How to Recycle Cotton Fabric

"Recycling" has several meanings. It can mean to break down a material, such as a glass bottle, in order to create a new batch of bottles. Recycling also means adapting an existing material for a new use. This form of recycling is most often used for cotton fabric.



If you are looking to get rid of your cotton fabric stash, consider options that allow others to re-purpose the textile. From recycling exchanges to student projects, many others will find good use for your old cotton fabric stockpile.

Instructions

• 1

  Use a recycling listing service, such as The Recycler's Exchange, to advertise your available cotton fabric. The exchange allows users to post notices for cotton available for recycling or request cotton fabric other users wish to dispose of.

• 2

  Ask your local school district's art or home economics department if teachers need the fabric. Many class projects use cotton fabric and recycling the material through the school means students won't have to purchase new fabric.

• 3

  Contact local theater groups to ask if they want the fabric for costumes. Most groups are run as non-profits and seek to cut costs wherever possible, so they will gladly accept the fabric for their productions' costumes.

• 4

  Inquire if the fabric is wanted at local secondhand shops and clothing stores. Some businesses may want the fabric to sew new clothes or for display purposes.

• 5

  Contact your local recycling authority to see if it accepts cotton fabric for recycling. Some centers do recycle textile for residents. If not, ask if officials are aware of any nearby recycling centers that accept cotton fabric.