What to Do With Old Clothes: 7 Options
As our wardrobes evolve, inevitably, some pieces will no longer fit our style, needs, or space. This often leads to a dilemma of what to do with old clothes that have accumulated over time. Did you know that the average American throws away more than 100 pounds of textiles each year? That's a staggering amount of waste ending up in landfills!
Instead of tossing them, there are numerous creative and environmentally friendly ways to deal with old clothing. Whether you're looking to recycle, donate, or upcycle, this guide will provide you with seven effective options for what to do with old clothing.
From turning your old jeans into trendy shorts to donating them to an online thrift store, you'll find plenty of ideas to give your garments a second life. So, let’s dive into some of the best things to do with old clothes and discover the joys of sustainable fashion along the way.
1. Recycle Your Old Clothes
If you’re wondering how to dispose of old clothes, textile recycling is one of the most sustainable solutions. Recycling can transform worn-out clothes into new materials, reducing textile waste and promoting a circular fashion economy.
There are several options for recycling your clothes:
Textile Recycling Program: Look for local programs that accept old textiles and clothing items. Many municipalities have textile recycling programs to help reduce waste.
Retailer Take-Back Programs: Some clothing manufacturers and stores offer recycling bins where you can drop off used clothes. Check with your favorite brands to see if they offer this service.
Specialized Recyclers: Certain services like Retold Recycling make it easy to recycle old clothes by providing shipping bags for your unwanted textiles.
Recycling used clothes helps the environment by reducing waste and supports the creation of new products from recycled fabrics.
2. Donate to Charities or Thrift Stores
Donating clothes is a fantastic way to give back to the community while decluttering your home. Charities like Goodwill accept a wide range of clothing items, from children’s clothing to warm coats, and use the proceeds to fund various community programs.
Goodwill is unique in the way that it is both a thrift store and a nonprofit organization. By donating to Goodwill, you help fund job training programs and provide employment opportunities for those in need. In fact, for every sale made through your donations, an average of 85 cents of every dollar funds their incredible programs. Your donations are not just about how to get rid of old clothes but also about supporting a greater mission at local Goodwill stores and ShopGoodwill.com’s online thrift store.
To donate your clothes:
Prepare Your Items: Ensure your clothes are clean and in good condition. Fold and pack them neatly to make the donation process smoother.
Find a Goodwill Donation Center: Use the Goodwill locator on their website to find a donation center near you. Many locations also accept donations directly at the store.
Get a Donation Receipt: Always ask for a donation receipt. This can be useful for tax purposes as clothing donations are often tax-deductible.
By donating clothes, you're not only decluttering your home but also making a significant impact on your community.
3. Upcycle to Create New Outfits
Upcycling old clothes into new fashion pieces is a creative and eco-friendly way to breathe new life into your wardrobe. This process involves reimagining and altering old garments to create something new and stylish.
There are many ways to approach upcycling, each offering a unique opportunity to refresh your closet:
Turn Old Jeans into Shorts: Cut and hem old jeans to create a pair of trendy shorts.
Add Patches or Embroidery: Customize jackets, shirts, or jeans with unique patches or embroidery to give them a fresh look.
Combine Pieces: Use fabric from multiple old clothing items to create a new, unique piece.
Upcycling simultaneously helps reduce textile waste while allowing you to express your creativity and style.
4. Convert Into Household Items
Transform your used clothes into practical and eco-friendly household items with a bit of creativity! Those worn-out T-shirts and towels can easily become your new go-to cleaning rags. Just cut them up, and you’ve got a stash of durable fabric scraps ready for action. And don't toss out soft fabrics or old socks—they make perfect stuffing for cushions or pillows, adding comfort while reducing waste.
These DIY conversions are not only simple but also budget-friendly. By repurposing your old clothes, you’ll save money on new household items and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. Give your pre-loved clothes a second life and enjoy the benefits of upcycling!
5. Swap Clothes With Friends or at Events
Clothing swaps are a fantastic way to refresh your wardrobe without spending a dime. Imagine the thrill of discovering new-to-you outfits while giving your old favorites a second life. This is a great idea if you and your friends love thrifting for clothes. Gather your friends for a fun and social event, or join an organized swap to meet new people with great style. It's a win-win: you update your closet and contribute to sustainable fashion by giving away your unwanted clothes.
6. Sell Through Online Platforms
Got gently used clothing that's still in great condition? Turn that clutter into cash! With online platforms, reaching a wide audience eager for secondhand fashion has never been easier.
From outgrown clothes to unique vintage pieces, selling your clothes not only puts extra money in your pocket but also champions sustainable fashion by inspiring others to explore the benefits of secondhand shopping. It's a win-win!
7. Use as Packing Materials
Turn your moving day into a greener experience by using old clothes as packing materials. Not only does this save money, but it also helps reduce waste. Wrap glassware, dishes, and other delicate and fragile items in soft old clothes to keep them safe during the move. You can also drape old shirts, pants, or blankets over furniture to shield them from dust and scratches.
By repurposing old clothing for packing, you're giving these items a second life and making an eco-conscious decision that reduces your environmental footprint. Making the most of what you already have is a smart and sustainable way to tackle the challenges of moving.
Support a Greater Mission by Donating Used Clothes
Donating to Goodwill is more than just decluttering your home. It’s about creating opportunities and supporting your community. Your donations help fund job training programs and provide employment opportunities for those in need. By donating to Goodwill, you’re contributing to a larger mission of empowerment and sustainability. At the same time, you’re promoting the benefits of thrifting, such as reducing waste, finding unique items, and supporting a more sustainable fashion industry. What could be better than that?
Take Action and Make a Difference with Pre-Loved Clothes
Deciding what to do with used clothes doesn't have to be a challenge. With these seven options, you can find the perfect way to repurpose, recycle, or donate your unwanted garments. Whether you’re looking to give your old blue jeans a new life, tackle the issue of unwanted clothing, or combat the effects of fast fashion, there’s a solution that fits your needs.
Donated clothing can make a significant impact, no matter if you drop them off at a local thrift shop or work with a textile recycler. Every small effort counts toward reducing textile waste and promoting a sustainable future. Ready to take action? Donate to your local Goodwill to start making a difference today!
Sources:
1. University School of Public Health. "The Aftermath of Fast Fashion: How Discarded Clothes Impact Public Health and the Environment." Boston University, 18 July 2022, https://www.bu.edu/sph/news/articles/2022/the-aftermath-of-fast-fashion-how-discarded-clothes-impact-public-health-and-the-environment/.
