How to Recycle Your Gently Used Clothing and Accessories

When you find that your closet is too full or your room is too stuffed with things that you don’t need, it may come time to go through your items. The fashion industry has quickly come to be known as one of the largest polluters of the Earth due to the amount of clothing that people buy each year. So, if you find that you have old clothing, it is best that you do not simply throw it back into the landfill to make this problem worse.

As you go through your clothing, begin sorting it through three separate piles. Separate your clothing into great condition, good condition, and poor condition. You may also choose a “I don’t want this anymore” pile for the clothing that you know that you will donate, especially if there are items that no longer fit. Great condition looks like new, good condition is acceptable and can be donated, and poor condition is stained, has holes or rips, and cannot be donated. 

The clothing in your great condition pile can be donated to thrift stores, charity organizations, and even consignment stores. These days, however, they often use pick up and drop-off services to keep people safe. Do your research to find out which charity organizations and thrift shops are open and accepting during the pandemic. When you find one that is open and accepting donations, call ahead and ask them about protocol in washing items, dropping off items, and other necessary factors.

For poor condition clothing and bedding, considering recycling used clothing and other fabric items. Your local recycling center is able to help with this task. As well, in the case of stained blankets and sheets, you can contact dog shelters to see if they are currently accepting donations. They use these comfortable fabric items for dog kennels, so you may be able to help both people and animals with your donations.

After you’ve cleaned your home, cleaned out the closet, and cleaned out the garage, you may find that you have too many clothes and other items. You will find yourself with boxes and bags of clothing, bedding, and other items that you can offer to charity organizations and thrift shops after they’ve been washed. Even if you feel as if you aren’t doing much, you just may be helping others in the future without knowing it.