How to Recycle Children's Clothing
Baby and children's apparel that is often outgrown before it is worn out. Prioritize reuse and consignment; recycling is the backup for stained or worn pieces.
Quick answer
Outgrown kids' clothes are in high demand at thrift, Once Upon a Child, Kid to Kid, shelters, and daycares. Donate clean, dry wearable pieces first. Stained but dry items can go to textile bins or Carter's TerraCycle in-store recycling where offered. Drawstrings are a new-product safety topic, not a universal thrift ban. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
- Typical value
- Consignment often pays per item for clean seasonal clothes; designer kids' brands bring more
- Donate / take-back
- Available
How to Prepare
- 1Wash and dry thoroughly
- 2Check for recalls on branded children's products before resale
- 3Group by size and season when donating
- 4Secure loose buttons when easy; do not treat drawstrings as an automatic donation rejection
- 5Keep matching sets together
Where to Recycle
- Once Upon a Child
- Kid to Kid
- Daycare centers
- Family shelters
- Children's hospital closets
Special Instructions
Focus on donation and consignment. Carter's partners with TerraCycle for an in-store / kids' clothing recycling brigade that may accept all brands; confirm participation at your store. Older Cause Collection links may have moved, so use the TerraCycle Carter's brigade page.
Environmental Impact
Children's clothing often has remaining wear when outgrown, so reuse multiplies useful life. Recycling follows the same EPA textile pathways as other apparel when donation is not possible.
Sustainable Alternatives
- Pass to friends with younger children
- Kids' clothing swaps
- Church or community drives
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- Baby clothes (0-24 months)
- Toddler and children's clothing
- School uniforms
- Children's shoes and accessories in usable condition
- Costumes and dress-up clothes
- Children's outerwear and swimwear
Not Accepted
- Wet, mildewed, or moldy clothing
- Recalled children's items (do not resell or donate)
- Biohazard-soiled pieces
- Curbside recycling bins
Donation & Take‑Back Options
Estimated value: Consignment often pays per item for clean seasonal clothes; designer kids' brands bring more
Donation
- Local daycare centers
- Family shelters
- Children's hospital clothing closets
- Once Upon a Child
- Kid to Kid
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
FAQs
Are drawstring hoodies rejected by thrift stores?
Not universally. CPSC drawstring rules apply mainly to selling new children's outerwear. Thrift policies vary; ask locally rather than assuming a national ban.
Can stained kids' clothes be donated?
Light stains may be fine for family shelters. Consignment usually wants cleaner pieces. Dry stained items can go to textile bins or participating Carter's TerraCycle collections.
What sizes are needed most?
Basics in 0-6 months and current-season school sizes move quickly. Group donations by size to help staff.
Is Carter's Cause Collection still the right link?
Prefer the TerraCycle Carter's brigade page and confirm store participation. Brand 'Cause Collection' paths have moved over time.
Related recycling guides
- How to recycle Leather Goods & Accessories
- How to recycle Formal Wear & Suits
- How to recycle Curtains & Drapes
- How to recycle Synthetic Fabrics & Activewear
- How to recycle Wet and Moldy Textiles
- How to recycle Wool Clothing & Blankets
- How to recycle Underwear, Bras, and Socks
- How to recycle Bed Linens & Towels
- How to recycle Tyvek Garments
- How to recycle Athletic Shoes & Sneakers
Recycle children's clothing
Search recycling centers by city or ZIP, or explore more textiles materials.