Textile Waste Reduction
and Recovery Guidance
Looking for what to do with your unwanted clothing, shoes, and other textiles? Don't trash them!
Why is it important to reduce the amount of textile waste?
98% of textiles can be reused or recycled. Even ripped, stained, or unwearable textiles that are unsuitable for resale at second hand stores can be repaired or recycled! Read on for guidance on how you can help keep clothing and other textiles out of the landfill.
“84% of textile waste is sent to landfills at a cost of $3.7 billion. Did you know, textiles increased in the municipal solid waste stream by a staggering 80% between 2000 and 2018? That is more than double the growth of any other major waste category. During the same time, textile diversion rates remained stagnant at 16%.” - Resource Recycling Systems analysis of US EPA data.
A textile is any type of material made by weaving, knitting, crocheting, or bonding fibers together. Textiles are used to make products like clothing, towels, bedding, and curtains. They are also used to make industrial goods such as seatbelts, vehicle upholstery, and medical gowns. They can be made from natural materials like cotton and wool, or synthetic materials like polyester and nylon. Textile donation and recycling guidelines usually refer only to items such as clothing, towels, bedding, and curtains.
“Textile” defined…
Let’s weave a sustainable future together,
one thread at a time!
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Make sure they are still active and accepting textiles
What specifically do they accept/do not accept?
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Educate yourself and others online about textile waste reduction (e.g., Fashion for Good, International Textile Alliance)
Participate in social media campaigns (e.g., repost Recycle Right NY content, especially when related to textiles)
Engage with your community to encourage more textile reuse (e.g., hosting local clothing swaps)
Best Practices for Donating Textiles
Did you know?
There are few, if any, direct recycling routes for textiles. The best thing to do is donate to a place that accepts non-reusable textiles and your non-wearable textiles will be routed to recycling after going through a sorting and aggregation process.
Major Textile Collectors in NYS
IMPORTANT: Always double-check what is accepted at an individual location, and whether a location is currently active or not, by contacting the location directly!