How to Recycle Used Clothing

Used clothing is one of the easiest things to recycle.  There are also many options for recycling used clothing.  You should have no reason to ever throw out any used clothing, even if it is in less than perfect shape.  Read the following tips on recycling used clothing:

If the clothing is in fairly good shape
Some clothing you will not have worn a lot or it just isn't that worn out.  In this case you should try to find someone else who can use it.

• Give it to someone you know who could use it.
• Donate it to charity or a thrift shop.

If the clothing can be repaired
Many times a piece of clothing only needs some minor repair and it is good as new.  Don't let a missing button or small tear mean the trash bin.

• You should be able to do small repairs like sew on a button, sew up a hole or replace a zipper.
• Once repaired you can then follow the tips above for clothing in fairly good shape.

If the clothing is in pretty bad shape or beyond repair
Usually you will wear an item until it is of no use to anyone.  In this case you still have many options as to how you can recycle it.

• If clothing is stained or torn badly you can use it as rags.  Using as rags is a great alternative to using paper towels, which just pile up in your garbage and are not a very good investment.  Save a little money and use rags.
• If the clothing has some areas of wear the cut it into pieces and use it for making blankets and quilts.
• You may also be able to make smaller clothing or items from used clothing.  You can make bags, bibs and maybe even a child's sundress.

Recycling clothing is important because many fabrics will take some time to break down in a landfill.  Reuse is an amazing idea that will take a piece of clothing from a short use item to something you can use for years and years.  You have to get creative about how you recycle your used clothing.  Just try to think outside the box and see what possibilities lie ahead for that worn out pair of jeans or that old t shirt.  You'd be amazed at what you can use used clothing for.