Textiles encompass a wide range of materials, including apparel, household linens, footwear, bags and backpacks, curtains, tablecloths, and more. Recycling options for these types of material involve breaking down the fibers to recycle them into new products. The use of blended materials like cotton and polyester, elastane, silk, wool, nylon, and elements such as zippers, buttons, and grommets make recycling textiles challenging.

 

Generally speaking, reuse markets are the best option for most wearable or household fabrics, as it extends their life and value before being put into the remanufacturing process. Michiganders can extend the useful life of textiles through donation and reuse. Some of these options include the use of local thrift stores, charitable organizations, community drop-off locations, reuse centers, special collection events, retailer take-back initiatives, and mail-in programs. Some Michigan-based nonprofits and reuse organizations accept large quantities of textiles from communities for sorting and redistribution.

 

Most drop-off sites accept clean, dry textiles, and many will also take items that are stained, torn, or otherwise unusable. When materials are not eligible for resale, they may be recycled into wiping cloths, carpet padding, or insulation. Requirements vary by program and location, therefore it is always best to check program requirements before promoting a donation, reuse, or recycling option.

 

Education Pitfalls and Best Practices:

• Keeping the language simple is important. When talking "textiles," use "wearable and household fabrics" or "clothing and accessories" when talking to the pubic. Based on the context, you may be able to refer to what they are - "clothes, shoes, and apparel."
• Options for recycling textiles are limited, and not every community will have access to programs that accept textiles. Focus education, when possible, on reduction, repair, and donation to prevent waste before it's created. There may be convenient clothing drives, pick-up programs, and donation bins that residents may access. Try to highlight local, convenient, and accessible options.
• Residents often think that only resalable textiles can be donated. However, depending on the collection program's purpose, even damaged textiles can be collected. Many drop-off programs accept torn, stained, or unwearable items, as long as they are clean and dry.
• It is important to message that residents should check local requirements before dropping off textiles. Drop-off programs vary across the state, with some preferring bagged items and others preferring loose items. Many programs accept mixed items, such as shoes, pants, tops, and sheets, together. Regardless of other drop-off requirements, all items should be clean, dry, and free of mold or strong odors to ensure safe handling and successful reuse or recycling.

 

Michigan Perspective: 

Michigan landfills over 250,000 tons of textile waste annually through municipal solid waste. If recovered, it represents $26 million in value. Many Michigan communities work with national and local textile collectors to reduce textile waste and support reuse markets.

 

Local donation centers, thrift stores, and nonprofit organizations all play a role in diverting textiles from landfills. They enable the redistribution of clothing to households across the state, thereby extending the life of textiles. Some communities organize seasonal or event-based textile drives where residents can donate or recycle large quantities of clothing an linens.

• Keep wearable and household fabrics like clothes and carpets out of the curbside recycling bin or cart. These items require specialized recycling, beyond what recycling sorting facilities currently use for standard curbside programs. Check locally for designated drop-off programs.
• Reduce your waste by choosing sustainable, durable clothing options, repairing tears and wear, or buying secondhand.
• Some donation centers accept clothing in any condition, ripped, stained, worn, etc. Check your local programs rules to see what items they accept.
• Space in our landfills is limited. If we throw away items like clothing, shoes, and fabric curtains, they may take thousands of years to break down in the landfill.
• Reusing and recycling fabrics conserves resources by keeping existing materials in use longer and reducing the demand for new products.
• Recycling wearable and household fabrics supports communities by boosting local businesses like local thrift shops, nonprofits, and assistance programs.

 

How to Recycle:

• Drop-Off
• Curbside
• Mail-In
• Retail/Other

 

Importance of Recycling: 

When large quantities of textiles end up in landfills, they contribute to diminished landfill capacity and accelerated environmental degradation. For example, natural fibers such as cotton and wool decompose and release methane. Meanwhile, synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and elastane can shed microplastics that persist in the environment and have the potential to bioaccumulate.

 

Reusing and recycling textiles conserves resources by keeping existing materials in use longer and reducing the demand for new products. Recycling textiles supports communities by boosting local businesses. Local thrift shops, nonprofits, and assistance programs all benefit.