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Clothing and Textile Recycling

Recycle your textiles at one of our drop-off locations, a zero waste day event, or right from your home. Learn more about our services and schedule your curbside textile pickup below. 

In November 2022, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection banned textiles from disposal. In compliance with this policy, the City of Boston does not accept clothing and textiles in curbside trash.

Across Massachusetts, residents and businesses dispose of approximately 230,000 tons of textiles annually. More than 5% of waste delivered to combustion facilities are made up of clothing and textiles. About 85% of the textiles being thrown away could be donated, reused, or recycled instead. 

To help residents comply with this state policy, the City of Boston offers two options for residents to dispose of their unwanted clothing and textiles:

  1. drop boxes conveniently located throughout the City, and
  2. weekend curbside textile collection.

Items that are worn, torn, or stained can still be donated to a textile recycler! Items that are soiled, wet, or moldy should be placed in your curbside trash for collection. 

  • Have questions? Contact 311:

  • 1 CITY HALL SQUARE, ROOM 714

    BOSTON, MA 02201
  • Overflowing drop-off bin?

    If you see an overflowing Helpsy drop-off bin, email info@helpsy.co and it will be serviced within 24 hours. 

Accepted Clothing and Textiles

Accepted Textiles

For re-wear, reuse, and recycling, we accept the following items in any condition so long as they are clean, dry, and odorless. Everything should be kept dry in a closed, plastic bag. Recycling your clothes shouldn’t be hard, we’re here to help!

Footwear:
  • Shoes
  • Heels
  • Flats
  • Sandals
  • Flip Flops
  • Boots (work boots, dress boots, winter boots)
  • Sneakers
  • Cleats
  • Slippers
Linens: 
  • Pillowcases
  • Blankets
  • Comforters
  • Curtains/Drapes
  • Aprons
  • Dish cloths
  • Cloth napkins
  • Table linens
  • Quilts
  • Sheets
Other:
  • Luggage
  • Sports jerseys
  • Stuffed animals
Clothing:
  • Tops (t-shirt, blouses, shirts, tank tops)
  • Sweaters
  • Sweatshirts
  • Dresses
  • Outerwear (coats, jackets, blazers)
  • Bottoms (pants, slacks, jeans, sweatpants, skirts, shorts)
  • Suits
  • Socks
  • Pajamas
  • Slips
  • Bras
  • Underwear
  • Baby clothing
Accessories:
  • Hats
  • Bags (pocketbooks, backpacks, duffle bags, totes)
  • Belts
  • Gloves
  • Ties
  • Scarves
  • Bathrobes
  • Jewelry
  • Wet items
  • Moldy items
  • Dirty items
  • Furniture
  • Bulky items

What happens to my donated clothing and textiles?

Nearly 100% of donated clothing and textiles are recycled! They are separated into 3 grades: usable clothing, wiping cloth grade, and fiber conversion grade. 

  • About 45% of donated textiles are sold as second hand apparel, either through charitable organizations or for-profit exporters that sell baled clothing to developing countries.
  • Another 30% is turned into industrial wiping cloths. ERC Wiping Products (Lynn, MA) cuts used clothing and other textiles into rags and sells them to commercial garages and public works operations.
  • The remaining 20% is sent to fiber converters where textiles are broken down into their basic fiber components to be re-manufactured into insulation for cars and homes, carpet padding or soundproofing materials.

Frequently Asked questions

FAQ

No, there will be no fines for non-compliance. 

If you do see an overflowing bin, email info@helpsy.co and it will be serviced within 24 hours. 

First schedule your curbside collection appointment, and make sure to check our accepted items list. Please make sure all of your items are dry, clean, and free of mildew or mold. Place unwanted clothing and textile items in a plastic bag, tie the bag, and label it with “clothing, or Helpsy”.  Place your bag out on your doorstep on your scheduled collection day.

The Recycle Smart Beyond The Bin tool has a lot of helpful information about recycling in Boston. You may also download the Boston Trash Day App to search our recycling directory. 

  • Have questions? Contact 311:

  • 1 CITY HALL SQUARE, ROOM 714

    BOSTON, MA 02201
  • Overflowing drop-off bin?

    If you see an overflowing Helpsy drop-off bin, email info@helpsy.co and it will be serviced within 24 hours. 

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