How Do You Get Rid of Clothes That Can’t Be Recycled?

We all have those clothes tucked away somewhere—too torn to donate, too faded to sell, and definitely not suitable for fabric recycling. But just because they can’t go in the recycling bin doesn’t mean they have to end up in landfill. There are still plenty of ways to deal with old, non-recyclable clothes that are better for the environment and even useful at home.

Here are some practical and eco-friendly options for getting rid of clothes that can’t be recycled.

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1. Repurpose Them at Home

Before you throw clothes away, see if you can reuse them in simple ways around the house:

• Old t-shirts make great cleaning cloths or dusters.

• Soft cotton can be turned into reusable makeup pads or cloth napkins.

• Cut up thicker fabric, like jeans, to use as garden ties or mats.

This keeps worn-out textiles out of the bin and gives them a second life—an easy win when fabric recycling isn’t possible.

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2. Upcycle Creatively

If you like DIY projects, upcycling is a great way to turn old clothes into something new and useful:

• Turn a ripped shirt into a cushion cover.

• Make a reusable tote bag from an old pair of jeans. (see this tutorial – Tote tutorial)

• Use fabric scraps for arts and crafts or sewing practice.

Upcycling is not only a creative alternative to fabric recycling, but it also helps you reduce waste at home.

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3. Donate to Animal Shelters

Animal shelters often accept used towels, blankets, and even old clothes to use as bedding or for cleaning. While not all shelters take fabric donations, many will accept items that can’t be resold or recycled.

Always check with the shelter first to see what they can use.

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4. Look for Fabric Recycling Programs

Even if your local council doesn’t take damaged clothing, some fashion brands and specialist companies offer fabric recycling schemes. These programs accept textiles in any condition, including clothes that are ripped or stained. If it is a canvas fabric, maybe we can help – we have options here

Some high street retailers like H&M, M&S, and Levi’s offer take-back bins in-store where you can drop off old textiles for fabric recycling. These materials are then turned into things like insulation, stuffing, or industrial cloths.

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5. Compost Natural Fabrics

Clothing made from 100% natural fibres—such as cotton, wool, or linen—can sometimes be composted at home. This only works for untreated, undyed fabrics, and you’ll need to:

• Remove zippers, buttons, or synthetic parts.

• Cut the fabric into small pieces.

• Mix it with other compostable materials for balance.

This is a great alternative to traditional fabric recycling when the materials are fully biodegradable.

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6. Avoid Landfill Where Possible

If none of these options are available, landfill may seem like the only choice—but try to avoid it if you can. Clothes in landfills can take decades to decompose and may release harmful chemicals or microplastics into the environment.

Instead, think ahead by choosing better-quality clothing, repairing what you can, and making use of fabric recycling or reuse options when available.

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Final Thoughts

Getting rid of clothes that can’t be recycled doesn’t have to mean throwing them in the bin. Whether you repurpose them, upcycle creatively, or find a local fabric recycling program, there are plenty of ways to reduce waste and help the planet.

Next time you’re clearing out your wardrobe, take a moment to think about how your old clothes can still do some good—even if they can’t go in the recycling bin.