More than a recycling solution

We’re reshaping what’s possible in a circular economy, transforming discarded fabric into valuable resources that fuel creativity and strengthen the brand story of sustainable fashion.

Fabric recycling program for brands

The process FOR BRAND PARTNERS

Apply for our recycling service

1

FABSCRAP’s pickup recycling service is available in NYC and Philadelphia ONLY. Organizations can apply by submitting our Textile Recycling Interest Form, and a team member will follow up within 1–2 weeks.

Prepare fabric items

2

We accept all pre-consumer textile waste, including production scraps, headers, swatches, and unused yardage and bolts. Leave headers on swatches for sorting and fabric on rolls. We offer FABSCRAP service bags in two colors, designed as convenient "laundry bag" style containers for packing your materials. Sort fabric into Black bags (for recycling only) and Brown bags (for reuse, resale, or recycling). Each bag holds up to 50 lbs. Label any non-FABSCRAP bags or boxes as black or brown for proper processing.

Request collection & replacement bags

3

For flexible pickups and to request additional bags, book online through our Partner Portal. When submitting your request, specify which days work best for your team. Replacement bags are shipped out weekly and pick-ups are scheduled for the following week. If pickup is not an option, we are also available for drop-offs at reduced rates.

Prepare for pickup

4

Our drivers will follow any pick-up directions indicated in your request. To ensure an easy hand-off, please ensure all items are appropriately labeled and placed in an easily accessible location. We’ll provide an estimated arrival window the week before pickup and contact you when we arrive.

Track your impact

5

FABSCRAP tracks and shares data for each brand in our Partner Portal including the total weight of fabric diverted from landfill, the percent reused vs recycled, and the carbon-reducing impact.

What happens to the scraps?

Transportation

We come to you! FABSCRAP will pickup your fabric scraps as soon as possible.

Our passionate volunteers help to remove any headers, tags, pins, paper, staples, tape, zippers, and buttons. After disassembly, the material is sorted for reuse and recycling. All proprietary material is deconstructed by staff members and processed for recycling. All logos and emblems are destroyed and a certificate of destruction is provided to the client.

Processing

Once processed, our team consolidates and stores material at our warehouse in Brooklyn. All reusable materials are sent to our Reuse Room, online store, or donated to community organizations.

Consolidation

RECYCLING: Proprietary material (from Black Bags) and small scraps are downcycled into shoddy - a mixed fiber product used for insulation, carpet padding, furniture lining, moving blankets, and more

REUSE: Students, artists, crafters, quilters, sewers, teachers, and of course, other designers can use any material we collect that is not proprietary.

End Use

Why SHOULD YOUR BRAND recycle with FABSCRAP?

Today’s market demands more than fashion; it demands responsibility. Now is the time for brands to lead, innovate, and inspire.

Comply with the law

In New York City, if 10% or more of your commercial waste is textile material, you are required to recycle it. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies for textiles are gaining momentum globally and have already been enacted in the European Union.
Your customers care

In the US, 48% of customers check tags for sustainability information. Brands that market their eco-conscious efforts and corporate social responsibility practices show increased sales and brand loyalty.
Greater transparency & accountability

Meet your CSR and sustainability goals with brand-specific waste-stream data to meet the transparency and accountability stakeholders and consumers expect.
Reduce CO2 emissions

Each pound of waste from apparel production is associated with 2.06 pounds of CO2-E. FABSCRAP provides reports enumerating pounds diverted from landfill and CO2 emissions saved.
Combat chemical contamination

When disposed in landfill, the dyes and chemicals in fabrics can leach into the soil, contaminating local water systems. Diverting textiles from landfill keeps our water and soil clean so we can all enjoy it.
DIVERT FROM LANDFILL

62% of fabric is synthetic or chemical. These fibers take 30-40 years to break down in landfill, and 100 years to fully decompose (if ever).

SIGN UP for Commercial Textile Recycling

Corporate partnerships

More than just a recycling service, FABSCRAP offers a variety of ways for companies to engage in our mission. You can join us through corporate volunteering sessions, monetary donations, sponsorships and participating in educational events such as guest lectures, warehouse tours and interviews.

Learn more

Hear from
our partners

“Working with FABSCRAP has been a seamless way for us to upcycle and donate our most precious materials. As a brand we really try to focus on zero waste where we can and are confident knowing that our goods are being gently taken care of by such a wonderful institution. We hope that all our materials are being enjoyed by those who find treasure in their hunt.”
Lori Pinizzotto, Gabriela Hearst
“We love FABSCRAP! As a custom costume studio, we generate a lot of small fabric scraps, and before FABSCRAP came along, we ended up just throwing them in the trash. We are thrilled to be able to recycle those scraps now. FABSCRAP makes it so easy by providing bags that we fill, and then they pick up when the bags are full. Thank you, FABSCRAP, for helping to make our industry a little greener.”
Sarah Timberlake, Timberlake Studios
“I have been using FABSCRAP for years. I have a small bridal studio that is committed to creating everything in house and locally, but also as sustainably and responsibly as possible! Even so, accumulating unusable and small scraps during production is an unavoidable byproduct, and we are so lucky to have FABSCRAP in NYC to help us recycle and reuse our scraps! Their pick-up service is convenient and efficient, and we are so grateful for their service! Their services are an absolutely essential part of the fashion industry.”
Marteal Mayer, Loulette Bride
“We are so grateful to FABSCRAP for helping us to recycle our extra fabric memos, saving many pounds of fabric from landfill, and reducing our carbon footprint. They’re a fabulous organization, and make it so easy for us! They’ll pick up large bags filled with fabric scraps for reuse. We don’t have to throw them away, and on their site we can see how we’ve reduced our carbon footprint + how many pounds we’ve saved from landfill at the end of the year! They also have a fantastic Instagram which shows you some of the ways the fabrics are being repurposed by their amazing team. I highly recommend that you get in touch with FABSCRAP!”
Meagan Meade, Mancini Duffy

Not a brand but want to recycle with us?

FABSCRAP accepts fabric scraps from design students, textile artists, and crafters for recycling at our Brooklyn Warehouse. We assess the style, condition, and inventory needs to determine if fabric is reusable (accepted for free) or will be recycled at $2/lb. We do not accept clothing, bedding, linens, or towels. If you're unsure about what to drop-off, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!

Schedule a drop-off