How can clothing donation and textile recycling reduce the amount of apparel sent to landfills?

Clothing donation and textile recycling are essential strategies for diverting apparel from landfills, where discarded items—particularly those made from non-biodegradable synthetic fibers—can persist for centuries.1

When consumers donate garments, items that are not resold in secondhand shops can be diverted to recycling centers. At these facilities, textiles are processed and repurposed into functional materials, such as filling for furniture or insulation for buildings. Additionally, some retailers have implemented programs that accept gently used clothing in exchange for store vouchers; these items are then either sold as secondhand goods, reused for new clothing products, or shredded to be recycled into padding and insulation.1

However, the effectiveness of these methods is currently challenged by the high volume and poor quality of garments produced by the fast fashion business model, which can overwhelm donation centers and secondhand retailers. To truly mitigate environmental impact, experts emphasize the importance of "slow fashion," which encourages purchasing fewer, higher-quality items that are designed to last longer.1