20 Super Easy Ways To Recycle Or Reuse Old Socks

By Alex Assoune Dec 18, 2021

It's easy to repurpose, upcycle or recycle old socks and prevent them from creating more waste. You can also drop them off at a local recycling center, donate them to charity, or compost them if they are biodegradable.

Throwing them in the trash isn't the most responsible thing to do. Used clothing and other textile wastes are piling up in landfills at an alarming rate. Don't put clothes and undergarments in the garbage bin.

Used socks and other discarded textiles can take up to hundreds of years to decompose. They are highly detrimental to the planet and ecosystems.

Here are some easy things that you can do to recycle or reuse old socks you cannot use anymore without damaging the environment.

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How to repair and reuse your old socks

Repair and reuse your old socks whenever possible instead of buying new ones. You can repair used clothes and undergarments to a possible extent to make them last longer.

Try to restore old socks you think are unwearable before getting rid of them. It helps the planet tremendously, and in the long run, it can even save you a lot of money.

You can learn how to sew and do it yourself. Instead of buying a new replacement immediately, try to fix things first. If you can't repair them yourself, find local tailors and develop good relationships with them.

You can also wear your socks for a long time if you take good care of them. You can save money, time, and resources if you keep them in good condition.

To ensure you can use your socks for longer, you can:

Buy durable, high-quality, sustainable socks
Try to remove stains right away
Wash them separately after every wear at lower temperatures
Use an eco-friendly detergent and fabric softener
Hang them to dry instead of using the dryer

Where to donate your used socks

Check for the many organizations in your area that accept clothing donations. Some of them raise money for charitable causes by selling contributions and donating a portion of their profits.

It's an easy way to give your old socks a second life. You can donate used undergarments in good condition to homeless and women's shelters, family service agencies, immigrant support groups, churches, or animal shelters.

Make sure to contact them first and ask if they take donations. And research non-profit organizations and charities if you want to learn more about them before donating.

Many organizations appreciate your contributions and welcome them. They can potentially do a lot of good for people in need. They may sell your clothing contributions and put a portion of their profits to use.

You can drop off your gently used socks at organizations that have direct relationships with recyclers. You can visit websites like RecycleNow to find out what you can recycle at home or in your local area.

Some charities that schedule pick-ups at your location include:

How to find a recycling program

You can join recycling programs from towns, councils, cities, brands, and retailers that collect and recycle used items like clothing, underwear, bras, socks, and shoes.

Some brands that have a recycling program in place include:

One of the simplest ways to recycle at home is to look for products that already contain recycled ingredients and can easily be recycled. Buy undies made from recycled materials to promote recycling, limit waste, and save yourself time and money.

There are billions of products out there made of recycled content. Choose mono-materials, products that are only composed of a single material type, as they are typically easier to recycle than products made from different things.

How to sell your pre-loved underwear

You can sell pre-loved underwear, including socks, online or in-person to make money, simplify your wardrobe, protect the environment, and make room for better items in your closet.

You can easily buy and sell pre-loved items at thrift stores, vintage shops, resale stores, consignment stores, or online marketplaces. They are easy ways to find cheap, stylish, and unique socks.

Check out some of the best places to sell used clothes that you need to know to earn extra cash while decluttering your wardrobe.

You can also sell your old items at an auction, fashion fair, farmers' market, town market, or garage sale. Online marketplaces remain the best places to sell old socks when you are short on time.

You can easily list the items yourself, take high-quality pictures and wait for a potential buyer to contact you. Earn extra cash while giving extended life to your old socks that are in good condition.

Or borrow or exchange old items with your friends and family. Or search for swap groups in your area on Meetup if your friends don't stuff to trade with you.

Can you compost your old socks?

The best brands create affordable and sustainable socks using organic and biodegradable fabrics that decompose in a short time without endangering ecosystems or human health.

Check out some of the best brands that make organic, compostable, and biodegradable underwear.

It's a fabulous way to minimize your environmental impact and add value to waste materials. You can easily recycle and make compost at home with old socks made from organic materials, including:

Compost your old socks as an easy recycling solution to do at home. You don't have to throw away every item at the end of its lifecycle. Instead, store them in a composting bin.

Try to buy socks made locally and organically. You can reduce waste, water, and carbon footprints by choosing local, organic items over conventional products.

Composting is a fantastic way to limit the amount of waste you create. Clean out your closet responsibly to do better for the planet, your wallet, and your peace of mind.

20 ways to recycle or reuse old socks

Upcycling is a great way to reuse old socks that you have stored at home. You can create new objects of higher value by repurposing used items like worn textiles.

Upcycling can give a new purpose to old socks in your closet by making something unique. You can protect the environment by using old items to remake something helpful instead of throwing it away.

To upcycle, use parts of or the entire item to make something valuable without breaking it down completely. It's a very efficient process with less impact than simply sending things to recyclers.

You can upcycle your old socks at home without extra machinery and save resources, giving old products an extended life and a new function. Give old items in your closet a new purpose and keep them out of landfills.

Here are 20 simple ways to upcycle and repurpose old socks.

Clutches, bags, totes
Leg, ear, arm warmers
Cleaning rags
Dusters
Filters
Dryer balls
Cold compress
Umbrella covers
Sock puppets
Ballet, doughnut, sock buns
Bottle sleeves, koozies, stubby holders
Dry erase board erasers
Shoe protectors
Oven mitts
Dog, cat, pet toys
Pillow stuffing
Carpet padding
Soft bedding
Packing materials
Materials for insulation

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About the Author: Alex Assoune

Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.

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