What type of denim can be recycled?

You can contribute any type of denim apparel item – jeans, jackets, shirts, skirts and more. It can be colored, embellished and/or printed. The denim can also be in any condition – ripped, stained and even scraps.

Do you accept other apparel or clothing for recycling?

For the purposes of the Blue Jeans Go Green^TM  program, we only collect denim for recycling. That said, other cotton apparel can be recycled, and there are a variety of organizations that may be able to assist in these efforts.

What happens to the denim that you receive?

One of the ways we recycle old denim is by working with Bonded Logic, Inc., to transform it into insulating material for various applications like building insulation, thermal packaging insulation, pet bed inserts and other applications.

I am unable to cover the cost of shipping to recycle my denim. Is there a drop-off location near me?

Cotton Incorporated does not have any drop off locations for recycling. However, throughout the year, we have different program affiliates that have locations across the U.S. that will accept denim for recycling through the Blue Jeans Go Green™ program. To find out where you can recycle denim locally, click here, or to mail in your denim (at no cost, courtesy of Zappos For Good) click here, log in, and download a free shipping label.

I’d like to hold a denim drive. What are my next steps?

We’re happy to talk with you about how to start your own drive. Please contact us here.

Do you have a program outside of the USA?

At this time, we do not have an international arm of the Blue Jeans Go Green^TM program. We can certainly accept denim that is sent from abroad; however, please be mindful that this may be a slightly more complicated process due to international shipping laws. In terms of insulation distribution, we primarily distribute to the contiguous United States. If you fall outside of the lower 48 states, we’d be happy to still discuss your insulation request. Please contact us in the form above.

I received a meal service delivery with denim insulation in the packaging. Can I recycle it?

For the purposes of the program, we only accept denim for recycling. However, the manufacturer of the insulation, Bonded Logic, Inc., can recycle the denim insulation. If you are interested in sending the denim insulation for reuse, please send to the following address:

• Bonded Logic, Inc.,
• 24053 S. Arizona Avenue, Suite 151,
• Phoenix, AZ 85248, Attn: J. Weston

Where can I find updates on retailers and promotions during COVID-19?

Please check the Recycle Denim page ​retailer section for information on each participating retailer.

Can I receive a tax write-off when I contribute my denim?

No, Cotton Incorporated is not a charitable organization, and therefore, cannot offer any tax receipts.

I’m interested in obtaining denim insulation for my own project. Can I buy or receive it from you?

Cotton Incorporated is a not-for-profit organization. We don’t buy, sell or manufacture any products.

Does my denim need to be 100% cotton to be recycled?

We do accept blends. We just ask that the denim item(s) you’re recycling be high cotton content and contain at least 90% cotton. However, if you have a large volume of 100% cotton denim to recycle please contact us at [email protected] prior to contributing it.

Is America Recycles Day a real holiday?

Yes! America Recycles Day, a Keep America Beautiful national initiative, is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States.