How to recycle clothes and shoes

As it is properly summer at last, you are probably finally committing to a clear out and deciding how to recycle clothes and shoes. Clothing is not disposable waste, like a yogurt pot that you put in the recycling. So rather than recycle, you might consider how to donate, give away, or sell your unwanted things.

We are all searching for pinpricks of dopamine, and clearing your space provides this. It’s more useful than scrolling on your phone too, although I appreciate that scrolling on your phone may have brought you to this very article. There is joy in buying new things and going shopping. There is joy in buying new-to-you things, too. A good hunt through a vintage store yields treasure you never could have pictured. The opposite applies too. Having too much stuff can be overwhelming, and there is joy in having wardrobes and drawers that are well organised and not sprouting crumpled t-shirts from every crevice.

How to recycle clothes and shoes – Have a Good Sort Out

We all want to make the most of our sunny days and glorious weekends, but perhaps on a day when it’s just too hot to go anywhere, or on a cooler evening, you could have a look at what you have. If it no longer fits, if you never liked the colour, or you are just not feeling it, put it on the pile for someone else to enjoy.

With the rest of your clothes, check what needs laundering or could do with a refresh. Deodorise the shoes that need it. Iron everything. Yes, this is a big task but once things are ironed and folded, they fit much more neatly in your drawers. And your lovely summer dresses will be ready on their hangers to wear.

Some people are drawn to organising, some are not. Some would like to be! It’s worth putting some thought into the furniture you use. Of course, you can watch some Insta reels on tidying and get some ideas on accessories and boxes and different storage systems. There are many places that sell these relatively cheaply. But be wary that you are just spending even more money and buying more things, just in a different direction.

Redistribution and Restoration

How to recycle clothes and shoes. You might want to join a neighbourhood group to see if any furniture comes up that people are giving away for free. My neighbourhood Whatsapp has been an unexpected goldmine for drawers, cabinets and storage of various types. Sometimes I am dragging home something new every day, like an ant with a particularly exciting but massive cake crumb. Except it is a chest of drawers. And I wake up wondering why my back hurts so much! If it looks like it will fit or is what I’m looking for, I snap it up. Later on, it might go back out on the street if something even better comes along. It soon goes again.

I really appreciate this sense of community. I also enjoy restoring and upcycling the things I find, because some is classic IKEA, but some is very old. Once I discovered a revolving world globe set in a wooden frame, looking like it came from the library of a Victorian gentleman. It flipped open to reveal a drinks cabinet. But sadly, there was no space for such dignified frippery in my flat.

How to recycle clothes and shoes – and also make money

Ok, so you have organised everything and now have a pile of clothes you don’t want. The next step is what to do now. I mentioned dopamine. This is the sense of pleasure we get. You can get it from lots of different things. Eating ice cream is one. Getting likes on your Facebook post is another. Giving gifts is also pleasurable, and so you can see donating your clothes to thrift stores or the Salvation Army as giving a gift to a stranger.

Recently I read that putting money into a savings account also creates a feeling of satisfaction – as does paying off debt. In fact, the article went on to say that something like 80% of people who saved as opposed to 20% of people who didn’t went on to buy their first home. Which seemed pretty obvious to me, since how can most people afford the deposit if they don’t save? The remaining percentage must be via gift, inheritance, or a very nice bonus. Or perhaps they came up on the Pools. And also, isn’t buying a house via a mortgage just the acquisition of an absolutely massive debt? I realise I’m straying from the point.

So the idea is to list your clothing on Vinted, or sell to a vintage shop, and put that money in a savings pot. You will feel good knowing you have a little cushion, a little nest egg. It’s a nice little hobby, or side hustle, or both. It’s great to build up your relationships with your customers, and practice your photography and social skills. You are not going to make a million pounds but it helps to offset the textile waste caused by fast fashion shoes and clothing.

Or Give it Away

How to recycle clothes and shoes. Image Royalty free via Picryl

If you would prefer, you can give your clothes away. Find charity shops that accept clothing and shoes. Unwanted clothing is welcome, even those bits that you are not sure about. Bring them anyway because many charities have recycling programs alongside retail stores. The shop itself you probably know about, and they will put things that are in good condition on the shop floor. But they do not put your other bits in the waste box.

Instead, they will send it to a company who recycle clothes, often by shredding them and mashing the synthetic or natural fibres together. It doesn’t matter if they are made from natural fibres or not, many pounds of textiles can be reused or recycled this way. If you cannot visit when the shop is open, just drop them in the clothes recycling bins and the charity will do the rest.

Some brands also have specific reusing upcycling schemes. There are collection bin in places like North Face and reuse a shoe program exists too.

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