How can I recycle cotton in the UK?

Question

Hi

We need to dispose of around 20,000 dyed cotton bags. I would like to recycle them, Does anybody know anywhere that buys cotton fabric for recycling?

Answer 1

Hi,

What kind of size and shape are they?  I can think of uses for some (I work in a school) but not 20,000!

Answer 2

Contact an artisan paper maker who will be able to break down the fabric for making cotton linters for paper making. There are several countrywide (UK), you'll have to google, but you could start with Two Rivers in Somerset, also Wookey Hole have a traditional paper mill.

Or could you distribute them somewhere as an alternative to supermarket plastic bags?

Answer 3

what a shame! what's wrong with them?

there are rag men who buy or at least collect free, from charity shops, jumble sales etc. a load of all cotton should be saleable, usually they have to pay migrant labourers to sort through by hand and separate out the different materials.

Answer 4

Some recycling points have clothing banks. Dont think you will get any money for them tho. lol. Check your local council's recycling facilities online?