Most of us know the best way to reuse gently used clothing is to donate it. But what about underwear or items that are too worn? Sadly, tons of clothing ends up in landfills because it's damaged, stained, or unsellable. According to U.S. environmental data, old clothing makes up the largest share of textiles in the trash that cities collect. But even worn clothes still have value; you just need to know where to send them.
Why some clothes can't be donated
Donation centers resell items or give them to people in need. They are not recycling centers, so they will reject or throw away clothing with stains, bad smells, or damage.
Repair
Before throwing out worn clothing, try repairing it. You can patch small holes, replace missing buttons, or use fabric dye to cover stains. These fixes don't cost much, and repairing even one item reduces the demand for new clothes. Repairs don't have to be invisible, either. Sashiko stitching, a type of visible mending, turns repairs into wearable art.
Upcycle
Old clothes can also become cleaning supplies. Cotton T-shirts and towels can be cut into strong cleaning rags, while softer fabrics make good dusting cloths. Some local animal shelters also accept old towels and sheets as bedding.
Recycling programs
When clothing is too worn to donate or reuse, textile recycling is the best choice. These programs break old fabrics down into fibers, which are then made into products like insulation or carpet padding. Check locally first: many cities offer drop-off points, and some stores take back used clothing and shoes.
When throwing away is the only option
Clothing that has been exposed to chemicals, mold, or other dangerous substances cannot be safely donated or recycled. In these cases, the landfill is the last resort. For everything else, though, there is almost always a better option than the trash.