Do you have old, ripped, or stained jeans that can’t be donated or resold? Instead of tossing them in the trash, consider recycling them! Many brands and retailers now offer denim recycling programs to keep textiles out of landfills. Here’s how to give your worn-out jeans new life—plus a list of stores that accept them.
Why Recycle Denim?
If you’re striving to live more consciously and cut down on textile waste, there’s good news: damaged denim can enjoy a second (or third!) life. Recycling or repurposing old jeans is an eco-friendly, budget-savvy way to lighten your footprint—and it’s kinder to the planet, too.
- Reduce Waste: Over 1 billion pairs of jeans end up in landfills yearly.
- Save Resources: Recycled denim can become insulation, housing materials, or new clothing.
- Support Circular Fashion: Brands reuse fibers to create sustainable products.
Where to Recycle Your Old Jeans
1. Madewell x Blue Jeans Go Green
- How it Works: Bring any brand of denim (any condition) to Madewell stores.
- Reward: Get $20 off a new pair of Madewell jeans.
- What Happens to the Denim?: Turned into insulation for homes and shelters.
- 📍 Learn More: Madewell Denim Recycling
2. Levi’s SecondHand (Trade-In)
- How it Works: Mail in or drop off old Levi’s jeans (any condition).
- Reward: Receive a gift card for future purchases.
- What Happens to the Denim?: Repurposed or recycled into new materials.
- 📍 Learn More: Levi’s SecondHand
3. H&M Garment Collecting
- How it Works: Drop off any brand of denim in H&M’s recycling bins.
- Reward: Get a discount voucher.
- What Happens to the Denim?: Recycled into new textiles.
- 📍 Learn More: H&M Recycling Program
4. Zara Join Life
- How it Works: Bring old jeans to Zara stores (any brand).
- Reward: Supports sustainability efforts.
- What Happens to the Denim?: Sent to recycling partners.
- 📍 Learn More: Zara Sustainability
5. Patagonia Worn Wear
- How it Works: Mail in or drop off Patagonia denim.
- Reward: Store credit for Patagonia gear.
- What Happens to the Denim?: Repaired, resold, or recycled.
- 📍 Learn More: Patagonia Worn Wear
6. The North Face Clothes the Loop
- How it Works: Drop off any brand of denim at stores.
- Reward: $10 reward per donation.
- What Happens to the Denim?: Recycled into new products.
- 📍 Learn More: The North Face Recycling
7. American Eagle Real Good Program
- How it Works: Bring old jeans (any brand) to AE stores.
- Reward: AE rewards points.
- What Happens to the Denim?: Recycled into new materials.
- 📍 Learn More: AE Denim Recycling
What If There’s No Store Nearby?
- For Days: Denim Mail-In Program
- Green Tree Textiles: Find Local Drop-Offs
DIY Ideas for Unsalvageable Jeans
If you’re into DIY and don’t mind getting crafty, your worn-out jeans can become something new and functional:
- Reusable Cleaning Rags – Especially useful for garage or garden work.
- Patchwork Projects – Save scraps to patch other jeans or create a quilted throw.
- DIY Storage Bins – Wrap denim legs around cardboard boxes for sturdy, stylish organizers.
- Pot Holders or Oven Mitts – Denim is thick and heat-resistant—just add padding.
- Pet Toys – Braid strips of denim for a durable tug toy.
Final Thoughts
Fast fashion has made it easy to toss and replace, but conscious living means rethinking our habits—even with something as common as a pair of jeans. Whether you’re recycling, repurposing, or sharing materials with your community, giving your old denim a second life keeps waste out of landfills and supports a circular economy.
