Recycling Process

• Collection: The recycling process starts with the collection of textiles. This can involve drop-off locations, curbside collection, or textile recycling bins.
• Sorting: Once collected, textiles are sorted based on their type, material, and condition. Items in good condition can be reused, while damaged or worn-out textiles can still be recycled.
• Donations and Upcycling: Some textiles in good condition may skip the recycling process altogether and be donated to charities or used for upcycling projects. Upcycling involves creatively transforming old textiles into new and unique items. 
• Cleaning: Textiles are cleaned to remove contaminants like dirt, oil, or stains. This is essential to prepare them for the recycling process.
• Shredding or Cutting: Textiles are then either shredded into small pieces or cut into smaller segments. This step helps break down the textiles into manageable sizes for further processing.
• Fiber Production: The shredded or cut textiles are further processed to extract fibers. In the case of cotton or other natural fibers, the fibers can be mechanically separated. For synthetic fibers like polyester, a chemical process may be involved.
• Reprocessing: The extracted fibers can be used to create new textiles or other products. These fibers can be blended with virgin fibers or used exclusively in recycled textile products.
• New Products: The recycled fibers can be used to create a wide range of products, including clothing, blankets, insulation materials, and more.

What cannot be recycled?

At this time we cannot accept used pillows or bedding.

Please do not donate anything wet or smelly. 

It helps to have items pre washed but is not necessary. 

Some fibers that are difficult to recycle or cannot be recycled efficiently include:

1. Mixed fibers: Fabrics made from a blend of different types of fibers can be challenging to recycle because separating the fibers requires complex processes.
2. Synthetic fibers: Certain synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon are recyclable but require specific processes and facilities, which may not be widely available.
3. Fibers treated with chemicals: Fabrics treated with certain chemicals or finishes can be difficult to recycle due to contamination concerns.
4. Fibers with low demand: Some fibers, even if technically recyclable, may not be economically viable to recycle due to low demand for the recycled material.

Creating a more sustainable and circular fashion industry involves various strategies and actions:

1. Design for durability and longevity: Encourage fashion designers to create clothing with high-quality materials and construction techniques that ensure longevity.
2. Embrace sustainable materials: Promote the use of eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and recycled fibers to reduce environmental impact.
3. Implement circular business models: Adopt circular economy principles such as clothing rental, resale, repair, and recycling programs to extend the lifespan of garments and minimize waste.
4. Educate consumers: Raise awareness among consumers about the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion and encourage mindful consumption habits such as buying fewer but higher-quality garments and supporting sustainable brands.
5. Invest in technology: Support research and development of innovative technologies for recycling and upcycling textiles to close the loop on the fashion supply chain.
6. Collaboration and transparency: Foster collaboration among industry stakeholders including brands, manufacturers, retailers, NGOs, and policymakers to set and achieve sustainability goals. Transparency in supply chains is crucial for ensuring ethical practices and accountability.
7. Policy support: Advocate for policies and regulations that promote sustainable practices, such as eco-labeling, extended producer responsibility, and incentives for circular business models.

By implementing these strategies collectively, the fashion industry can move towards a more sustainable and circular future.