6 replies to this topic

[FamilyTreeClimber]

I came across this article today about a city in Massachusetts that has a fabric recycling program.  They work with a textile company on the program.

http://www.boston.co...xtiles_thi.html

The items that are collected are clothing, linens, wallets, purses, stuffed animals, etc.  The only caveat is the items can be stained, but they must not smell or be wet.

It doesn't look like this is a donation type situation where the items end up at the thrift store or a charity.

I have never heard of fabric recycling.  I didn't know it was possible.  Do you have such programs in your area?

How do they recycle it?  Is it turned into more material or can they make new things out of the end product?

[Hayden]

Thanks for sharing, and for your thoughts on this. This is very interesting. I'm searching for something similar in my area. For now we've been donating clothes to Goodwill

[zararina]

I am not aware too about that fabric recycling and I think we do not have such kind of recycling center here.
Small pieces of fabrics are used to made rags here and sometimes those small pieces are used to make dolls clothes too.  Fabrics or old clothes can be recycled too by making it a bag or purse or even just plain rags.

[FamilyTreeClimber]

I have been intrigued by this ever since I wrote that post.  While I could find information on how used cans and water bottles are turned into polyester, I could not find information on how cloth is recycled.  

I did find a program at Patagonia's website where they will take back your old Patagonia products.  They recycle what they can and repurpose the rest.  But, it doesn't necessarily say that they recycle cloth.

http://www.patagonia...threads/recycle

[steph84]

Thanks for sharing! I always wondered what happened to the stuff I recycled. I know some people in the fashion industry and they have reported that many people are going into greener textiles and organic fabrics. I'm so happy to see that all industries are making an effort to heal the planet.

[FlanneryCam]

I've never heard of a program like this before.

I do try to get as many uses as possible from my fabric.

1) clothing that can be donated, upcycled into a new outfit, given to a friend finds a new home.

2) Clothing that is stained or too holey for another use turns into rags. We use the rags all over the house and do try to wash them when we can.

[SheforACT]

The majority of Americans who wish to clean out their closets often end up donating or re-selling any pieces they find that are still in good condition. There are lots of different ways to promote fabric recycling. Begin by sorting through any and all clothing, linens and other fabrics in your home that are unwanted. Check to see if your municipality or recycling provider allows the collection of textiles. If not, search for a donation spot.