Old Polyester Socks & Clothes You Can't Donate

[u/LizardLover265]

Hello everyone:

I'm asking this question because I have old polyester socks, old underwear, stained clothing, and clothing scraps. A lot of these are made from fully synthetic materials or partially synthetic materials. I can't sell or donate any of that. I do not know how to sew. I already have rags and old towels. I've thought about buying a few bags from clothing recycling services, but I'm not sure if the clothes will get recycled or not. I know some folks find creative ways to upcycle polyester clothing, such as for art projects. I know some folks sew and use scraps & old clothes to stuff things. I'm in the U.S and happy to ship things to folks in the U.S and Canada. If you are looking for unconventional stuffing or materials for an art project, please let me know and I'll be happy to send you some! Thanks for reading! 🌎🌍🌏

[u/krispydragon27]

you can post it in your local buy nothing group! there’s probably a crafter lurking that’ll be happy to take it off your hands no shipping required!

[u/LizardLover265 → u/krispydragon27]

I'll see if there are any takers on the BN group

[u/hilaryrex → u/LizardLover265]

If you can’t find anyone local, I accept clean scraps/undonatable clothing items for reuse as stuffing in crocheted toys :)

[u/NefariousNia → u/hilaryrex]

I would love to connect as well.

[u/hilaryrex → u/NefariousNia]

The more the merrier, send me a message! :)

[u/LizardLover265 → u/hilaryrex]

Thank you! I do plan to give some stuff away on the BN group, but I can't give everything away on the group, so this will be perfect! May I DM you?

[u/hilaryrex → u/LizardLover265]

Please do!

[u/woburnite]

If they're fiber of any kind, put them in one of the big collection boxes (Apparel Impact, Planet Aid, etc.) They all have contracts with fiber recyclers.

[u/Reasonable-Check-120]

My husband uses old socks to grip the oil filters when he changes the oil in the cars.

Just gloves is too slippery. Goes straight to the garbage.

[u/GalaApple13]

I made draft stoppers out of pant legs stuffed with scraps. I sewed them but you could staple them shut too, or glue them

[u/Gr8tfulhippie → u/GalaApple13]

I've got several pairs of pants with torn out pockets and a ton of socks that don't fit my feet anymore due to my lymphedema. Draft stoppers are something I actually need! Thank you for this idea!!

[u/LizardLover265 → u/GalaApple13]

Ooh, what are draft stoppers?

[u/GalaApple13 → u/LizardLover265]

A thing you put at the bottom of a door or windows to limit heat or ac getting out through the cracks

[u/GalaApple13 → u/GalaApple13]

These are from Etsy. Mine aren’t as pretty but sometimes my dog thinks they’re toys so my homemade version is fine for me

[u/GalaApple13 → u/GalaApple13]

[u/lowrads]

Polyester panels are good for camping quilts. You generally don't sweat into them, but if they get wet during rain or snow, they dry quickly in the air.

Old poly clothes, as well as scraps, are also good for pillow stuffing. Of course, a hiker is just going to use their stuff sack and usable garments as a pillow for weight savings, but this approach still works for base camp, or more luxurious modes of recreation.

[u/RedBeans-n-Ricely]

I just got a subscription to Trashie.io to recycle clothing that can’t be donated.

[u/MillersSmokehouse → u/RedBeans-n-Ricely]

I’ve been really happy with Trashie, especially since they made it easier to use/donate points.

[u/Laurenslagniappe]

Use it to fill old pillows. I have a cube ottoman that is essentially a sack that is filled with old blankets and pillows.

[u/LizardLover265]

Also, if anyone knows of upcyclers w/ social media accounts accepting these sorts of items, please let me know! I saw a video of a lady grinding up fibers to make large signs. She made one for IKEA. I wish I could remember her name :(

[u/BeerSection]

I'll take them for my dog's bed stuffing.