Recycle Clothing and Other Textiles
ReCollective Recycles Textiles
Recycling and reusing clothing is a powerful way to reduce your environmental impact. Each year, over 92 million tons of textile waste are generated globally, with much of it ending up in landfills, where it can take decades to decompose. By recycling clothing, we can significantly reduce this waste, conserving the energy and water typically required to produce new garments. Recycling just one ton of cotton clothing can save up to 765,000 liters of water.
At The ReCollective, we recycle textiles and clothing across the Triangle, NC, including Durham, Raleigh, Cary, and Chapel Hill, as well as through our Almost Anything Bag Mailback program. We’re dedicated to giving your textiles a second life, whether through reuse or recycling. Textiles are collected every month in addition to our other core hard-to-recycle materials.
Accepted Materials
EVERY MONTH
Clean and dry textiles in any condition, including:
- Clothes
- Shoes
- Towels
- Sheets
- Purses
Materials NOT Accepted
Textiles that are:
- Wet
- Hazardous or contaminated
- Mildewed and moldy
- Pillows
How does The ReCollective recycle textiles?
The ReCollective collaborates with various partners to ensure textiles are either reused or recycled. About 45% of the materials we collect are wearable clothing, which is resold and reused. Around 20% of the textiles are shredded into fibers, known as shoddy, which is used in applications like insulation and carpet padding. Another 30% of the materials are cut into cloths.
Our Partners Who Make Recycling Clothing Possible
At The ReCollective, we encourage everyone to recycle and reuse textiles and clothing, whether you’re a member or not. Here are some fantastic local community organizations where you can donate used clothing.
The Scrap Exchange
This creative reuse center accepts gently used clothing and other materials to help support their mission of promoting sustainability through reuse.
Durham Rescue Mission Thrift Stores
The Durham Rescue Mission accepts donations of clothing, which they sell in their thrift stores to fund their programs for the homeless and those in need.
Urban Ministries of Durham
They accept donations of clothing for their clients who are experiencing homelessness.
Note in The Pocket
This organization provides clothing to children in need throughout Wake County. They accept donations of gently used children’s clothing.
Goodwill Community Foundation
Goodwill accepts a wide range of clothing donations, which they sell in their thrift stores to fund job training and employment programs.
Salvation Army Family Stores
Both Durham and Raleigh have multiple locations where you can donate used clothing.
Dress for Success Triangle NC
This organization empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing professional attire, a network of support, and career development tools. They accept donations of professional clothing for women.