It's amazing how recycling fabric might change your life. Millions of tons of fabric are put into our solid waste system every year, and fortunately there are ways to divert some of that from the landfills. Over 1,000 businesses and groups in the US, who employ thousands of workers, see the benefits from the products, the operations, as well as the programs created by the recycling of textile waste.

Fabric recycling, or recycling discarded apparel into second-hand clothing, is the accepted terminology for the reuse of a clothing item or breakdown of that fabric for another use. Textile recycling companies can help you discard your unwanted clothing or fabric to break down those fibers or resell that material to an interested buyer.

To learn more about textile recycling basics:

1. Find out about the benefits of recycling textiles.

2. Learn about the facts and resources available on textile recycling.

3. See how other fabric recycling companies are meeting industry needs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about the benefits of recycling fabric

Check out how recycling fabric benefits the environment by making less of an impact on our landfills.

I recommend: Find out from the Council for Textile Recycling how the recycling of textile wastes minimizes the amount of waste that goes into our landfills. Also learn about how post-consumer textile waste as no longer just clothing, but it also includes raw product, which is called "mixed rags." Check out the benefits of textile recycling from Harmony Enterprises, a provider of balers and compactors for the industry.

Find out what resources are available on fabric recycling

Discover the many fabric recycling tools and resources available online to help you find the right businesses to affiliate with, questions to ask, information to find and more.

I recommend: Take advantage of the wealth of information available on the Textiles and Leather Recycling Section of the Recycler's World web portal. There you can find traders and recyclers, recycling and waste equipment, associations, publications, information and material exchanges as well as news and information on the textile recycling industry. Solid Waste District of LaPorte County offers a comprehensive fact sheet on the subject that includes information on markets, collection and recycling.

Check out how other textile recycling companies are succeeding

Model your business after the success of other textile recycling companies. Research their businesses, and see how their modes of operations have brought them success.

I recommend: See how companies like ALA Recycling Industries can keep pace with your textile waste recycling needs. Trans-Americas Trading has a wealth of information for buyers and sellers that will leave you browsing their site for both information on their company as well as the industry. They are a true example of how to be successful in the industry, how to market and how to appeal to the industry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Recycling textiles can be as simple as reselling of a garment or piece of fabric. You can expand your clothing recycling business by implementing textile recycling equipment, starting to work with a global market or branching out to an online audience for your found fashions.

When it comes to clothing recycling, very little is left over that isn't used in the process. Some textiles become polishing cloths. Cotton can be made into rags or high-quality paper. Knit and wool can be used in car insulation or seat stuffing. Other types of fabric can be reprocessed into upholstery and insulation. Even buttons and zippers can be re-used. Leftover natural materials can be composted. If all means of reduce-reuse-recycle are utilized, the remaining solid waste can be as little as 5%.

The textile recycling industry doesn't just have an environmental impact, but also an economic one. More than 500 textile recycling companies are in operation in the U.S. When accounting for both primary and secondary processors, we're talking about a $300 million-plus annual business.

Consider this other textile recycling information:

1. The textile recycling industry removes 2.5 billion pounds of textile product waste from the solid waste stream.

2. Up to 93% of waste industries in the business of recycling textiles don't produce any new hazardous waste or harmful by-products.

3. While a few communities have fabric recycling programs, about 85% of this waste occupies about 4% of landfill space.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find textile recycling companies to send waste

A number of companies will get rid of your textile waste for recycling purposes. Make sure you do your research so you are choosing a company that can utilize your waste effectively.

I recommend: Harmony Industries Inc. offers full- and less-than-a-truckload service pickup. The company specializes in synthetic textile by-products like nylon and making textile-reinforced rubber goods such as conveyor belting and pressure hose. Leigh Fibers, Inc., based in South Carolina, accepts a range of materials from thread waste to remnants.

Stay on top of the market for recycling fabric

Just as with other recyclables, at any given time certain fabrics may be more desirable than others. Keep up on trends in the market so you can maximize your recycling energy.

I recommend: Get a textile recycling market analysis from Recycling International; it's updated frequently. Also check prices on recycled fabrics, such as those sold by Rockywoods Fabrics.

Make a profit off textile waste recycling

Not only can you reduce your waste bill by recycling, some recycling companies may even wish to purchase your waste material, depending on the market.

I recommend: Browse through North American Wool Stock Inc.'s list of items they will purchase. ALA Recycling Industries buys cotton denim among other textile waste products.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Contact the clothing recycling company to verify policies such as minimum quantities, restrictions and prices. You'll also want to double check the location and hours of operation before delivery of any textiles. For large quantities, you may want to consider contracting for collection service.

Fabric recyclers take waste fabric or textiles and change it into a usable product, cutting down on solid waste. With textile recycling education and training, you can enter the industry, stay current on regulations and certify your business or product.

Many of the industry's trade associations work with government organizations to educate and train the public in the industry. Often these programs can also help you get the education you need without incurring a major expense.

1. Find online resources to help you focus your training for textile recycling.

2. Join a trade association for textile recycling companies to get insider tips and education available to members only.

3. Utilize industry publications including magazines to find the latest information and to learn what certifications can best help you accomplish your goals.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start with an overview on recycling textiles

The textile recycling business incorporates a variety of recycling methods and works with different textiles. Before you dedicate too much time to education and training, spend some time to learn about the variety in the industry. After doing so, you may find that you need or want training specific to a certain faction of the industry.

I recommend: Learn about specific types of textile recycling, including cotton, wool and polyester, at RecycleNet. You can also find links to additional resources for fabric recycling. The Council for Textile Recycling provides an overview of the industry and also includes information on organizations that can help you learn more.

Utilize associations for textile recycling companies

Many industry associations offer textile recycling education and training for members. In some cases, a membership may include publications or other sources of information for industry standards. Also look for local associations or at least ones with branches in your state.

I recommend: Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART) hosts conventions and offers a download of state by state environmental resources. The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) provides Compliance Guidance to help you learn the regulations for recycling fabric.

Continue your textile recycling education and training with certifications

The recycling industry must adhere to regulations and guidelines in order to ensure safe products. Many third-party companies provide education and training in certification and industry standards. Completing the education and training required to gain the certification not only helps you know more about the textile recycling business, it also acts as a source of marketing.

I recommend: Environmental Leader provides details and information on the Global Recycling Standards (GRS) for recycling fabrics. Scientific Certification Systems provides resources and information on becoming one of its certified product manufacturers. It offers third-party certification.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Most colleges and universities won't offer a degree for fabric recycling, but you can find degrees and classes for environmental sciences.