RECYCLING FASHION: WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR OLD CLOTHES?

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE

Article Published on: 28TH JUNE 2025 | www.demodemagazine.com

As concerns about environmental sustainability grow, recycling fashion has become a key focus in reducing the massive waste generated by the clothing industry. But what actually happens to your old clothes when you donate, recycle, or discard them?

When you drop off unwanted garments at donation centers or recycling points, the journey of your clothes can take several paths. Many wearable items are sorted and sent to secondhand stores or charities, where they are resold locally or exported to countries in need. This extends the life of clothing, reducing the demand for new production and preventing textiles from immediately ending up in landfills.

However, not all donated clothes are suitable for resale. Those that are damaged, stained, or outdated often go to textile recycling facilities. Here, clothes are sorted by material type and either shredded or processed into fibers. These fibers can be repurposed in several ways: turned into insulation, cleaning cloths, upholstery stuffing, or even re-spun into new yarn for fabric production. This form of recycling helps keep textiles out of landfills and reduces reliance on virgin materials.

Some brands have launched take-back programs encouraging customers to return old clothes directly to them. These garments may be resold as vintage, upcycled into new designs, or recycled into raw materials. Upcycling creatively transforms discarded clothing into higher-value products, reducing waste and promoting circular fashion.

Despite these efforts, a large portion of discarded clothes still ends up in landfills or incinerators, contributing to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This highlights the urgent need for improved recycling infrastructure, consumer awareness, and innovations in sustainable textile production.

In summary, recycling fashion is more complex than it seems. Your old clothes can find new life through resale, repurposing, or fiber recycling, but only if managed properly. By recycling thoughtfully and supporting circular fashion, consumers can play a vital role in reducing the environmental impact of their wardrobes.