Is there a place that will recycle my work T-Shirts in Washington state (not a Good Will or Value Village)?

Question

I have some shirts from work that I cannot give to Value Village or Good Will and I really don't want to just throw them in the trash. So, I am hoping someone knows of a service that will take the shirts and recyle them into new and improved stuff?

Answer 1

Use them to wash your car, dishes, windows...

Answer 2

I have two thoughts for you. First, you can recycle your T-shirts yourself. There are many types of craft projects you can do with them. A very simple one is to cut (or rip) them into stips, then cut the strips into a shorter length. Get a blank latch hook rug canvis, and tie by hand, or lach with a latch hooker, and make homemade rugs. Pets simply adore these rugs. You can leave the strips long for a "shag" cushy rug.

Second thought...why can't you give those shirts to a thrift store? Is it because of a work policy? Thrift stores sell clothing items they are unable to sell, or use, by the pound. These are purchased by companies that make rags.

My husband use to work on helicopters. You would be amazed at the huge boxes of rags that are gone through keeping a Chinnook helicopter clean of grease drips and in operating condition.

So go ahead and donate, even if you think the thrift store cannot sell them. They can still sell them for rags, and make money.

By the way, the humane society may be thrilled with a donation of T-shirts they can use for rags for the dogs and cats....call and ask!

You can also make very simple, easy to sew soft toys for cats. Just include a bit of Cosmic Catnip in the toy, along with the stuffing. They might sell like hotcakes at a local farmers market!

Hope this gave you some good ideas.

~Garnet
Homesteading/farming for 20 years. Living frugal, but not cheap for 30 years.

Answer 3

We go through a lot of shirts. When we get a good stack, we donate them to a homeless shelter.