Clothing recycling may not sound essential—but it’s become one of my go-to strategies for decluttering more responsibly. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, roughly 92 million tons of textile waste is produced globally every year—a number that has doubled over a decade and a half.
With that in mind, finding an easy way to part with worn-out items (without sending them straight to a landfill) can make a real difference. One option I’ve used consistently since 2021 is the Trashie Take Back Bag, a mail-in recycling service for clothing and household textiles. Here’s how it works and whether it’s worth trying.
How the Trashie Take Back Bag works
The concept is simple: You order a prepaid bag, fill it with clean textiles you no longer need, and send it back. Trashie then sorts the contents, reselling what’s still usable and recycling the rest into materials like insulation or wiping cloths.
Accepted items include:
- Clothing
- Undergarments
- Shoes
- Sheets
- Towels
- Blankets and comforters
- Bags, hats, and belts
- Costumes
What to Expect: Step-by-Step
Order a Take Back Bag
Trashie bags range from about $10 to $120, depending on size and quantity. Options include single bags, bundles, and even specialty bags for items such as tech or fabric scraps.
Fill it up
Once your bag arrives (typically within 10–14 days, according to the brand), pack it to the brim. The sack can hold more than you’d expect. I’ve fit over 20 items in a single bag!
Scan and ship
Each bag includes a QR code. Scan it to generate a prepaid shipping label, then drop it off at UPS (or schedule a pickup for an added fee).
Note: Once a label has been generated, you must ship your bag within a set time frame or the prepaid label will no longer be usable.
Earn rewards
After drop-off, you’ll receive “TrashieCash,” which can be redeemed for discounts or gift cards with partnering brands, such as Amazon, Ulta Beauty, and T.J. Maxx. The amount varies depending on the bag and frequency of donation.
My experience
For the past five years, I’ve used a single $20 Take Back Bag about twice a year, usually during seasonal cleanouts. It’s become my go-to for items that are too worn to donate but feel wasteful to throw away, like stained T-shirts, old sheets, and dingy towels.
One of the things that’s surprised me most is just how much the 24 x 24-inch bag can hold. During a recent spring cleaning, I packed 20 items inside my bag: one jacket, five T-shirts, a makeup bag, two pairs of sweatpants, four undergarments, five tote bags, and even a full-size sheet set. Everything fit without issue for an easy drop-off at my local UPS location.
I appreciate the flexibility that comes with Trashie. I can order a bag, fill it up over a few months, then scan for a return label, and send it back in my own time. I don’t feel rushed or burdened to pre-sort before adding it to the bag. As long as it’s clean and falls under the term “textile,” I toss it in. I’ve even convinced a few of my roommates to start using it.
While the environmental benefit is what initially drew me in, the rewards have been an added bonus. I’ve used my TrashieCash to try brands like Andie Swim and Kinfield—companies I likely wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.
What to keep in mind
Like any service, there are a few pros and cons to consider before purchasing your first bag.
Pros:
- Convenient, mail-in process
- Accepts worn or damaged textiles (as long as they’re clean)
- Helps sustainably reduce household clutter
- Offers rewards for participation
Cons:
- Upfront cost (starting around $20 per bag)
- Must ship within a set time after generating label
- Rewards vary and may not fully offset cost of the bag
The bottom line
If you’re looking for a simple, more sustainable way to declutter, the Trashie Take Back Bag is a practical option—especially for items that can’t be donated.
The upfront cost may be a drawback for some, but for those who can budget for it, the combination of convenience, environmental impact, and rewards makes it a strong option.
Kate (she/her) is the associate editor of The Pioneer Woman Magazine. She writes features, commerce, and travel content. Kate brings nearly five years of home, food, and lifestyle experience to the role, including time as editorial assistant at Good Housekeeping. Her bylines have appeared in Woman’s Day, Food Network Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Dream Kitchens & Baths, and more. When she’s not writing, Kate can be found lazing in the park with a sudoku in hand.
