Recycle rags?

January 8, 2008 10:30 AM

Is there a place in Los Angeles (preferably the South Bay) where I can take (recycle) clothing and rags that are in too poor shape to donate?
posted by sLevi to Home & Garden (6 answers total)

Best answer: I don't know specifically, but ask at the Goodwill. AFAIK they send unsalable items to a rag merchant who I am sure pays them for the stuff.
posted by Gungho at 10:46 AM on January 8, 2008

Animal shelters are often in need of those type items - you might call and ask one near to you.
posted by KAS at 11:03 AM on January 8, 2008

Best answer: It doesn't matter - cloth that Goodwill and the ilk can't resell is sold in bulk to rag brokers who then export it for conversion to textiles. In fact, the brokers are usually the ones who collect used clothing under the name of the charity (in exchange for a percentage payment of what the broker can offload the cloth for). Go ahead and give it to Goodwill - they'll get paid one way or the other.
posted by DandyRandy at 1:03 PM on January 8, 2008

Not all Goodwills participate in rag recycling, apparently. From their FAQ:

For instance, some member Goodwills recycle old clothing scraps into industrial wipes (cleaning cloths) for industrial buyers.

I'd call to check before unloading the clothing.
posted by roger ackroyd at 1:59 PM on January 8, 2008

No place in the South Bay that I know of, but ABC Wiping Cloth on Humboldt ought to take it. If not, maybe they can recommend someone closer.
posted by amfea at 8:44 PM on January 8, 2008

Response by poster: Turns out, my Goodwill will take 'anything'! So thanks all!
posted by sLevi at 3:46 PM on January 10, 2008