- 1Check care labels to confirm 100% wool content
- 2Clean according to wool care instructions (often dry clean only)
- 3Remove all non-wool components (synthetic linings, buttons, zippers)
- 4Check for moth damage and separate heavily damaged items
- 5Bundle similar wool types together (fine vs. coarse wool)
- Specialty textile recyclers
- Luxury consignment shops
- Patagonia Worn Wear program
- Local wool processing mills
Pure wool is highly valuable for recycling. Even felted or shrunken wool can be processed into industrial felt or garden mulch.
Wool recycling reduces demand for new sheep farming and processing. Recycled wool requires 95% less water than virgin wool production.
- Compost 100% wool items
- Use as garden mulch
- Felt into crafts
- Pet bedding
Accepted
- 100% wool sweaters and cardigans
- Wool coats and jackets
- Wool blankets and throws
- Wool scarves and accessories
- Wool socks and undergarments
- Felt items and wool crafts
Not Accepted
- Wool-synthetic blends with less than 80% wool
- Heavily moth-eaten items with structural damage
- Wool contaminated with chemicals or dyes that won't come out
- Items with permanent synthetic linings that cannot be separated
Estimated value: $1-5 per pound for wool recycling; $10-100+ for quality wool garments
Donation
- Luxury consignment shops
- Patagonia Worn Wear
- TheRealReal
- Local boutique consignment
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
Can I compost wool clothing?
Yes! 100% wool is biodegradable and makes excellent compost material. Remove all synthetic components first.
What about wool that has been felted or shrunk?
Felted wool is still valuable for recycling into industrial felt, automotive insulation, and garden products.
Is merino wool different for recycling?
Merino wool is premium recycling material due to its fine fibers. It has higher value than coarser wool types.