How to Recycle Textiles
EPA 2018: the US generated 17.03 million tons of textiles, with 14.7% recycled, about 66% landfilled, and about 19% combusted. Textiles are not curbside. Donate clean, dry, wearable items; use textile bins for worn pieces; trash wet or moldy ones.
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Complete Textile Recycling Guide
The Fast Fashion Waste Crisis
Americans generate 17 million tons of textile waste yearly - 66% goes to landfills. Only 15% is recycled or donated. The average American throws away 81 pounds of clothing annually. Fast fashion has made clothes disposable.
- • Donation: Wearable items extend clothing life
- • Textile recycling: Even damaged items can be recycled
- • Upcycling: Turn old clothes into new products
- • Take-back programs: H&M, Patagonia, Eileen Fisher
Environmental Impact
Textile production uses 1.5 trillion gallons of water yearly. Synthetic fabrics shed microplastics into oceans. Recycling textiles dramatically reduces environmental damage.
Key Benefits:
- • One recycled cotton shirt saves 2,700 liters of water
- • Reduces pesticide use from virgin cotton production
- • Diverts 2.5 billion pounds from landfills annually
- • Donated clothes provide affordable options for communities
Textile Recycling FAQ
Can I donate stained or damaged clothing?
YES! Even unwearable textiles can be recycled into insulation, wiping cloths, or new fabric. Goodwill, Salvation Army, and H&M accept damaged items. Just keep them dry and bag separately.
Should I remove buttons and zippers before donating?
No need! Textile recyclers have equipment to separate different materials. Focus on washing items and removing large hardware only if broken or dangerous. Clean, ready-to-wear condition is ideal.
What textiles should NOT be donated?
Avoid donating items contaminated with: mold, mildew, chemicals, oil, paint, or bodily fluids. Wet items grow mold and ruin entire donation batches. Also skip mattresses and pillows due to bedbugs.
Where do donated clothes actually go?
About 20% is resold in thrift stores, 30% is exported to developing countries, 35% becomes industrial rags or insulation, and 15% goes to landfills. Quality items stay local; damaged ones get recycled.
Can synthetic fabrics like polyester be recycled?
Yes, but it's complex. Polyester can be chemically broken down and reformed into new fabric. However, most recycled polyester comes from plastic bottles, not clothing. Blended fabrics are hardest to recycle.
What about shoes and accessories?
Athletic shoes: Nike Grind, One World Running. Accessories (belts, bags, jewelry): donate to thrift stores. Even worn-out shoes can be ground into playground surfaces, track materials, and carpet padding.