Why arent there places that will recycle used cotton t-shirts and other cotton clothing and turn it into paper

Question

I have paper that is made from 100% cotton! That is really cool cause cotton is natural and biodegradable. Why arent there companies out there that take uses cotton items and turn it into eco friendly paper producs, like copy paper and paper bags and the like? I think someone needs to adopt this idea and start recycling cotton. I just recently threw away about 100 old t-shirts, and felt horrible doing so. Any opinions accepted or ideas would be greatly appreciated :)

Answer 1

I think that traditional paper (which does grow on trees, you know) is pretty biodegradable as it is.    And you can get natural, undyed paper that still comes from wood.  

The better use for cotton clothes is to reuse them.  And that is indeed what happens to a lot of old cotton shirts.  They get cut, washed, boxed, and sold as shop rags.

I'm sorry that you were unable to find a place to donate your used t-shirts.  I'm surprised that there was no charity or donation location near to you.  Where are you located?

Answer 2

They already do, where do u think the rags in the auto shop come from???

Answer 3

Why didn't you try FREECYCLE!

Answer 4

There is a company in the US that turns old bluejeans into building insulation.  So there are companies out there that do recycle cotton.  There is also at least one small "youth business" that reuses old clothing to make tote bags etc.

Keep looking.