From that well-loved, holey T-shirt you just can’t part with to those jeans you’ve refused to throw out, we all know how daunting it can be to declutter our wardrobes. Yet in a world increasingly inspired by minimalism, responsible decluttering has become an essential trend.
If you feel like it’s finally time to part ways with your old favorites, we’re here to guide you on how to do it responsibly. From recycling and upcycling to donating and selling, there are countless ways to breathe new life into your clothing while reducing waste. Here’s everything you need to know about sustainable clothing disposal and the worst mistakes to avoid.
What Should You Do With Your Used Clothing?
1. Recycle
Did you know that only around 1% of clothing is recycled in the truest sense, where fibers are broken down and reused to create new garments? However, this doesn’t mean the other 99% can’t be recycled. With the right destination, most fabrics can find a second life.
Our Recommendation: Marine Layer’s Re-Spun Program
Marine Layer is revolutionizing T-shirt recycling. Their Re-Spun program accepts old tees (even mixed-fabric ones without spandex), breaks them down to the fiber level, and creates new ultra-soft garments. What’s more, they achieve this without using any water or chemicals, making it truly sustainable.
Here’s how it works:
- Request a free recycling kit from Marine Layer’s website.
- Send in your old tees using their prepaid mailer.
- Earn up to $5 worth of store credit per T-shirt, up to 5 tees.
This closed-loop recycling process is not just planet-friendly, but wallet-friendly too!
2. Upcycle
If you’re looking for a creative way to deal with old clothes, upcycling is the answer. Upcycling gives those forgotten pieces a completely new purpose or design, turning them into something useful, cool, or even trendy.
Creative Upcycling Ideas:
- Frame your favorite tees: Showcase a band t-shirt from the ‘90s by stretching it over a canvas or placing it in a frame for edgy wall art.
- Transform into tote bags: Create unique bags from graphic tees to reduce your plastic bag usage and make a style statement at the farmer’s market.
- Make a cat tent: Repurpose an old T-shirt into a cozy little tent for your feline friend. Easy, creative, and a win for your pet!
- Create dog toys: Braided or knotted T-shirt strips make excellent tug-of-war toys for your pup.
Upcycling is a fun, low-cost way to do your bit for the environment while unleashing your creativity!
3. Donate to Charity
Even if you think your clothes are old, stained, or outdated, someone else could see them as the perfect find. Charitable donations are some of the most direct and meaningful ways to repurpose clothing, especially following the rise of thrift culture.
Our Recommendation: Goodwill Industries
Goodwill is a household name that uses proceeds from its thrift stores to support community programs, including job placements and training. With over 3,200 locations, it’s easy to find a store near you. Before donating, just check their website or give them a call to confirm they’re currently accepting items.
4. Donate to Clothing Collection Companies
Charities aren’t the only organizations addressing the secondhand clothing market. Clothing collection companies have emerged to fill the gap and ensure textiles are reused in creative ways, like being shredded for car seat stuffing or even processed for energy production.
Our Recommendation: Green Drop
Green Drop makes donating effortless. You can schedule a pick-up or drop your items off at one of their convenient locations. What’s even better? Their proceeds support programs for organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
5. Sell Used Clothing
The resale trend is booming, offering both a sustainable solution and an opportunity for profit. Whether you’re using platforms like Etsy, Depop, or eBay, selling your pre-loved clothing can put money back in your pocket.
For casual pieces, try platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Designer pieces? Consignment platforms like Poshmark and thredUP are great options. Over time, this practice might even reshape your shopping habits, encouraging you to buy higher-quality, durable items.
6. Downcycle
Even when a T-shirt can’t be recycled or donated, it can still serve a purpose. Downcycling involves repurposing garments for practical uses such as cleaning cloths, furniture polishers, or car-washing rags.
While these items may still hit the landfill eventually, downcycling ensures you get maximum use out of your fabrics before disposing of them. Plus, it saves you from buying single-use rags or supplies!
7. Pass It On with Hand-Me-Downs
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best ones. A T-shirt you’re tired of wearing might be the perfect “vintage” treasure for a teenager in your family. Similarly, functional shirts can be lifesavers for friends working in dirty or hands-on jobs.
Hand-me-downs foster a sense of community, preserve memories, and give clothing a cherished new life.
The Worst Things You Can Do With Old Clothing
- Throw it away: The majority of clothing in landfills contributes to pollution and takes decades to break down. Avoid this at all costs.
- Burn it: Not only is this bad for the environment, but it also releases harmful toxins into the air.
- Ignore it: Clothes left to sit in your closet serve no purpose when they can be reused, recycled, or loved by someone else.
It’s Time to Rethink Your Wardrobe
Decluttering your closet doesn’t have to be wasteful or guilt-inducing. With so many creative and responsible ways to recycle, upcycle, and donate, you can give your clothing a new life while benefiting others and the planet.
When in doubt, choose a solution that aligns with sustainability, creativity, and practicality. By doing so, you’re not just clearing out your closet; you’re making a positive impact.