Textile Recycling Facts that everyone should know.

Why should we recycle used clothing and household textiles?

Clothing and household textiles currently make up 6.3 % of the waste stream or the equivalent of 81 pounds per person thrown away annually in the US. Nearly 95% of used clothing and textiles can be reused and recycled. You can help reduce the amount of clothing and textile products going into landfills by reusing or recycling these materials.

The used clothing industry provides lower income people around the world with affordable clothing. Clothing that is damaged, is recycled into wiping rags or ground up into fiber to create new products like, paper, yarn, insulation and carpet padding.

What are some other benefits of textile reuse and recycling?

  • Reduces the need to create more landfill space.

  • Reduces pollution created by incinerators.

  • Provides low cost clothing to low income households all over the world.

  • Recycling textiles saves the environment from tons of harsh chemicals, waste products and waste water used in the manufacturing of clothing as well.

What can be recycled?

Any clothing, household textile or commercial linen textile as long as it is DRY and has NO ODOR can be reused and recycled. Even if the item is stained, torn, overly worn or out-of-date, do not throw it away; it has a use in the clothing recycling industry. Only items that are wet (mildewed) or have been used with a solvent-type liquid (gasoline, Goof Off, etc.) cannot be recycled.

Can large quantities be recycled?

Our team can assist with large quantities of textiles materials such as misprinted t-shirts, linen from hospitals, prisons, hotels, etc.

If you have large quantities and are looking for a textile recycling partner, contact us for more information on how to recycle these items.

How are textiles recycled?

Nearly all used clothing and household textiles can be reused or recycled. About 45% are reused as clothing, 30% are turned into industrial wiping and polishing cloths, and 20% are processed into fibers for new products. Overall, approximately 95% of used textiles are recyclable, with only 5% considered unusable due to contamination such as mildew.

The textile reuse and recycling industry is made up of three main types of companies: collectors, processors, and distributors. Together, they play a key role in reducing landfill waste. Local Impact is an all in one type of team. We handle all three stages of the textile reuse and recycling industry. Our mission is to focus on local communities and create a more sustainable impact.