Every year, millions of tons of textiles end up in landfills, creating a mountain of waste that takes decades, if not centuries, to decompose. Places to Recycle Clothes for Money But your old clothes can still have value—both for the planet and your wallet! Recycling clothes is an easy, impactful step toward a greener future and the best part? You can even make money in the process.
Whether you’re clearing out your closet or looking for sustainable ways to refresh your wardrobe, this guide will walk you through the financial and environmental perks of recycling clothes, where to take them for cash or other rewards, and how to make the most out of your recycling efforts.
In today’s world, sustainability is more important than ever, and recycling clothes is a fantastic way to contribute to a greener planet while also making some extra cash. Whether you have gently used clothing that no longer fits or items that you simply don’t wear anymore, there are numerous programs and stores that will help you recycle your clothes for money or store credit. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the best places to recycle clothes for money and more!
Why Recycle Clothes?
- Environmental Impact: Recycling clothes helps reduce textile waste in landfills, conserves resources, and lowers carbon emissions associated with clothing production.
- Financial Benefits: Many programs offer cash or store credit in exchange for your used clothing, allowing you to earn money while decluttering your wardrobe.
- Sustainable Fashion: Participating in clothing recycling promotes a circular economy, encouraging the reuse and repurposing of garments.
Top Places to Recycle Clothes for Money
| Program Name | Overview | Rewards Offered | How It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| ThredUP | An online consignment and thrift store for secondhand clothes. | Cash or store credit based on resale value. | Order a Clean Out Kit, fill it with your clothes, and send it back. ThredUP sells the items and pays you. |
| H&M Garment Collecting | Accepts clothes from any brand for recycling. | Discount coupon for future purchases. | Drop off used clothing at any H&M store to receive a discount voucher. |
| Buffalo Exchange | A popular thrift store that buys and sells secondhand clothing. | Cash or store credit for accepted items. | Bring your items to a local store for evaluation and payment. |
| Patagonia Worn Wear | Trade in used Patagonia gear for store credit. | Store credit ranging from $10 to $100. | Drop off or send in your used Patagonia items for evaluation. |
| Girlfriend Collective | Focuses on sustainable activewear with a recycling program. | $10 for each Girlfriend Collective item sent in. | Create a SuperCircle account, print a shipping label, and send in your items. |
| Reformation RefRecycling | Accepts Reformation clothing for recycling. | $10 store credit for each item sent in. | Drop off items in-store or send them using a prepaid shipping label. |
| Outerknown | Promotes sustainable fashion with a resale program. | Store credit for gently used items. | List items online and send them in using a prepaid label. |
| Trashie | Offers a Take Back Bag for recycling clothes. | $30 in TrashieCash™ for filled bags. | Order a Take Back Bag, fill it with clothes, and send it back. |
| UPPAREL | An Australian recycling service for textiles. | Varies based on items sent in. | Purchase a collection box and send in your textiles for recycling. |
| Local Thrift Stores | Many local thrift stores accept donations and may offer store credit. | Discounts or store credit. | Drop off items at local stores like Goodwill or Salvation Army. |
Additional Options for Recycling Clothes
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like Poshmark, Depop, and eBay allow you to sell your clothes directly to consumers, giving you more control over pricing and sales.
- Community Swap Events: Participate in local clothing swap events where you can exchange your unwanted clothes for items you’ll actually wear.
- Donation Centers: While not always offering cash, donating to organizations like the Salvation Army or local shelters can provide you with a sense of fulfillment and sometimes tax deductions.
Why Recycling Clothes Matters
Beyond the landfill
Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is burned or sent to landfills. The fashion industry’s immense environmental footprint—from water consumption to carbon emissions—makes it one of the most polluting industries globally. Recycling clothes keeps textiles out of landfills and gives them a second life.
Benefits for the planet—and your wallet
Recycling clothes isn’t just altruistic. Many companies and organizations reward you for doing so. From store credit to charitable donations, giving your clothes a new life has never been more rewarding.
Financial wins
If you play your cards right, recycling clothes can save or even make you money. Think cash for trendy items, discounts for sustainably handing in your old clothes, and tax benefits for donating to charities.
Where to Recycle Clothes for Money or Other Perks
There are plenty of options when it comes to recycling your clothes for cash, store credit, or a good cause. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best choices:
1. Online Marketplaces
Platforms like Poshmark, Depop, and ThredUp allow you to sell stylish items directly to other consumers.
How it works:
- Snap photos of your items.
- Set competitive prices.
Best for:
- Gently used and designer pieces are in good condition.
2. Clothing Brands with Recycling Programs
Patagonia (Worn Wear)
- What you get: Store credit
- Few brands champion sustainability like Patagonia. Their program allows you to return used Patagonia items in good condition for credit toward future purchases.
H&M Garment Collection Program
- What you get: Discount vouchers
- Bring any brand of clothing to H&M stores to receive a voucher for your next purchase.
Madewell—Denim Recycling
- What you get: $20 credit
- Drop off old jeans (any brand), and Madewell will turn them into housing insulation. You’ll also earn credit toward new denim.
3. Local Thrift Stores
Thrift stores like Buffalo Exchange or Plato’s Closet purchase gently used clothes in excellent condition.
How it works:
- Bring in your items for in-person appraisal.
Best for:
- Trendy, gently-used fashion that a younger audience might love.
4. Charitable Donations
Donating your clothes to charities won’t necessarily land you cash, but it can help with tax deductions.
Where to go:
- Goodwill
- The Salvation Army
- Dress for Success (for workwear donations)
Tip:
- Keep donation receipts to claim a deduction during tax season.
5. Recycling For Fabric Repurposing
Brands like For Days’ Take Back Bag accept old clothes from any brand (even ripped or stained!). They responsibly recycle your items into new textiles or insulation.
What you get:
- Discounts and sustainable credit toward new purchases.
Tips for Maximizing Profits and Sustainability
1. Sort and Prep Your Items
Before selling or donating clothes, sort them into categories like “sell,” “donate,” and “not wearable.” Wash and fold them so they’re presentation-ready.
2. Focus on Quality
Well-maintained items command higher prices. For selling, items with no stains, tears, or stretching tend to earn top dollar.
3. Know Your Market
Different platforms attract different buyers. Trendy millennials love Depop, while professionals might browse ThredUp for premium clothes.
4. Stay Honest
When listing items online, provide accurate descriptions—including size, condition, and material—so buyers know exactly what they’re getting.
5. Be Consistent
Recycling your clothes isn’t a one-and-done activity. Make it a habit every season and revisit your wardrobe regularly to identify items you no longer wear.
Real-Life Examples of Recycling in Action
Jenny’s Capsule Wardrobe Makeover
When Jenny decided to switch to a minimalist wardrobe, she sold 20% of her closet on Poshmark and Depop, earning $600 over six months. She then donated the unsold items to Dress for Success, which supports women entering the workforce.
Alex’s Denim Rehab
Alex took a pile of worn-out jeans to Madewell, earning $120 in store credit. He used the credit toward new, responsibly made denim, appreciating the eco-friendly approach.
Taylor’s Charity Drive
After deciding to go zero-waste, Taylor organized a clothing drive in her community, collecting over 200 pounds of textiles for Goodwill and H&M’s recycling programs.
Make a Sustainable Difference Today
Every item of clothing you recycle, sell, or donate helps move us closer to a more sustainable future. Reducing waste also supports a circular economy, where nothing is needlessly thrown away.
The power to create change lies in your hands—and your closet. Start small by decluttering, picking a recycling option from the list above, and sharing your sustainable victories. Together, we’re designing a world that’s both fashionable and eco-friendly.
Conclusion
Recycling clothes for money or store credit is a win-win situation. Not only do you get to declutter your wardrobe and earn some extra cash, but you also contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry. With a variety of programs and stores available, it’s easier than ever to recycle your clothes responsibly. Start exploring these options today and make a positive impact on both your wallet and the environment!
Where will you recycle first? Share your experiences in the comments!
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