How to Recycle Your Clothes
Image: Seattle Met Composite and TK
You might know that the fashion industry creates more carbon emissions than international flights. You might know that millions of tons of textiles wind up in landfills every year. But do you know what to do about it?
Recycling clothing isn't as straightforward as tossing a can in a curbside bin—but it's not tough, and it's definitely worth it. (Especially when you get a gift card out of the deal.) Whether you're struggling to find room in your closet or making a sustainable New Year's resolution, here are some ways to give your old clothes new life.
Know any other great clothes recycling programs we should mention? Let our editor Zoe Sayler know at [email protected]
King County Threadcycle
Girlfriend Collective
Seattle's patron saint of athleisure makes its products out of recycled bottles. When they reach the end of their life with you, you can then send those products back to be reincarnated as skorts, leggings with pockets—you get the idea. You'll have to buy a shipping label for $7 (one for each product), but you'll get a $15 store credit in return.
Madewell
Madewell—which has local locations in Bellevue and at U Village—offers a generous denim recycling program, even if you're not already a fan. Bring in any of your pre-worn jeans ("the bootcuts from high school, the baggy ones from your skater days, the bright red skinnies from who knows when") and get a $20 Madewell gift card. You know what they say: One man's trash is another man's housing insulation.
Nordstrom Beautycycle
Sure, this isn't technically a clothing program. But it's a godsend for anyone looking to recycle beauty product packaging, like empty shampoo bottles and eyeshadow palettes. Seriously, what are you supposed to do with those things? Take them to Nordstrom or the Rack and toss them in one of the big pink collection bins, that's what.
Patagonia
Seattleites treat Patagonias like toddlers treat teddy bears—sometimes they get a little too much love. You won't get store credit for this one, but if the thought of your beloved "beyond help" fleece getting a new lease on life gives you the warm fuzzies (Patagonia does try to upcycle recycled products), drop it off downtown or ship it back. For items still very much in wearable condition, the Worn Wear program offers Patagonia credit or repair options, and is also a great way to get outdoor gear for a more reasonable price.
Ridwell
Sometimes, you have to bring in the professionals: Seattle-based Ridwell whisks away the more obscure recyclables, like plastic film and household batteries, that you've agonized over tossing in the trash. Clean-ish clothing, shoes, towels, sheets, and fabric scraps very much included.
Consignment Stores
You might not think of consigning as a form of recycling, but it essentially works the same as a trade-in program that's lax on the rules (though they can be pretty picky about which items they take—stores usually list their preferred brands and styles online, and it's worth planning ahead). Here's our list of a few great local consignment shops to get you started.
REI Trade-In
