By Karina Mazhukhina | May 22, 2015

Don’t know what to do with your old or damaged clothes? Don't throw them away - many thrift stores, dropboxes and other locations in the area will take them and reuse or recycle them, reducing waste in the landfill.

It doesn't matter if the clothes are ripped, stained, or otherwise damaged - find the nearest donation location instead of putting them in the trash.

The average person throws away 70 pounds of clothing per year, according to the EPA. With Threadcycle, a King County and Seattle Public Utilities program dedicated to reusing or recycling clothes, shoes, linens, that can change. Nearly 95 percent of all clothes, shoes, and linens tossed into the garage could have been recycled or reused. Select Items you use in everyday life are made from those recycled clothes, linens, and other textiles.

So, instead of tossing damaged belongings in the trash, add them to the same bag you usually put used clothes in and drop them off at exact same location. Salvation Army, Goodwill, and many other locations take items that are no longer useable, or "singles" of items that are traditionally paired, such as shoes, socks, and gloves. The only rule: no wet, mildewed, or contaminated with hazardous materials. 

Find out more at the Threadcycle page.