How to Recycle Plastic Textiles

Cuddle up on the couch with a soda bottle to keep warm. Although this statement might seem strange, there is nothing wrong. In fact, all is good. Manufacturers are recycling plastic bottles into fabric, producing fleece and other textiles like blankets and clothing. One company adopted fleece into their product line made from post-consumer recycled plastic soda bottles back in 1993. They were the first outdoor clothing manufacturer to do so but the trend has caught on today. Before you toss that old raincoat or soft polyester sports top, read the label. It might be a recyclable textile.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access or a phone book
• Sorting bags

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Instructions

• 1

  Learn about your local recycling program.

  Do your homework. Call your local waste management facility to be sure that they accept plastic textiles in the recycling program. Contact local charities such as the Goodwill Industries or the Salvation Army to confirm that they are accepting donations. Consider opportunities to repurpose textiles.

• 2

  Clean your plastic textiles which may include polyester fabrics, fleece blankets, jackets, rubber rain gear, hats and purses.

• 3

  Organize donations in transparent bags.

  Organize your textiles into piles and then bag them according to their final destination. Curbside recycling programs accept some textiles such as fleece blankets and clothing made from recycled plastic bottles. Thrift stores accept good, usable clothing.

• 4

  Look for announcements in the local paper.

  Read the newspaper for special announcements regarding specific donations that are needed by local organizations when you are ready to deliver. During the winter many groups hold coat drives or pet-blanket drives.

• 5

  Deliver your donations to be recycled and save the landfills.