How to Recycle Old Workout Clothes Responsibly?

When workout clothes have outlived their usefulness, most individuals do not know what to do with them. Dumping them in the landfill is convenient, but certainly not the best option. Synthetic materials found in sportswear take years to degrade and may be toxic to the environment. However, there are responsible options to recycle old workout clothes that reduce waste and promote sustainability. This article presents six successful methods to recycle your old workout clothes in 2025. Each is a viable method to reuse your athletic wear and keep it out of the landfill.

Top 6 Ways to Recycle Old Workout Clothes in 2025

Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe

Nike’s initiative gathers worn-out sports shoes and recycles them into new material. The material is used to make sports courts and running tracks. Although primarily targeting shoes, it demonstrates how large companies take responsibility for the entire life cycle of their products.

Shoes For Planet Earth

This program encourages consumers to donate used workout clothes or shoes to drop locations. The products are recycled into raw materials. It is a simple means for communities to partner in activewear recycling programs or initiatives and minimize textile wastage in their areas.

ReGirlfriend from Girlfriend Collective

Girlfriend Collective has a take-back program that will accept old workout clothes from any company. Products sent back are sorted for resale, upcycling, or recycling. This keeps more of their products in circulation and out of the landfill.

Mate the Label’s Take Back

Subscribers can return used activewear to Mate the Label, where the materials are carefully sorted and either recycled into new fabrics or repurposed for other uses. This take-back program encourages customers to think responsibly about the lifecycle of their clothing by providing an easy and convenient way to dispose of worn-out items sustainably. 

The Bra Recyclers

Sports bras tend to be difficult to recycle because they are usually mixed fabrics. The Bra Recyclers will take gently worn bras to donate or recycle. They recycle unusable items into carpet padding or insulation and keep textiles from landfills.

The Take Back Bag from For Days

For Days provides customers with a reusable take-back bag designed specifically for returning any old garments, including workout clothes and everyday wear. This convenient program encourages people to participate actively in sustainable fashion by making it easy to send back worn-out clothing without creating additional waste.

Additional Ways to Promote Sustainable Workout Gear Recycling

Other than these programs, one can do the following basic things to make a difference. It is useful to clean and separate your exercise wear into types of fabrics and condition before recycling. There are some fabrics that are more recyclable than others, which means understanding what you have can help guide them to the correct program.

Recycling bins have been installed in many local recycling centres, so it is easier than ever to drop off old activewear responsibly. Also, certain brands have started to develop fully recyclable fitness clothes that are easy to take apart and will change the future of disposing of fitness clothes.

Lastly, think about purchasing less but with higher-quality, durable activewear that is made to last longer. Not only does this curb wastage, but it also promotes brands that are environmentally friendly. Recycling can be done in combination with mindful buying, in which case you will also help to make the fitness industry more sustainable and circular.

The Bottom Line

More than ever before, the recycling of old workout clothes is necessary. When not well recycled, synthetic fabrics may stay in the environment for many years. Such programs as the ones listed above will minimize landfill waste and provide a sustainable, circular economy. Sending old athletic clothing to a donation center or recycling will not only save the planet, but it will also give an extra life to your sportswear. When it comes to updating your gear, TD Sportswear has custom sportswear with high-quality, durable equipment that will last. Begin today by selecting one of the above programs and incorporating sustainability into your fitness routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do with old sportswear?

If still in good condition, give it to charity organizations or community groups. For those who are worn out, try textile recycling programs or recycle the fabric at home.

Can you recycle leggings and sports bras?

Yes, most programs will take them. Sports bras are a bit more challenging, but specialized services such as The Bra Recyclers make it possible.

How to responsibly throw away fitness clothing?

Avoid neighborhood trash cans. Instead, utilize donation centers or manufacturer recycling programs. Cleaning your items prior to donation is advisable.

How do I know if my workout clothes are too worn to donate?

If the material is ripped, highly stained, or the elastic is elongated, recycling would be preferable to donating.