
clothing provides low-cost clothing to low-income households all over the world. Recycling textiles saves the environment from tons of harsh chemicals, waste products, and wastewater used in the manufacturing of clothing as well. Municipalities that manage their own landfills should know that 5-7% of all materials within the landfill are clothing and/or textiles that could have been reused or recycled. To extend the life of their solid waste facilities, municipalities should encourage the recycling of clothing and textiles, just as they do paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum cans.

What are some other benefits of textile reuse and recycling?

Clothing and household textiles currently make up 6.3%2 of the waste stream or the equivalent of 81 pounds per person thrown
away annually in the US. Nearly 95% of used clothing and textiles can be reused and recycled. You can help reduce the amount of clothing and textile products going into landfills by reusing or recycling these materials.

No! Used clothing sales create jobs and affordable apparel in many lesser developed countries. Many people in these countries cannot afford locally made, new clothing. Many people in these countries earn their livelihood by selling used clothing. New clothing businesses in developing countries can make more money producing clothing for export to wealthier countries in Europe
and North America than selling them locally.

Does the used clothing market undermine new clothing businesses in developing countries?

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  • Resold at charities’ secondhand clothing stores
     

  • Sent to developing countries

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  • Turned into wiping cloths, which are used in a variety of industries and businesses

         (Everything from manufacturers to repair shops, construction industries, stores, and maintenance 

          and custodial departments)

 

  • Processed back into fibers and turned into paper, yarn, insulation, carpet padding, and other items

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How are recycled textiles used?

Any clothing and shoes, household textile, or commercial linen textile as long as it is DRY and has NO ODOR can be reused and recycled. Even if the item is stained, torn, overly worn, or out-of-date, do not throw it away; it has a use in the clothing recycling industry. Only items that are wet (mildewed) or have been used with a solvent-type liquid (gasoline, Goof Off, etc.) cannot be recycled.

What is the environmental impact of clothing and textile recycling?

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