How to dispose of clothes & textiles
Best ways to dispose of clothes & textiles (best → last resort)
Donate/ReuseAnything wearable
Goodwill, Salvation Army, shelters, and donation bins take clean, usable clothes and shoes.
Drop-offWorn-out items
Textile-recycling bins and retailer take-back (H&M) accept stained or torn clothes to become rags and insulation.
How to prepare it
- Wash and dry items before donating.
- Bag clothes so they stay clean and dry.
Don't
- Don't trash textiles if they can be donated or textile-recycled — they're a huge landfill stream.
Find a drop-off near you
Acceptance varies by city — always check your local program first.
Recycling rules for your city → · Item recycling guides →
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Clothes & textiles disposal — FAQ
- What's the best way to dispose of clothes & textiles?
- Donate/Reuse (anything wearable): Goodwill, Salvation Army, shelters, and donation bins take clean, usable clothes and shoes.
- Can you put clothes & textiles in the trash?
- Not usually — use a drop-off or take-back program instead of the trash.
- Where can I recycle clothes & textiles near me?
- Search a drop-off with the Earth911 locator or "textile recycling drop-off near me." Acceptance varies by city, so confirm with your local program.
Related
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