Denim Recycling Programs - Give Your Old Jeans New Life

Every pair of jeans tells a story. But what happens when your favorite denim no longer fits or wears out? Most people toss them and that’s the real problem.

Over 87% of textile waste ends up in landfills or incinerators, contributing to the growing environmental crisis.

The good news? Denim recycling programs offer a better way forward. They not only reduce waste but turn your old jeans into something useful like insulation, furniture padding, or even new fabric.

If you're looking to recycle your old denim responsibly, this guide walks you through the best programs, how the process works, and what you can do right now to make an impact.

Why Denim Recycling Matters

Denim is one of the most resource-heavy fabrics. Creating a single pair of jeans requires:

• 1,800 gallons of water
• Toxic dyes and finishing chemicals
• Energy-intensive manufacturing

Now consider the 2.16 million tons of used clothing and textiles Americans discard annually. Denim doesn’t break down easily, meaning it lingers in landfills for decades, releasing methane a potent greenhouse gas. Recycling reduces this impact while giving materials a second life.

How Denim Recycling Works

Denim recycling is a multi-step process that transforms discarded jeans into raw material for new uses:

·      Collection

Consumers drop off or mail in old denim through brand or nonprofit programs.

·      Sorting

The denim is sorted by material content to ensure it’s 100% cotton or suitable for repurposing.

·      Processing

Denim is shredded into fibers. These fibers can become insulation, stuffing, industrial materials, or spun into new yarns.

·      Reuse

Recycled denim is repurposed into:

• Home insulation (e.g., for Habitat for Humanity homes)
• Soundproofing materials
• Pet bedding and furniture filling

The process eliminates the need to extract virgin materials, saving water, energy, and reducing emissions.

Top Denim Recycling Programs You Should Know

Blue Jeans Go Green™

One of the most recognized programs in the U.S., Blue Jeans Go Green by Cotton Incorporated turns donated denim into housing insulation. Since its launch, it has collected over 4 million pieces of denim and diverted more than 2,100 tons of waste from landfills.

How it works:

• Accepts all brands of denim (must be 90% cotton or higher)
• Offers mail-in or in-store drop-off options
• Partners with retailers like Madewell and Levi’s

Madewell’s Denim Recycling Program

In partnership with Blue Jeans Go Green, Madewell collects old denim in stores and offers a $20 discount on new jeans. The collected denim is turned into housing insulation.

Why it stands out:

• Incentive-based participation
• Easy drop-off during regular shopping trips

Levi’s In-Store Recycling

Levi’s also supports denim recycling through store collection points. While they don’t offer a discount at all locations, the brand encourages customers to return worn jeans (any brand) to keep them out of landfills.

Local Textile Recycling Drives

Many cities and environmental organizations run seasonal textile collection drives. Check your local municipality or recycling center for updates.

How You Can Recycle or Repurpose Your Old Jeans

Send Them to a Program

Follow these basic steps:

1. Ensure jeans are clean and mostly cotton (90%+)
2. Find a participating location (e.g., Madewell, Levi’s, or check Blue Jeans Go Green)
3. Drop them off or mail them in (some programs cover shipping)

Try Simple DIY Projects

If you're crafty or want to get creative, here are a few upcycling ideas:

• Turn old jeans into reusable shopping bags
• Make denim coasters, quilts, or cushion covers
• Use patches from jeans to repair other clothing

No sewing machine? No problem. There are plenty of no-sew tutorials online.

More Than Just Recycling

Recycling is a solid step, but the bigger picture is rethinking how we consume fashion. Here are three habits to adopt:

• Buy Less, Choose Well: Opt for high-quality denim that lasts longer.
• Repair Before You Replace: Mend small rips and re-dye faded jeans.
• Support Circular Brands: Look for companies committed to take-back and recycling initiatives.

Every conscious choice helps reduce the fashion industry’s impact on the planet.

Make Your Denim Count

Your jeans have more life in them than you think. With easy-to-access programs and increasing brand participation, recycling denim is no longer a hassle. Whether you choose a drop-off box, mail-in service, or a weekend DIY, you’re contributing to a smarter, more sustainable fashion future.

Next time you clean out your closet, don’t toss your jeans. Recycle them. Repurpose them. Give them a second story worth telling.