TEXTILE RECYCLING

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Textile Recycling at ricRACK

17 million tons of textiles are thrown away each year. 82 pounds per American. While 95% of textiles could be recycled, only 15% actually are. We're working to change that.
 

Think Before You Recycle

Recycling is the last word in "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" for a reason — it's the last resort. Before anything hits the bin, consider:

• Reuse, repurpose, upcycle, swap, or trade

• Donate wearable clothing to us — we resell it to fund our mission

• Got good fabric? We accept it as a tax-deductible donation for classes or resale

• Then recycle what's truly left
   

What We Accept for Textile Recycling (Tex Rec)

Tex Rec is for fabric and clothing at the end of its life — things that can't be reused or repurposed without serious effort:

• Visibly stained, torn, holey, or dry-rotted fabric or clothing

• Loose threads

• Scraps smaller than the size of a hand

• Worn socks and undergarments — must be clean

• Used bedding, towels, and household linens — must be clean

• Unfinished sewing projects — please remove all pins
   

What We Do NOT Accept

• Leather, vinyl, or pleather

• Soiled (unwashed) garments or fabric

• Moldy garments or fabric

• Shop rags or anything that's come in contact with hazardous materials
   

What Happens to Your Tex Rec?

Your donations are sent to be shredded into Shoddy. Shoddy is recycled fiber repurposed as car seat padding, carpet padding, and more. Nothing goes to the landfill.

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Is Textile Recycling Free?

Sadly, no. ricRACK charges a $5 per pound fee to cover the cost of processing and transport.

Want to support our Textile Recycling Program? Consider making a donation.
 

Donation Days & Drop-Off

We accept Tex Rec on Donation Days: 1st & 3rd Mondays of the month, 9am–1pm, and by appointment at our Creative Reuse Store at 321 Burgundy St.
 

 Next Donation Day:
July 6, 2026

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 To schedule an appointment, call us at 504-218-5205

Questions? Email aubrey@ricracknola.com