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Recycle Your Old Clothes

Clothes, Shoes & Linens Wanted:  The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Old clothesFrom Old Clothes to New Products

Do you toss damaged clothes, shoes and household linens into the trash because you think they can’t be donated? We’ve got great news: items that aren’t reusable can be recycled into industrial wiping cloths, carpet padding, insulation and more.

In the past, only “gently used,” resalable items could be accepted by area thrift stores, drop boxes and collection sites. But textile markets have changed. Nearly every large collector in our area sorts materials into several categories – some for resale and some for recycling into new products.

Convenient Drop Offs or Pick Ups

So along with reusable clothes, gather up your mismatched socks, ripped t-shirts and faded, old sheets. Take them to a nearby collection site or drop box, or arrange for collection. MORE clothes, shoes and linens are acceptable than ever before—the good, the bad, and the ugly—as long as they’re not wet, moldy or contaminated with hazardous materials.