As blazing rays of sun cut through the cool breeze, students trade jackets and pants for t-shirts and shorts. Especially as college students, the changing seasons beckon a closet transformation where winter clothes are put in storage, donated or repurposed. The Daily Texan compiled a list of locations to sustainably dispose of old clothes or make them into something entirely new.
Trash to Treasure’s donation box at the Student Services Building (SSB)
Trash to Treasure, a student-led project by the campus environmental center, aims to divert reusable items from landfills. Their bright blue donation bin sits in SSB 1.302, where students can drop off their gently used clothes. Unique pre-loved clothes hang on racks at $1 thrift sales on Speedway during Trash to Treasure’s pop-up sales. The org also hosts monthly clothing swaps where students can bring old clothes and leave with something new.
Thrift shops along Guadalupe Street
Along the Drag, Buffalo Exchange, Pavement and Leopard Lounge make up just a few thrift shops within walking distance that purchase used clothes. These stores buy everything from designer to everyday styles, offering 25-50% of the original price to sellers. They encourage potential vendors to check the condition and cleanliness of each item, as their employees will inspect them when received. While there, visitors can check out the new styles they receive daily and restock their closet.
Austin Creative Reuse to upcycle old clothes
If clothes no longer function for their intended purpose, consider turning them into something new or helping others do so. Austin Creative Reuse accepts old clothes and fabric donations to resell at an affordable price to the community. They also host workshops and events to teach sustainable sewing and patchwork.
Austin Resource Recovery pickup
Some clothes just can’t be saved. Rather than throwing them into the dumpster, consider scheduling a pickup with Austin Resource Recovery. Get together with friends and schedule a collection service for reuse or recycling by the City of Austin. They also offer hands-on classes with local artisans that can be accessed through their website.
As blazing rays of sun cut through the cool breeze, students trade jackets and pants for t-shirts and shorts. Especially as college students, the changing seasons beckon a closet transformation where winter clothes are put in storage, donated or repurposed. The Daily Texan compiled a list of locations to sustainably dispose of old clothes or make them into something entirely new.
