Even if it’s only to create space in your closet for lovely new clothes, there comes a time in which we all need to dispose of clothes that have seen their day. But how best to get rid of old clothes in a way that reduces impact on the environment and possibly helps others out? Here are a few of the very best ways to recycle old clothes, along with some tips and things to consider:
Donate to Goodwill… and Save on Tax!
Obviously, Goodwill is the first place people think of when they’re ready to recycle old clothes. It’s a great way to make a difference and avoid having your clothes end up in a landfill site, and it can even benefit you financially.
The great news is that you can get a tax write-off for any of the items that are considered to be in ‘good condition’. All you need to do is estimate the value of the donations you’re making on your tax return – Goodwill’s own value guide toclothing and accessories should come in handy.
What Can’t You Donate?
Surprisingly, very little – a lot of the reason people put old clothes directly in the trash is because they believe that ‘even the thrift store won’t want this.’
In reality, most thrift stores will take anything with only one exception: don’t donate anything that’s wet, covered in mildew or that have paint (and other noxious chemicals) on them. Common sense, really – be sure to package the clothing in plastic bags if you’re leaving them for collection so they don’t get wet.
Even really, really tattered and old clothing can be donated since it’ll be sent off to other parties who can break down the textiles and put them to good use.
Donation Pick Ups
Remember, Goodwill isn’t the only place that accepts clothing donations, but if you can’t drop off your donation in person, there are also plenty of charities that are more than happy to come to you.
An even better tip:
Don’t Create Waste in the First Place!
Of course, one of the very best ways to recycle old clothes is to avoid having anything to recycle! Thanks to the prevalence of clothing sales and greater options to choose from, Americans are buying more and more clothes every year (about double the amount compared to twenty years ago). Naturally, more gets thrown away as a result.
To combat this, love the clothes you buy. Always purchase items that fit well rather than taking a chance on something you’ll try and squeeze into once then give up on; similarly, shop for versatile items that work with an array of outfits where possible (as opposed to that fluffy pink gillet that you just know for a fact isn’t going to get worn.)
Wear the clothes you love well, and wear them often. If you need a little inspiration on how to breathe new life into old outfits, look no further.
A Note on Disaster Relief
It may seem like one of the best ways to recycle old clothes and give them a second life, but donating piles of clothing to charities following a disaster isn’t often as good a cause as it sounds (even if your heart is in the right place).
FEMA – the Federal Emergency Management Agency – has advised against making clothing donations since sorting through them by the ton is too much of a resource sink. Be sure to make sure the charity or relief effort is specifically asking for clothes in the wake of a disaster before you clean out the closet.
As such, it’s probably best to simply donate it all in one go to Goodwill and capitalize on the tax saving and great feeling you’ll get.
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