Best Textile Recycling Programs for Clothing: Make a Difference with Every Donation

Nadia Croll

Have you ever looked at that pile of old clothes and thought, “How can I recycle this responsibly?” The textile recycling landscape has grown significantly, offering easy ways to turn your unused clothes into positive change. Textile recycling programs for clothing are reshaping how we manage waste, transforming everything from gently used garments to worn-out threads into something valuable again. Let’s dive into some of the best programs available today.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

  • Why textile recycling matters and its impact on the environment
  • A list of standout programs offering clothing recycling nationwide
  • Simple ways to get involved and make the most of your old clothes

Why Textile Recycling is Vital for a Greener Planet

Textile recycling programs are essential in tackling the environmental impact of “fast fashion” and clothing waste. Each year, billions of pounds of clothes end up in landfills, where they release harmful greenhouse gases as they decompose. By choosing to recycle or donate your unwanted clothing, you’re supporting a circular economy, reducing the need for virgin materials, and conserving water and energy. Plus, it’s a powerful step toward a more sustainable lifestyle.

I’ve noticed that even my own closet tells a story of changing seasons, styles, and needs—and I suspect many of us have similar clothing “histories.” But there’s something genuinely refreshing about clearing out items that no longer serve us and knowing they won’t just become waste. Here’s how a few standout programs can help you clear out your space sustainably.

1. H&M Garment Collection Program

H&M has been a trailblazer in fashion recycling with their Garment Collection Program. It’s available in most stores worldwide, making it accessible to anyone with an H&M nearby. Simply bring in your old clothes—regardless of brand or condition—and H&M will handle the recycling. Here’s how they’re making an impact:

  • Incentives for Recycling: For each bag of clothing donated, H&M provides a discount on your next purchase, making it a win-win for both your wardrobe and the planet.
  • Versatile Processing: Collected items are sorted for resale, repurposing, or recycling. Clothes in good condition are donated, while damaged items are repurposed as cleaning cloths or insulation.
  • Commitment to Sustainability: H&M’s mission is to reduce textile waste while producing high-quality, more sustainable fashion. Their program continues to expand globally as more people seek eco-friendly disposal options.

I’ve dropped off bags of clothes at H&M before, and honestly, it’s so easy—it feels good knowing those items are headed somewhere useful. The added discount doesn’t hurt, either!

2. The North Face’s “Clothes the Loop” Program

The North Face runs a program called “Clothes the Loop,” focusing on keeping outdoor and activewear out of landfills. Available at participating locations, it’s perfect for recycling worn-out gear, especially for those of us who enjoy outdoor adventures.

  • Recycling All Brands: Like H&M, The North Face accepts clothing from all brands, not just their own. Bring in any gently used or worn-out items, and you’ll receive a $10 voucher to use on future purchases.
  • Focus on Durability: They repurpose donated items whenever possible, emphasizing durability and reuse.
  • Partnership with Soles4Souls: By partnering with Soles4Souls, a nonprofit that distributes clothing to people in need, The North Face ensures that every garment has a purpose.

With this program, it feels like they’re giving a second life to the gear that once gave us memories on hikes and adventures. And isn’t it amazing that something worn out can become useful to someone else?

3. Patagonia’s Worn Wear Initiative

Patagonia is known for its sustainability-first approach, and their Worn Wear Initiative takes it a step further. This program encourages customers to bring in used Patagonia clothing and gear to be repaired, resold, or recycled, extending the lifespan of high-quality outdoor wear.

  • Repair and Resale: Through Worn Wear, you can repair items that have seen better days or exchange them for store credit.
  • Quality Recycling: If items are no longer usable, Patagonia recycles them responsibly, diverting waste from landfills.
  • Environmental Commitment: Patagonia’s program champions minimal waste and long-lasting apparel, aligning with their “buy less, buy quality” philosophy.

I’ve always admired Patagonia’s commitment to environmental consciousness. Their Worn Wear program truly exemplifies this philosophy by emphasizing repairing, not just replacing.

4. For Days “Take Back Bag”

For Days, a newer, circular fashion brand, offers a convenient Take Back Bag program. Customers can purchase a Take Back Bag, fill it with any brand’s used clothing, and send it back to For Days for recycling. For Days then processes these items to be transformed into new products.

  • Closed-Loop System: For Days aims to close the loop on fashion waste by collecting unwanted clothes and recycling them into new fabric for future items.
  • Zero Waste Guarantee: The Take Back Bag guarantees that none of your items will end up in landfills.
  • Easy to Participate: With free shipping on their Take Back Bag, the program is accessible to anyone looking to simplify their closet and recycle sustainably.

There’s something satisfying about sending out a bag of clothes that might have otherwise ended up in the trash. It’s reassuring to know that the items will get a second life and contribute to a new product down the line.

5. Levi’s “Recycle Your Jeans” Initiative

Levi’s has long been a leader in sustainable fashion, and their Recycle Your Jeans initiative is one more way they’re making a positive impact. They encourage customers to bring in their old denim (from any brand) to Levi’s stores, where it’s then sent to be recycled into insulation, upholstery, or other practical products.

  • All Denim Welcome: Levi’s accepts any brand of denim, regardless of condition. So those jeans with a tear or two? They’re still accepted!
  • Creating New Materials: Levi’s works with organizations like Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ program to transform old denim into insulating material, which is then donated to public housing initiatives.
  • Circular Responsibility: Levi’s has committed to reducing the environmental footprint of denim manufacturing, so this program aligns perfectly with their sustainable mission.

I always think it’s cool when a brand embraces recycling at this level, especially since denim is such a durable material. Instead of letting jeans pile up, recycling them with Levi’s feels like honoring the fabric and its long life.

6. Zara’s In-Store Recycling Bins

Zara, a giant in the fashion industry, has implemented in-store recycling bins in select locations to help reduce clothing waste. This initiative is part of their broader sustainability goals to reduce textile waste and adopt more eco-friendly practices.

  • Simple Drop-Off: In Zara stores with recycling bins, customers can simply drop off unwanted clothing. Zara then partners with local organizations to recycle or repurpose the items.
  • Collaborations with Local Charities: Zara’s recycling efforts often involve partnerships with charities, which help ensure that clothes in good condition find their way to those in need.
  • Commitment to Eco-Friendly Growth: As a fast-fashion brand, Zara’s push toward recycling is significant. It reflects a shift in consumer expectations and the industry's commitment to becoming more sustainable.

When I first heard that Zara was getting into textile recycling, I thought, “It’s about time.” Fast fashion brands have such a big role to play, and seeing these recycling bins in stores is a step in the right direction. It’s proof that change is happening.

Simple Ways to Start Your Own Sustainable Recycling Routine

It can feel overwhelming knowing where to start with recycling, especially when you have a variety of clothes and different drop-off options. Here are some tips that make recycling easier and more rewarding.

  • Sort by Condition: Before heading to a recycling location, take a moment to sort your clothing. Decide which items are gently worn and can be donated versus those that need to be repurposed or recycled. This simple step can help you make the most of the various recycling programs.
  • Choose a Local Option: Many cities have local recycling programs or charity centers. By using nearby options, you can support your community while reducing the environmental impact of long-distance shipping.
  • Keep a Recycling Bag Handy: Try designating a bag in your closet for clothes that you no longer wear. Once it’s full, it’s time to take it to one of these programs!

Recycling your clothes doesn’t have to be an all-at-once task. It can be as simple as filling up a bag a little at a time and making a drop-off whenever you’re nearby one of these participating stores. A small commitment like this can add up to big changes over time.

Textile Recycling: A Step Toward a Sustainable Future

While recycling our clothes might seem like a small effort, it’s a crucial one. By supporting these textile recycling programs, we’re not only reducing waste but also encouraging brands to invest in more eco-friendly practices. Every item that’s recycled, repurposed, or donated keeps our environment a little cleaner and extends the life of our fabrics in new ways.

And as more people participate, brands and organizations will have greater incentive to expand their programs and sustainability initiatives. So, next time you clear out your closet, think of it as a fresh start for your wardrobe and a small but meaningful way to contribute to a greener planet.