10 Creative Ways to Keep Your Textiles Out of Landfills

Donating · Recycling · Repurposing · Swapping · Upcycling & More

Every year, millions of tons of clothing and textiles end up in landfills - many of them still perfectly usable. The good news? With a little intention and creativity, you can dramatically reduce your contribution to textile waste. Whether you’re clearing out your wardrobe, refreshing your style, or simply trying to be more sustainable, here are 10 practical, fun, and impactful ways to give your clothes a second life.

1. Donate Thoughtfully

Not all donations are equal but when done right, they make a big difference.

Where to donate:

• Local charities and thrift shops

• Women’s shelters and crisis centers

• Homeless shelters

• Refugee support organizations

• Community clothing banks

Best for:

Gently worn, clean clothing that still has plenty of life left.

Extra tip:

Call ahead to see what items they currently need most.

2. Sell or Consign Your Gently Used Pieces

If your clothes are in great condition or from higher-end brands, selling them keeps them in circulation longer and puts money back in your pocket.

Where to sell/consign:

• Depop, Poshmark, Vinted

• Local consignment stores

• Facebook Marketplace

• Specialised resale stores (for kids wear, designer wear, sportswear)

Best for:

Items in near-new condition or pieces with resale value.

3. Recycle Unwearable Textiles

Don’t toss worn-out tees, socks with holes, or ripped linens - many textile recycling programs will take them.

Where to recycle:

• Local textile recycling bins

• City recycling programs (if available)

• Retailer take-back initiatives

• Fiber-to-fiber recycling centers

What becomes of them?

Insulation, industrial rags, stuffing for furniture, or new fabrics.

4. Repurpose at Home

Perfect for worn-out or stained pieces that can’t be donated or sold.

Easy DIY repurposing ideas:

• Cut t-shirts into cleaning cloths

• Turn jeans into tote bags

• Make pillowcases from old shirts

• Create hair ties or headbands from stretchy fabrics

• Use old towels as pet bedding or cleaning rags

Why it works:

You’re extending the material’s life and reducing the need to buy new household items.

5. Host a Clothing Swap With Friends

A swap is a fun, social, and sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe.

How to organize one:

1. Pick a date and invite friends with similar style or size ranges.

2. Ask everyone to bring clean, good-condition items.

3. Sort by category (tops, bottoms, dresses, accessories).

4. Take turns picking or let everyone browse freely.

Tip:

Make it a seasonal ritual — spring clean or pre-holiday swap!

6. Start a Community Swap Event

Take it to the next level by organising a neighbourhood or workplace swap.

Where you can host:

• Community centers

• Schools or universities

• Libraries

• Church halls

• Office break rooms

Bonus idea:

Add a repair station or upcycling workshop for extra impact.

7. Upcycle With Style

Upcycling is perfect for unleashing creativity while rescuing clothes from the bin.

Upcycling ideas:

• Crop an old hoodie

• Add embroidery to denim or jackets

• Dye faded garments

• Add patches to jeans

• Turn a dress into a two-piece set

• Add lace, trims, or appliqués

Good for:

Pieces you love but don’t wear in their current form.

8. Host a “Mend & Wine” Night

Invite friends over to repair clothing together, with snacks, music, and drinks.

Activities can include:

• Sewing on buttons

• Fixing hems

• Patching holes

• Re-dyeing or refreshing fabrics

Why it works:

It turns a chore into a social experience while extending the life of your clothes.

9. Give Old Clothing to Local Makers or Artists

Many artists, designers, and crafters look for textiles they can transform.

Great for:

• Denim

• Cotton sheets

• Old t-shirts

• Lace and trims

• Unique materials

Where to find recipients:

• Sewing groups

• Quilting guilds

• Local schools

• Art students

• Maker spaces

10. Create a “Textile Donation Box” at Home

Make it easy to build sustainable habits.

How to set it up:

• Keep a laundry basket or bin labeled “textile recycling/donation”

• Add items as soon as you’re done with them

• Empty the bin monthly or seasonally

Why it works:

Consistency prevents spontaneous dumps into the trash bin.

Final Thoughts: Little Habits, Big Impact

Keeping textiles out of landfills doesn’t require a massive lifestyle overhaul. With just a few thoughtful habits - donating, swapping, repurposing, upcycling, and recycling, you can make a meaningful environmental difference while refreshing your style, connecting with others, and saving money.