Is there way to recycle old clothes that are too worn out to be re-used?

Question

I have never heard of recycling old clothes or fabric, but it would be great if there was such a thing. I am talking about things like old cotton t-shirts, socks, underwear, etc. that are worn out and full of holes. After all, you can only keep so many to use as rags. I sometimes save worn out denim to use in sewing projects, but it seems like such a waste to toss other stuff into a landfill.

Answer 1

I make quilts out of the useable fabrics, making sizeable squares. Then if I don't need blankets, I donate them to hospitals or charities, dometic violence programs will also use them for tramatized children. Socks and underware make perfect material for making stuffed animals.  You can find books on making items on any of the book sites or library.

Answer 2

I read somewhere that second hand stores like Salvation Army and others have contacts that accept scrap fabrics and sell the materials to the folks who then make carpet padding and stuffing for automobile seats. Maybe someone who works in the industry can confirm this.

Answer 3

I live in a small town in Alaska and we don't waste anything here. I cut up clothes and save all the buttons and zippers for later use and then use them as rags. I know a house only needs so many rags but we own a construction company and we still by boxes upon boxes of rags. You should try contacting some of the construction companies around you they usually need them. Also anyone who stains wood like paint shops need them. They would probally take them and be very greatful not to pay $12.50 for a box of rags.

Answer 4

You can recycle textiles at the Pittsfield Recycling Center-Drop off station on Ellsworth.

Answer 5

Long ago before we were so modern and a throw away society, nothing went to waste. We took old material of any sort, cut it into strips and made braided rugs. They were colorful, quaint and useful. Small children and pets loved to lay on them.

Answer 6

I have two options for you.  The first depends on where you live. I live in Charles County, Maryland. At least one of our recycle centers has a trailer for clothing items for recycle. I don't know where the material goes from there, but at least it is a start. So my suggestion is to contact your local recycling center.

The next suggestion is to contact your local humaine society or animal shelter. They usually use newspaper for lining cages, but they may use old blankets, towels, sheets, shirts, etc to place in cages to make them more comfortable to the animals.

I hope this helps...

Answer 7

Hi Bronwyn.  Septogenarian is correct about the braided rugs.  They're comfy and very durable and easy to clean.  You can also cut or tear the old clothes and fabric into strips for crochet, or for weaving or twining.  You don't need a fancy loom to make a  woven or twined rug, you can make a simple one from sturdy sticks or recycled boards.  Patchwork quilts are a great way to recycle old clothes and it's fun to look at a piece of material and remember that old shirt or dress that was a favorite.  If you sew, use the material for handbags, shopping bags, hats and other accessories.  The legs of old jeans make great gear bags for camping, athletic equipment and such.  Have fun recycling!

Answer 8

I can't think of where I saw this, but it seems that I've seen recently where a company was using old denim to make insulation. You know - rather than the pink fiberglass stuff.

See if this is helpful:

http://www.bondedlogic.com/ultratouchfaq...

Answer 9

Yes.  Salvation Army takes old clothes with stains, holes, and tears for recycling.  They sell them to recycling companies.

Answer 10

hi...i'd say to either give the good-sized pcs of scrap to the different animal rescue sites or local humane societies.  if someone knows how to sew, you could make lil bunched up "blankies" for the animals...i know our dog loves "puffed up" old clothes...as well as ALWAYS taking SOMEONE in the family's dirty sock to bed w/him...too cute!

or, maybe making an overstuffed blankie for your own sm. child, or other sm. children that don't have any of their own! :o)

Answer 11

As a stay-at-home mom with 2 boys...I found myself constantly cleaning my spindle back chairs of dried on grime, food, etc.  Same with the booster seats.  I finally took two old, holes in the pits, long sleeve sweaters and put them on each chair (as if the chair was wearing the sweater).  I tied the arms behind the chair...and voila...instant chair slip covers that can be machine washed.  I use my husbands tee shirts to encase the booster seats.  Easy to clean.

Answer 12

I got rid of a load of clothes and bedding to Cumbria Air Ambulance, I asked the question did they want anything that was not good enough to resell and they did.  Apparently they recycle worn out and damaged stuff.  You could try contacting them.

Answer 13

pieced quilts were the traditional way to reuse worn out clothes and other cloth.  if you cut squares out of the good parts and file them away, soon you'll have enough for a real quilt, or a pillow or purse.  my daughter and i make all sorts of things with pieces from old stuff.  also there are companies now that make shopping bags from recycled cotton -- go to www.reusablebags.com.  not sure where they get their stock, but they might take donations!  good luck!

Answer 14

I use them to make colorful quilt and blankets for the children to sit on in the garden or in the house.

I also use them to make bags for carrying grocery instead of using plastic ones.

There are lots of things you can do with them.

I have recently made a small tent for the children to play with in the garden,it looks very colorful and nice,they play in it everyday......I have also made clothes for their dolls and barbies,they loved them....

Imagination......that's the secret.

Answer 15

My family makes quilts!!! Ya know, a blanket! They are so comfortable to sleep under and if you have a dear friend or family member who has passed away, you can make a quilt from their old clothes to remember them and to comfort you! There are a lot of people who quilt as a hobby so even if your not handy with a needle and thread, you can probably have someone do it for you! Go to a fabric store in your town and ask them if they can help you find a quilter in your area!Hope this helps!