Frequently Asked Questions

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The United States generates approximately 25 billion pounds of textiles each year, yet only 15% of this is recycled or reused, with the vast majority—85% or about 21 billion pounds—ending up in landfills. This contributes to significant environmental degradation, including the production of greenhouse gases and the wasteful use of resources like water, energy, and chemicals required for new textiles.

Globally, with 92 million tons of textile waste produced annually, the impact is profound, affecting not just the environment but also the economy. By recycling textiles, we can reduce the demand for new resources, support a more sustainable economy, and lessen the burden on landfills.

At ReclothEarth, we are driven by a commitment to reverse these trends. We advocate for and educate on better consumption patterns and waste management practices. Our goal is not only to mitigate environmental impact but also to foster sustainable community growth. By supporting ReclothEarth, you become a vital part of this positive change, helping us to advocate for the planet and promote long-term recycling practices.

At ReclothEarth, we are dedicated to sustainable clothing recycling, providing resources and knowledge to promote responsible practices. Our commitment extends beyond environmental concerns—we strive to reduce landfill waste and actively support initiatives tackling homelessness and housing instability. By choosing ReclothEarth, you contribute to a unified effort aimed at fostering environmental responsibility and social growth. We are grateful for your support in our mission to make a meaningful impact on both our planet and our communities.

Clothing and Footwear:

• Blouses, Dresses, Formalwear, Jeans, Pajamas
• Pants, Shirts, Shoes, Shorts, Sleepwear
• Suits, Sweaters, Sweatpants, Sweatshirts
• Tank Tops, T-Shirts, Undergarments

Accessories:

• Backpacks, Belts, Gloves, Handbags, Hats
• Jewelry, Purses, Scarves, Small Travel Bags
• Suitcases, Ties

Textiles:

• Bedding (sheets, bedspreads, blankets)
• Drapes, Duvets, Pillowcases, Pillows, Quilts
• Towels, Umbrellas, Sewing Supplies, Yarn
• Fabrics and Materials

Household Goods:

• Buttons, Sewing Supplies, Fabrics and Materials

Games and Toys:

• Action Figures, Arts and Craft Kits, Bead Kits
• Beanie Babies, Bicycles, Board Games, Card Games
• Cars and Trucks, Dolls, Infant Toys, Play Food
• Pop Its and Sensory Toys, Stuffed Animals, Stacking Toys
• Tricycles

Musical Instruments:

• Cello, Clarinet, Drums (e.g., Tabla), Flute, Guitar
• Harmonica, Maracas, Piano/Keyboard (up to 24 in.)
• Recorder, Saxophone, Trumpet, Violin

Sporting Goods:

• Balls (e.g., basketballs, soccer balls)
• Bats, Clubs, Exercise Equipment, Fishing Gear
• Gloves, Helmets, Jerseys, Jump Ropes, Memorabilia
• Racquets, Team Uniforms

ReclothEarth welcomes these donations to support our recycling efforts and initiatives aiding the homeless and those facing housing instability. Thank you for your generous contributions.

Please do not donate items that are dirty, wet, or moldy. Such conditions can contaminate otherwise perfect recyclable materials, affecting entire batches of donations. We also ask that you refrain from donating items that are heavily stained or in a state of disrepair that makes them unsuitable for recycling or reuse.

Yes, we accept used undergarments, provided they are clean and dry. This ensures that all donations meet our hygiene standards and are ready for the next steps in their lifecycle.

We strongly encourage you to wash all clothes before donating. Clean donations help maintain the quality and safety of our recycling process and ensure that all items are ready for immediate sorting and distribution. This simple step greatly assists us in managing donations effectively and safely.

At ReclothEarth, we do not directly sell the donations we receive. Instead, we engage in a sustainable exchange process with textile recyclers. Items that are not suitable for direct reuse are traded for casual wear that better meets the needs of our initiatives. This allows us to provide quality clothing options for the homeless and those facing housing instability while still supporting the recycling of textiles that are not fit for direct donation.

This approach helps us maintain our commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, as we continue to find innovative ways to support our community and the planet.

Donating your clothing to ReclothEarth is easy! We have self-service clothing bins located throughout the Tristate area. To find the clothing bin nearest you, visit our website and use our convenient bin locator tool. Drop your clean and dry clothing in any of our bins, and we'll take care of the rest, ensuring your donations support our recycling efforts and help those in need.

At ReclothEarth, we are proud to collaborate with a wide array of partners to maximize the impact of your donations. Our network includes businesses, charitable organizations, educational institutions, houses of worship, as well as local and national government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and various nonprofit groups. Through these partnerships, we ensure that the items you donate are used effectively to support communities and further our mission of sustainability and aid for the homeless.

Absolutely not! At ReclothEarth, we are committed to ensuring that no single donated item goes to landfill. We do not use dumpsters; instead, we diligently find ways to compost, reuse, or recycle every item we receive. Our philosophy is simple: where there’s a will, there’s a way! This commitment helps us uphold our mission to protect the environment and support those in need through sustainable practices.

Becoming a ReclothEarth Ambassador is a fantastic way to contribute to our mission of sustainability and support for the homeless. Ambassadors help spread awareness, organize collection drives, and engage with their communities to promote better recycling practices. If you are passionate about protecting the environment and helping those in need, we would love to have you join our team.

Please visit our website and fill out the Ambassador Application form to get started. We’ll provide you with all the necessary information and materials to become an effective advocate for ReclothEarth in your community.