Oct 07 2008
How Do We Recycle Clothes?
What do we do with clothing that is completely worn out?
Generally, I donate my clothes to Amvets or another charity. However, when it is worn so thin that it would do no one any good, I don’t.
I also don’t want to throw it in the garbage because it will just add to the landfill mess.
So, where can we recycle clothing?
I know denim is recycled into things like insulation. I just don’t know where to send or drop my clothing.
I have done internet searches and the only thing I ever come up with is articles on how to repurpose clothing. I don’t want to make placemats or other crafts, I want to get rid of it and I would prefer to do my part in being eco-minded.
Do any of you know where to recycle clothing?
It may sound crazy, but if you are into gardening, you can use old clothes for weed control in a flower bed! Same concept as people using newspaper. If you have an area that will be covered with mulch or pine straw, cut the clothing and position around your plants, cover with mulch and it’s instant weed control. The clothes eventually decompose just like newspaper.
Really? Hmmm. I don’t garden, but my step-dad does and he uses that rubber tarp or whatever it is, especially in the cucumbers. Can you use any clothing or just cotton? Interesting. Thanks for that tip.
Kelly, I do save the old T-shirts and socks for dusting. Especially socks ’cause you can put them on your hand and just wipe as you go.
Love the tip on gardening! I will remember that one!
If all else fails, we could send our clothes to the shirtless fat men! LOL
I will ask my sister if she has ideas… she always has ideas! I will let you know!
Iuse mine for gardening.Also I give to the local garage,for the mechanics to use as hand wipes. And close to where I live is a car cleaning service staffed by learning impaired people. They always need cleaning rags.My sister donates larger thing, e.g. towels or sheets to the local lost dogs home, who use them in the sleeping baskets for the dogs. Hope this helps.
Hmmm. Never really thought of it. I’ve always either given the clothes to the Salvation Army or thrown them away (if not fit to be worn again). I know I don’t do my part in being eco-friendly. I’m trying to be more environmentally conscious though. Gardening and rags are good ideas from previous comments. I’ll keep that in mind.
I thought I remembered there being a company that did denim recycling, so I googled it and found this http://www.jbmfibers.com/default.htm
Hope it helps!
thanks for all the ideas everyone. beastie, thank you! I am waiting to hear back from them about sending my stuff.