How to Recycle Clothing

Figuring out how to recycle clothing can be tough aside from the obvious, and feel good solution of sending your old stuff to the salvation army.

But what if you want to do more? OR make some money off your old items.
There are other solutions to your old duds. From consignment shops, to making rags, even making quilts.

There are so many things you can do with those items in your closet you no longer love.

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Start by shopping in your closet, make different piles for the following recycling options

• give it away
• I hardly wore this - I think I will sell it
• Wow I forgot I had this - I love it!
• no one would want this - even for free!

Give it Away

Anything that you know you will never wear that is in good shape but perhaps dated and not designer give it away. It will make you feel good about helping clothe someone else.

There are many charities that will take used clothing. Some sell it to fund their organization, others use it directly to help the homeless, battered women or runaway teens.

If it matters to you where your clothes will be used do your research and don't just throw it in the closest clothing drop off box.

Consignment

Selling your clothes is a great way to recoup some money on your investment.

The best way to make money with consignment placements is to sell rarely worn items that capitalize off current trends or are vintage.

Another sure fire item to sell is designer. Everyone loves to snag a deal on a designer item. And if it is barely used you can get closer to your retail price.

Check out your local consignment and vintage shops for placing your items. OR try a service like MYEXCloset.

MYEXCloset will pick up your clothes (in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal) and sell them on their online consignment shop for you. 


If your wardrobe is like mine it may have gotten out of control. And sometimes you forget about items near the back or items in storage.

Rediscovering a piece of clothing you love is a treat. Recycle clothing back into your closet and make sure you keep wearing it this time!!

Re-purposing your Clothing

Worn out holey t-shirts and underwear are unlikely to find a place in someone elses closet, even if you give them away!

Items like this are great however to cut up into rags for cleaning.

Old pairs of pants that have holes or worn out sweaters can have an even more creative extended life. Use these for quilts, pillows or make your own stuffed toys. Find free patterns on the internet and use your creative juices.

Shop Recycled

Don't stop at your current closet to recycle clothing. You can start shopping recycled!

Shop consignment shops that you know you like the merchandise. While somewhere like the online MYEXCloset caters more to a university crowd (except for shoes and accessories which are more universal) shops along Mt. Pleasant Road are great for middle aged women. Do you know your favourite Vintage and consignment shops?

You can also shop for re-purposed clothing. Boutiques like Preloved and Nathalie Roze offer great new fashions made out old out dated items.

Even regular retail shops have recycling deals where you can trade in old jeans and handbags and get a percentage off your new purchase.

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