14 Retailers That Recycle Your Clothes for Money and Rewards
Turn your old clothes into cash and rewards with these 14 major retailers offering clothing recycling programs.
14 Retailers That Will Recycle Your Clothes for Money and Rewards
In today’s world of fast fashion and overflowing closets, finding responsible ways to dispose of unwanted clothing has become increasingly important. Rather than letting old garments pile up in landfills, numerous retailers have launched innovative clothing recycling programs that reward you financially or with discounts. Whether you’re looking to earn cash, get store credits, or simply make an environmentally conscious decision, these 14 major retailers offer convenient ways to recycle your clothes while putting money back in your pocket.
Understanding Clothing Recycling Programs
Clothing recycling programs represent a significant shift toward circular fashion economies. These initiatives encourage consumers to return worn-out or unwanted garments instead of discarding them. In exchange, retailers provide monetary incentives, store credits, or discount coupons. Beyond personal rewards, these programs support broader sustainability goals by reducing textile waste, promoting reuse, and supporting charitable initiatives. Many programs accept clothing from any brand in any condition, making them accessible to nearly everyone with closet clutter to clear.
Top Retailers With Clothing Recycling Programs
1. The North Face
The North Face demonstrates its commitment to sustainability through the Clothes the Loop campaign, a comprehensive initiative designed to promote eco-friendly practices throughout its operations. The company uses sustainable materials including organic cotton and recycled polyester and nylon in its manufacturing processes. This retailer accepts used garments and footwear from any brand in any condition, regardless of wear level. The North Face partners with Soles4Souls, a charitable organization that distributes collected shoes and clothing to individuals in need. Additionally, Soles4Souls empowers entrepreneurs in developing nations by providing inventory for small resale businesses, creating economic opportunities while addressing global clothing needs. The North Face also offers renewed clothing options through a circular model that repairs and resells gently used items.
2. Universal Standard
Universal Standard has built its brand identity on inclusive sizing, body-positive representation, and sustainable fashion practices. The company specializes in timeless, high-quality pieces designed to last longer than typical fast-fashion alternatives. Universal Standard’s Reset, Recycle, and Refresh program incentivizes customers to return unwanted clothing. The program partners with Marimole, a dedicated recycling company that transforms old garments into new materials. These materials are converted into yarn for manufacturing fresh fabrics or repurposed into household goods, creating a true circular economy where nothing goes to waste.
3. H&M
H&M operates one of the most recognizable and well-established clothing recycling programs in the retail industry. While the fast-fashion giant faces criticism regarding sustainability practices, it continues investing in innovative recycling technology and pioneering textile collection initiatives. H&M’s program accepts all clothing items from any brand in any condition, including items typically considered unusable such as odd socks, worn-out t-shirts, and bedsheets. The process is straightforward: customers bag their used textiles and drop them off at any H&M store location. For each bag of used items returned, customers receive a discount card offering 15% off their next purchase. The program was temporarily paused during the COVID-19 pandemic but has since relaunched at participating locations.
4. Carter’s
Carter’s, a leader in children’s clothing retail, offers a recycling program specifically designed for parents and guardians. To earn loyalty rewards, participants must join Carter’s Rewarding Moments program, a free membership initiative. After creating a loyalty account, customers sign up on TerraCycle’s website using the same email address, which automatically generates prepaid shipping labels. Customers can then collect undonatable children’s clothing from any brand and in any condition, excluding shoes and accessories, and ship everything to TerraCycle via UPS. Members earn loyalty points for each item recycled, creating an incentive to regularly participate in the program. Non-members can still recycle for free without earning points.
5. J.Jill
J.Jill caters to customers seeking comfortable, casual clothing with a focus on quality and style. The company’s recycling initiative reflects its commitment to environmental responsibility and customer value. Through its partnership programs, J.Jill allows customers to recycle unwanted garments while receiving rewards or credits toward future purchases.
6. Levi’s
Levi’s, the iconic denim brand, has implemented two distinct approaches to clothing recycling, both emphasizing denim sustainability. First, the company partners with Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green program to recycle any brand of jeans or denim jackets regardless of condition. Customers visit their nearest Levi’s store or outlet and deposit old denim into designated recycling bins. Collected materials are transformed into building insulation materials, with portions of proceeds supporting community projects including libraries, hospitals, and schools. Additionally, Levi’s works with Madewell, another denim-focused retailer, which accepts any brand or style of jeans in any condition at Madewell stores. In exchange, customers receive a $20 coupon toward the purchase of new Madewell jeans.
7. Patagonia
Patagonia, renowned for environmental activism and sustainable practices, has long been at the forefront of corporate responsibility. The company’s recycling program reflects its deep commitment to protecting the planet and reducing textile waste.
8. REI Co-op
REI Co-op, the outdoor retail cooperative, integrates sustainability into its business model through various environmental initiatives, including clothing recycling opportunities for members seeking to responsibly manage their used gear.
9. Reformation
Reformation offers customers two flexible recycling options tailored to their preferences. The Payout Kit provides a prepaid shipping bag and label from ThredUp. Customers fill the bag with unwanted clothing and drop it off at local FedEx or post office locations. ThredUp evaluates the garments, selects eligible pieces for its online thrift store, and provides credit redeemable at Reformation. Alternatively, the Donation Kit channels the proceeds differently: instead of receiving personal credit, ThredUp donates $5 to the Circular Fashion Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting circular economy principles in the fashion industry.
10. Madewell
Madewell specializes in high-quality basics and denim designed for longevity. The denim specialist’s recycling program specifically targets jeans enthusiasts. Customers bring any brand or style of jeans in any condition to a Madewell store location and receive a $20 discount coupon toward purchasing new Madewell jeans. This straightforward incentive structure rewards customers for participating in the circular fashion model.
11. Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher represents the pinnacle of sustainable luxury fashion, having switched from conventional to organic cotton production in 2014. The company’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond manufacturing into comprehensive end-of-life management through the Eileen Fisher Renew program. This retailer accepts every piece of Eileen Fisher clothing for recycling regardless of condition. Customers can return items either in-store or by mail. The company sorts each garment, professionally cleans the pieces, resells undamaged items online and in physical Renew stores, and recycles unsuitable pieces. Every item returned is eligible for a $5 reward credit, providing tangible financial incentive for participation.
12-14. Additional Retailers
Beyond these flagship retailers, numerous other clothing brands and stores offer recycling programs, including specialty retailers and department stores. These additional options expand accessibility for consumers seeking sustainable disposal methods and financial incentives.
How to Get Started With Clothing Recycling Programs
Participating in retailer recycling programs typically involves straightforward steps. First, gather your unwanted clothing items. Next, identify which retailers in your area participate in programs and which of your clothes match their acceptance criteria. Most programs accept garments from any brand in any condition, though some exclude shoes or accessories. Then, either visit a physical store location to drop off items directly or follow online enrollment procedures for mail-in options. Finally, keep documentation of your recycling activities and redemption codes to maximize rewards.
Benefits of Choosing Retailer Recycling Programs
Environmental Impact
Clothing recycling programs divert textiles from landfills where they would decompose slowly and contribute to environmental degradation. By participating, you contribute to reducing textile waste and conserving natural resources required for manufacturing new garments.
Financial Rewards
Unlike simple donation, retailer programs provide direct financial benefits through cash, store credits, or percentage discounts. These rewards offset the value of items you’re recycling, making the process financially advantageous.
Convenience
With numerous retail locations and mail-in options, participating retailers make recycling accessible and convenient. Many accept items in any condition from any brand, removing barriers to participation.
Supporting Charitable Causes
Many programs donate proceeds or redistributed clothing to charitable organizations, disaster relief efforts, or small businesses in developing countries, extending your positive impact beyond personal benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clothing Recycling Programs
Q: Can I recycle clothing from brands other than the retailer I’m returning items to?
A: Yes, most major retailer programs accept clothing from any brand. Programs specifically note if they accept items from other brands, making them accessible regardless of where your clothes were originally purchased.
Q: What condition must my clothes be in to participate?
A: Most programs accept clothing in any condition, including worn-out items, stained garments, and pieces with damage. Some programs even accept items unsuitable for resale and handle them responsibly through recycling processes.
Q: How do I receive my rewards?
A: Rewards vary by program and may include store discount coupons, loyalty points, direct cash payments via PayPal, or shopping credits. Each retailer clearly specifies its reward structure when you enroll.
Q: Are there any items retailers won’t accept?
A: While most programs are comprehensive, some exclude items like shoes, accessories, or heavily damaged goods. Check individual retailer guidelines before participating, as restrictions vary.
Q: How long does the recycling process take?
A: In-store drop-offs provide immediate rewards. Mail-in programs typically take 2-4 weeks for processing and reward delivery. Specific timelines depend on the individual retailer and processing partner.
Q: Can I mix clothing from different occasions or styles?
A: Yes, most programs accept mixed clothing collections. You can combine casual wear, formal attire, activewear, and accessories in a single submission, provided they meet the program’s acceptance criteria.
Q: Do I need to be a store loyalty member to participate?
A: Some programs, like Carter’s, offer higher rewards for loyalty members but allow non-members to recycle without earning points. Others welcome all participants regardless of membership status.
References
- 14 Retailers That Will Recycle Your Clothes for Money and Rewards — Money Crashers. Accessed November 2025. https://www.moneycrashers.com/retailers-recycle-clothes-money/
- Where to Donate Used or Old Clothes to Charity — Money Crashers. Accessed November 2025. https://www.moneycrashers.com/where-donate-clothes-charity/
- Where to Sell Used Clothes for Money: Top 10 Eco-Friendly Options — Green City Recycler. Accessed November 2025. https://greencityrecycler.com/where-to-sell-used-clothes-for-money-top-10-eco-friendly-options/
- How to Turn Your Unwanted Clothing Into Cash — YouTube. Accessed November 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a903X3O-M4Q
- End of Life Clothing Recycling Locations — Recycle Right. Accessed November 2025. https://recycleright.org/end-of-life-clothing-drop-off-sites/
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