- 1Wash and dry thoroughly to remove stains and odors
- 2Check garments for damage and separate wearable from unwearable
- 3Remove all non-textile accessories (buttons, zippers, hardware)
- 4Fold neatly and place in clean bags or containers
- 5Keep cotton items separate from synthetic blends when possible
- Goodwill
- Salvation Army
- H&M garment collection
- Patagonia Worn Wear
- Textile recycling bins
Donate wearable items first - even stained or slightly damaged cotton can be recycled into new textiles. 100% cotton items have highest recycling value.
Cotton recycling prevents 2,700 liters of water waste per garment and reduces pesticide use. Recycled cotton fiber can be used 2-3 additional times before degrading.
- Upcycle into cleaning rags
- DIY craft projects
- Textile art
- Donate to animal shelters for bedding
Accepted
- 100% cotton t-shirts, pants, dresses
- Cotton-blend garments (minimum 80% cotton)
- Organic cotton items
- Cotton undergarments and socks
- Stained or damaged cotton clothing
- Cotton baby clothes and onesies
Not Accepted
- Heavily contaminated or moldy items
- Cotton mixed with elastane/spandex blends
- Items with permanent chemical treatments
- Cotton items with synthetic patches or appliques
Estimated value: $0.10-0.50 per pound for textile recycling; $2-20+ for quality donation items
Donation
- Goodwill Industries
- Salvation Army
- Local homeless shelters
- Women's shelters
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
Can I recycle cotton clothing with stains?
Yes! Even stained cotton can be recycled into new textiles, insulation, or industrial wiping cloths. The fiber quality matters more than appearance.
What about cotton-polyester blends?
Blends can be recycled but have lower value. Items with 80%+ cotton content are preferred by most programs.
Should I remove all tags and labels?
Not necessary - textile recyclers have equipment to separate different materials. Focus on removing large hardware like buttons and zippers.