Recycling Tip for Better Results: Clothing and Textiles

February 21st, 2018

Spring cleaning is approaching, which usually involves tidying up your closet and getting rid of old clothes. Instead of throwing these items in the trash, consider donating them to thrift stores for reuse. Here in Ann Arbor, there are plenty of options for reuse (thrift stores) and recycling of your old clothing and textiles.

Pro tip: Before replacing clothing or textiles, ask yourself if you really need new items. If they are simply worn out a bit, can they be repaired or repurposed? Think creatively!

Why can’t I put clothing or textiles into the recycling cart?

Clothing or textiles placed in the recycling cart contaminate the recycling stream which is meant to be clean, residue-free, and only made up of items meant for recycling curbside (paper, plastics, glass, etc). Although some clothing is made from recycled post-consumer material, it cannot be processed in the residential curbside collection system. Many textiles can be reused or repurposed when donated or recycled at a proper facility.

If I can’t put it into the recycling cart, where can it go?

If clothing or textiles are in good, reusable condition we recommend donating to local thrift stores first. If you need to dispose of unusable old textiles, clothing, or shoes, our Drop-Off Station (DOS) at 2950 E. Ellsworth Rd. will take bags of textiles for recycling. Three bags are included with the $3.00 entry fee and each additional bag is $3.00 after that. Materials such as tattered or stained clothing and shoes can be dropped off in bags to be shredded for recycling into new products.

Stay tuned for March’s “Recycling Tip for Better Results”- Furniture