Textiles & Fashion
How to Recycle Clothing & Textiles
Updated 2026-07-04 · 5 min read
Fast fashion has made textiles a fast-growing waste stream. Most clothing can be reused, repaired or recycled — landfill should be the last resort.
Move up the ladder: reuse before recycle
- Repair small damage instead of discarding
- Resell or swap wearable items
- Donate usable clothing to charities and drop-offs
- Recycle worn-out fabric into insulation, wiping cloths or fibre
Prepare textiles for recycling
- Clean and dry everything
- Bag wearable and unwearable separately
- Keep pairs of shoes together
- Remove non-textile items
Find a textile take-back partner
Use the Textiles & Fashion stream to find take-back, repair and resale providers. Verified listings show that their claims have been checked.
Frequently asked questions
Can I recycle underwear and socks?
Worn-out items that aren't suitable for reuse can often go to textile recyclers that turn fabric into insulation or industrial cloths — check what your local provider accepts.
Is donating the same as recycling?
No — donating is reuse, which is higher on the ladder and keeps the garment whole. Recycling breaks fabric down and should be for items no longer wearable.