- 1Check fabric labels for material composition
- 2Clean thoroughly to remove sweat, oils, and detergent residue
- 3Remove any cotton or natural fiber components
- 4Separate by fabric type when possible (all polyester together)
- 5Check for manufacturer take-back programs first
- Patagonia stores
- REI Co-op
- Lululemon Like New program
- Specialized athletic retailers
Synthetic fabrics can be infinitely recycled through chemical processes. Patagonia and Pairable offer specialized recycling for technical fabrics.
Recycling polyester uses 85% less energy than virgin production and prevents microplastic shedding from landfills. Each garment saves 2-3 plastic bottles worth of material.
- Continue wearing until completely worn out
- Repurpose as workout rags
- Cut into ties for garden use
Accepted
- Polyester activewear and athletic shirts
- Nylon leggings and yoga pants
- Synthetic blend workout clothing
- Fleece jackets and vests
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Athletic shorts and sports bras
Not Accepted
- Natural fiber blends with less than 80% synthetic content
- Items with permanent odors or chemical contamination
- Synthetic clothing with extensive cotton components
- Heavily damaged items with holes or tears
Estimated value: $0.50-2.00 per pound for synthetic recycling; $15-75+ for quality athletic wear
Donation
- Lululemon Like New
- REI Co-op Garage Sales
- Local athletic resale shops
- Fitness centers clothing drives
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
Why are synthetic fabrics better for recycling than natural ones?
Synthetic fibers can be chemically broken down and reformed infinitely, while natural fibers degrade with each recycling cycle.
Can I recycle synthetic clothing with natural fiber trim?
Yes, but you'll need to remove natural components first, or use programs that can separate materials mechanically.
What happens to recycled activewear?
It's chemically broken down into base polymers and reformed into new athletic wear, carpeting, or other synthetic products.