How to Recycle Old Clothes and Fabric Scraps with Retold
- Tara M Stewart
- Jan 10
- 4 min read
When it comes to decluttering clothing and other textiles, the hard truth is that not everything is donation-worthy.
Some clothes are stained, pulled from the “unmentionables” drawer, or so worn that is shows that they’ve lived a very full and meaningful life. And then there are logo items, old business shirts, free event tees, and promotional gear that donation centers will likely toss anyway, even if you try to donate them.
And for our crafter clients, there’s another layer. Tiny fabric scraps are really hard to throw away. They feel useful, they’re expensive to replace, and yet over time they quietly build up, take over bins and drawers, and become surprisingly hard to store.
So what do you do with all of that?
Send Them Off to Retold
Recently, our team needed to refresh our branded shirts. The old ones had logos, wear, and absolutely zero donation potential. I really didn’t want to toss them, but donation just wasn’t an option.
That’s when I found Retold.
Retold is mail in textile recycling service that makes it incredibly easy to keep old fabrics out of the landfill, without adding another errand to your already full to-do list.
How Retold Works
First, you order a Retold bag(s) here. Yes, you do pay for the bag. I signed up for their 10% off coupon and purchased the three-pack.
You can absolutely buy a single bag, but the three-pack is cheaper per bag, and they don't have an expiration date them and you KNOW you have more to get rid of then you think!
The bags come pre-labeled, which means you’ve already paid to ship up to 5 pounds per bag when you order them.
Once your bag arrives, it’s time to sort and pack. Retold accepts items that donation centers typically can’t use, including:
Solo socks
Worn-out bras
Old t-shirts
Scraps and well-loved fabrics
Their Classic Retold Bags hold up to 5 pounds of textiles. You can toss in one lonely sock or pack it full. I filled mine right up to the max and even weighed it beforehand to make sure I stayed under the limit.
They also offer several other options depending on your season of life, including a Fabric Scraps Bag for crafters (more on that below), a college move-out kit, and other bag options and subscriptions.
When your bag is full, peel the adhesive strip and seal it. The shipping label is already attached, which means no printing, no post office line, and no extra steps. I put mine on top of my mailbox, flipped the flag up, and I was done.
What Happens Next
You do nothing but feel like an amazing human. Once Retold receives your bag, the contents are carefully sorted.
Higher-quality textiles are directed toward reuse. More worn items are sent to recyclers, where they’re broken down into raw materials and given a new purpose.
Meanwhile, you’re at home feeling like the do-gooder you are, and it took very little effort.
Want to see a video on how I mailed mine off? Check it out HERE on YouTube or HERE on Instagram
What About Craft Scraps?
If you sew, quilt, craft, or DIY even a little, you probably have a bag, bin, or drawer of fabric scraps you’ve been holding onto “just in case.”
As I stated above Retold also offers a Fabric Scraps Bag, designed specifically for leftover fabric pieces from projects big and small. It’s a great option when your scraps have outgrown their usefulness, or when you’re doing a full craft room reset and want a fresh start.
Less overflowing bins, more breathing room, and a way to be kind to the earth all at the same time.
Why We Love This Option
As organizers, we see a lot of textile clutter. And the reality is that donation centers are overflowing. Even items that are only a little worn may still end up in a dumpster after they arrive. On top of that, some things simply aren’t wearable for someone else, and that’s okay to acknowledge.
Retold lets you do the right thing at very little cost to you.
This is especially helpful for our creative and crafty clients. Fabric scraps feel too useful to toss, too small to donate, and somehow multiply when no one’s looking. Retold gives those scraps a responsible exit, without asking you to store them forever or make decisions you’ll second-guess later.
More Ways to Recycle Responsibly
If you're ready to take the next step beyond textiles head to our Resources page, where you’ll find our free PDF Guide featuring nationwide charities and organizations that can help you sell, repurpose, or recycle unique items. ✨
In addition, here are just a few additional blogs that showcase some of our favorite ways to show a little extra kindness to the earth—one thoughtful donation (or recycling run) at a time.
Finally, if you have a heart for the earth and are always looking for more ways to recycle or donate responsibly, you’re in the right place. We love helping families clear out their spaces in ways that are thoughtful, sustainable, and kind to the planet.
If you’d like hands-on help making it happen in your own home, we’d love to work with you, just head HERE to get started!