How to Recycle T-Shirts

Although recycling is often associated with materials such as plastic, glass, and metal, clothing of any material is nearly 100 percent recyclable. Clothing takes up a significant portion of household waste, up to 5 percent of what is thrown out and an average of 68 lbs per household annually. Some cotton clothes may break down in the landfill, but non-biodegradable materials remain there. However, owners can recycle old t-shirts, even if they are not in the best condition. It does not take much effort and it keeps waste out of landfills. Three options to pursue for recycling are reusing the t-shirts at home, donating them to outside organizations, and simply reselling them.

Reuse T-Shirts
Start recycling t-shirts by repurposing them. They make for great craft materials. For example, people with basic sewing skills can easily turn a T-shirt into a reusable grocery or tote bag, a pillow, or a patch quilt, among other household uses.

Making a T-Shirt Bag
Flip the shirt inside out and sew the bottom shut. Turn the shirt right side out and cut off the sleeves at the seams. Widen the neckline to create an opening for the bag. An easy way to do this is by tracing along the edge of medium sized bowl and cutting along that line. Modified patterns allow crafty people to add decorative straps rather than using just the t-shirt material.

Making Pillows
Create a free form pillow by cutting two identically sized panels from the t-shirt. Flip them so the right sides face each other and then simply sew three edges together and most of the fourth edge. Leave enough of a gap to flip the pillow right side out and stuff it with filling. Then, hand sew the remainder of the pillow closed.

Another option is to make a pillow cover for an existing plain throw pillow. Cut one panel to size of the pillow. The other side of the pillow needs a lapped edge, which can be made by cutting two pieces of fabric, each about two-thirds the final width of the pillow (and the same length of the pillow). Using the bottom edges of the shirt, which are already hemmed, cuts down on work. Overlap the two panels with the hemmed edges facing each other so that they measure the total final width of the t-shirt panel. Then, pin the two sides of the pillow together, right sides facing in, and sew all the way around. Flip inside out and slip the pillow inside.

Other Uses for Repurposing T-Shirts
T-shirts with special significance can be turned into patches for a quilt. Users can also cut them up and repurpose them as cleaning rags. For people more inclined to fashion or crafts, t-shirts make great sources of fabric for bracelets, DIY rugs, fabric flowers, and jewelry. The shirts can be changed or added to make a new look. This can involve adding trim to the neckline, painting on a new design, or cutting holes for a style choice. Women can even re-appropriate them for hair styling by cutting the fabric into strips for tying rag curls.


Donate T-Shirts
If the shirts are in good condition, charities such as AmVets and local thrift shops may accept them. These donations are often tax-deductible as an added incentive. Another option is simply to take the shirts to a clothing recycling center, which redistributes the clothes that are wearable. Other shirts can be recycled and turned into yarn, insulation, and other products.