The Eco-Friendly Clothing Cycle

IS THERE A GLOBAL MARKET FOR USED GOODS FROM THE UNITED STATES?

YES! The international market for used goods shipped from the United States is relatively strong, supported by statistics measuring the volume of worn clothing. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 1999, documented export sales of used clothing from the United States reached an estimated $217 million. The U.S. Department of Commerce reports that the volume of used exports from the United States is substantially growing. However, the export of used goods is a diverse and at times indefinable area of international commerce.

WHERE DOES IT ALL GO?

If donations to secondhand stores are not sold or purchased the clothing is then purchased by used clothing dealers. If it weren't for dealers like California Clothing Recyclers, that clothing would go to a local landfill.

Annually 3.5 million lbs. of unwanted used clothing is recycled by California Clothing Recyclers. That is 3.5 million lbs. annually saved from Sacramento area landfills. Since 1997, California Clothing Recyclers has recycled over 27 million lbs. of clothing in Northern California.

Countries receiving goods from California Clothing Recyclers include, but are not limited to, Japan, Philippines, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, India, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates and parts of Africa.

Learn more about the Recycle Process…