Clothing recycling is difficult. According to the US EPA, more than 100 pounds of textile waste is tossed, per US citizen every year. Only 15% of used textiles are theoretically ‘recycled’. Of these, nearly half are shipped overseas to developing nations (Textile Waste Facts). These foreign textiles flood overseas markets and make life more challenging for those who work in these textile economies.
When your clothing can’t be sold on Raveival (or another secondhand marketplace), donated, or upcycled, you can check out these resources to find alternative ways to discard your textiles.
Clothing Recycling (and Shoes)
- Brass Clean Out Bag – The Clean Out Bag is a pre-paid poly mailer that allows you to send old clothing and textiles. Simply order the Clean Out Bag and drop it off at any USPS.
- Earth911 – This website allows you to search by material, and it generates a list of recycling locations. It is a great resource for not only clothing recycling, but other items as well!
- For Days – Purchase a $20 Take Back Bag, print out a pre-paid shipping label and send your unwanted clothing so For Days to recycle its contents. For each Take Back Bag, you will receive $50 of Closet Cash.
- H&M – Almost all of their stores have garment collecting points and accept textiles from any brand in any condition, even holey socks!
- Nike – Reuse-a-shoe (footwear-only consumer takeback program for recycling end-of-life Nike footwear) may still be found at most Nike stores. Select participating Nike stores are piloting a new Recycling + Donation program where you can drop-off both Nike footwear and apparel. They accept gently worn/worn Nike athletic footwear, athletic tops, and bottoms. They do not accept sandals, dress shoes, boots, any shoes with metal (like cleats or spikes), socks or underwear.
- & Other Stories – Their in-store recycling program is designed to encourage customers to return empty beauty packaging, as well as pre-loved garments, and textiles to any of their store locations. As a reward for recycling, they treat customers to a 10% off voucher valid for one in-store purchase.
- Terracycle – This company provides you with three box size options where you can send in almost anything made from textiles, fabric, or cloth.
- Respun – You can order a free recycling kit from Marine Layers and send them old t-shirts. They will upcycle them into a new product. Then, you will receive a $5 credit per tee.
- USAgain – Drop off your gently used clothes, shoes and household textiles knowing that they will be reused. Just bag the items and bring them to one of the Clothing Recycling Drop Spots near you.
Undergarments Recycling
- Knickey – Send Knickeys your old undies (Knickey or not) to receive a receive a $15 credit to use on your next order. The nonprofit upcycles your old intimates into carpets and rug pads.
- The Bra Recyclers – They accept regular bras, sports bras, nursing bras, and new with tag women’s panties and men’s boxers and briefs. Fill out the Recycling Form. Purchase a shipping label and mail it.
Denim Recycling
- BlueJeansGoGreen – This company partners with many brands, such as American Eagle and PacSun, to provide them with the infrastructure to run their denim recycling programs. Check out the list of participating stores and earn credit towards your next purchase.
- Levi’s – Gather your Levi’s jeans, denim shorts, and Trucker Jackets you’re no longer wearing & book a trade-in appointment. Then, receive a Levi’s gift card.
Do you know of any other clothing recycling resources that should be included? Please send them to customersupport@raveival.com.
Interested in learning more about fashion or sustainability? Check out our blogs Festival Fast Fashion and Grooving Towards a Greener Future.
Author: Jack Miller
