How to Dispose of Damaged Clothes

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Wondering how to dispose of damaged clothes responsibly? From recycling to upcycling, learn eco-friendly ways to keep old fabrics out of landfills. Read more!

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At the beginning of this year, I shared a post about wardrobe resolutions that we should all be making in 2025. Many of these resolutions were focused on making more sustainable choices whenever it comes to the clothes we are purchasing, wearing, and disposing of. I hinted at having a post coming soon that would focus on how to dispose of damaged clothes and I’m excited to share that today in partnership with Terracycle! (Use code ALLISON20 for 20% off your first box!)

Before we dive into how to dispose of damaged clothes with Terracycle, I was to first and foremost say that donating is always the first way to go. There are so many people in need that it’s really not difficult to gather our things and either schedule a pickup or drop off these clothing and shoe items to a charity, church, or shelter that really needs your help.

However, there are times when clothing, shoes, and many other household items (hint: you can recycle almost everything with Terracycle!) just aren’t in any condition to donate, and this is when we recycle. For instance, I keep my clothes in pretty good condition, but Blake is really tough on hers. Every time she needs to switch over to the next size up, we are left with quite a bit of clothing and shoes that aren’t in any condition to pass along to another person – that’s when we turn to TerraCycle.

How to Dispose of Damaged Clothes

As moms, we’re always looking for ways to create a better world for our little ones—whether that means choosing organic snacks, opting for eco-friendly diapers, or cutting down on waste wherever we can. But let’s be honest: dealing with damaged clothes can feel overwhelming. We all have that pile of old T-shirts, holey socks, and stretched-out leggings that are just too far gone for donation. So, what’s the best way to dispose of them responsibly?

That’s where TerraCycle comes in! If you’re not familiar, TerraCycle is a sustainability-driven company that helps keep hard-to-recycle items (including clothing!) out of landfills. Their innovative programs make it easy for families to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, ensuring that even our most well-loved and well-worn garments get a second life.

Why Can’t We Just Throw Clothes Away?

Before diving into TerraCycle, let’s take a second to talk about why it’s so important to be mindful of clothing waste. Did you know that the average American throws away 81 pounds of clothing every year? Fast fashion and synthetic fabrics have only made the problem worse, with most discarded clothes ending up in landfills, where they can take decades—or even centuries—to break down.

Even if your clothes are too tattered to donate, that doesn’t mean they’re trash! Many fabrics can be recycled, repurposed, or even composted (if they’re made of natural fibers). This is where TerraCycle shines—giving families a simple, guilt-free way to dispose of damaged clothes without harming the planet.

How TerraCycle’s Clothing Recycling Works

TerraCycle offers a Zero Waste Box™ specifically designed for textiles, making it super easy to recycle damaged clothing from the comfort of your home. Here’s how it works:

Order a Zero Waste Box™: You can purchase a box directly from TerraCycle’s website. They offer different sizes, so you can choose the one that best fits your family’s needs.
Fill It Up: Collect all your damaged clothing items—think ripped jeans, single socks, or even worn-out underwear. TerraCycle accepts all kinds of textiles, including cotton, polyester, wool, and blends.
Send It Back: Once your box is full, simply ship it back using the prepaid label. TerraCycle takes care of the rest, ensuring that your old clothes are properly recycled or repurposed.
Use code ALLISON20 for 20% off your first box!

Watch my video to show how easy it to to dispose of damaged or unused clothes with Terracycle:

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A post shared by Allison Cooper | Fashion 👠Honest Motherhood ✨ Wellness Tips (@projectmotherhood)

What Happens to Your Clothes?

Once TerraCycle receives your shipment, they work their magic by sorting and processing the materials in a way that prevents waste. Some fabrics get turned into industrial rags, while others are broken down and transformed into insulation, carpet padding, or even furniture stuffing. Instead of sitting in a landfill, your clothes get a new purpose—how amazing is that?

More Ways to Keep Clothes Out of Landfills

While TerraCycle is a fantastic option, it’s not the only way to dispose of damaged clothes responsibly. Here are a few more ideas:

Check with Local Recycling Programs – Some cities have textile recycling drop-offs, so it’s worth researching what’s available in your area.
Repurpose for Household Use – Turn old T-shirts into cleaning rags, cut up fabric scraps for kids’ crafts, or use worn-out towels for pet bedding.
Compost Natural Fabrics – If you have 100% cotton, linen, wool, or silk items, you can cut them into small pieces and add them to your compost pile.
Donate to Brands with Take-Back Programs – Companies like Patagonia, H&M, and The North Face offer clothing recycling initiatives for well-loved garments.

Small Steps, Big Impact

Teaching our kids to respect and care for the planet starts with the choices we make every day. By using TerraCycle (and other sustainable disposal methods), we’re showing them that every little action adds up—whether it’s choosing to recycle old clothes, packing lunches in reusable containers, or saying no to single-use plastics.

At the end of the day, being an eco-conscious mama isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. And if we can keep just a few more pieces of clothing out of the landfill, that’s a step in the right direction.

Looking for more fashion guides? You’ll enjoy these:

Before you go! Don’t forget to subscribe to the Project Motherhood email list for weekly tips on fashion, honest motherhood, and wellness – can’t wait to see you there.

Would you try TerraCycle for your damaged clothes? Let’s chat in the comments!

XOXO,

Allison