I have old clothes from dairy and farm work that are past mending and I think I've found a place in Spokane where the fabric can be recycled and stay out of the landfill.  If nothing else, being natural fibers (cotton and wool), they could be composted but I don't have a shredder.  I've cut off the buttons and cut out the zippers, thinking the recycle place wouldn't want those going through their shredder.  The zippers are in excellent condition, and several are heavy duty.  I do some sewing (rather like my welding, not pretty but things hold together) but I'm no tailor and a couple of attempts to replace broken zippers didn't turn out well.

I'm wondering if there is a place (foreign missions, a training program, a group that makes affordable clothing, something else) that could use them?  I'll take them to metal recycling before they go to a landfill, but that seems a waste.  If anyone knows of a place your input would be greatly appreciated.

Also, when I was small and we had moved from Seattle to a farm in eastern Washington we saved all our rags and worn-out clothing.  These were sent to a place that made rugs out of rags and we had a fairly attractive area rug in our living room from this.  I assume these were less expensive than buying a rug as people supplied the material for their rug.  Does anyone know if there is a place that still does this?


Thank you for any information.