Can I recycle denim while practicing social distancing?

We encourage you while stay-at-home orders are in effect to prepare your denim for recycling so it’s ready to be taken locally or mailed in once stay-at-home orders are lifted. If you have the ability to safely mail your denim while stay-at-home orders are in effect and maintain social distancing we are able to still receive denim.

Are there any concerns about clothes containing COVID-19 while recycling?

We are confident all parties in the supply chain (including you) are taking necessary preventative measures. We appreciate the desire to want to continue to recycle denim responsibly. Given collection/shipping time, cautions taken when sorting denim, and the entire process, at this time we are not aware this contributes to the spread of COVID-19. As an added precaution, however, we suggest laundering the denim prior to sending it in for recycling.

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.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COTTON T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST?

Kids age 8-14 that are legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States and the District of Columbia may enter.  Entrants must have a parent or legal guardian’s permission to enter.

DO I HAVE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE WEEK JUNIOR TO ENTER THE COTTON T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST?

No.  No purchase or subscription necessary to enter or win.

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE COTTON T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST?

Email submissions must be received at [email protected] by 11:59:59 pm ET on December 3, 2021.

WHERE DO I EMAIL MY DESIGN FOR THE COTTON T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST?

[email protected]

WHAT FORMAT SHOULD I SUBMIT MY DESIGN FOR THE COTTON T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST?

Uploaded Entry Forms and designs must be scanned in and submitted as an attachment via email as instructed in one of the designated highest possible resolution electronic formats: PDF, PNG, JPEG. Designs may be in black and white or color or any combination thereof. All design submissions must consist of original content created only by the entrant for the purposes of this Contest.

WHAT IS THE JUDGING CRITERIA FOR THE COTTON T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST?

Judging will be based on the following criteria: Creativity (33.3%), Recycling (How well the design is related to the need to recycle) (33.3%), Execution (33.3%). In the event of a tie, the entry with the highest “Creativity” score will be deemed the Winner.

WHAT IS THE PRIZE FOR THE COTTON T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST?

Each of the winners will be featured in an issue of The Week Junior in 2022, and may receive a limited edition T-shirt with their design on it.

HOW MANY WINNERS WILL BE SELECTED FOR THE COTTON T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST?

Three (3) total winners will be selected. One winner will be selected from each of three age categories at the time of entry: age 8-9, age 10-11, age 12-14.

WHEN WILL THE WINNERS OF THE COTTON T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST BE NOTIFIED?

Parents/legal guardians of the Potential Winners will be notified on or around the week of January 16, 2022. If you are not contacted following the contest, your child’s design has not been selected as a winner.

CAN I GET A COPY OF THE WINNERS LIST FOR THE COTTON T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST?

For the initials and geographical vicinity of selected Winners, send a request along with a self-addressed, stamped return envelope to The Week Junior Cotton Contest Winners, 155 E. 44th St, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10017.

WHERE CAN I READ THE FULL RULES FOR THE COTTON T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST?

TheWeekJunior.com/terms

Is the Denim Stack Challenge part of Keep America Beautiful’ s America Recycles Day holiday (or events)?

Yes! Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ denim recycling program’s Denim Stack Challenge is a registered America Recycles Day event.  You can find it on the America Recycles Day website.

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.

What do I get for participating in the Denim Stack Challenge?

Cotton Incorporated and its Blue Jeans Go Green™ denim recycling program is not providing anything in exchange for participation.  By participating, you’re acknowledging your commitment to sustainable living and you can feel good about giving the cotton-based garments you no longer use new purpose and supporting Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ denim recycling program’s efforts to keep textile waste out of landfills and assist in building efforts that support communities across America.

Can I win anything by posting about the Denim Stack Challenge?

Cotton Incorporated and its Blue Jeans Go Green™ denim recycling program is not providing anything in exchange for participation.

Where can I post and how many pieces of denim do I need to participate in the Denim Stack Challenge?

We’re encouraging you to post on Instagram and there’s no limit (and no minimum) to how much or how little denim you can include in your “stack” photo and/or contribute to recycle!

Can I only use jeans in my denim stack for the #DenimStackChallenge?

No, any type of denim apparel can be contributed for recycling so long as it’s at least 90% cotton.  Check your labels and feel free to stack up all your unwanted and worn denim – shirts, skirts, shorts, jackets (and anything else you may have that’s made from denim) can be used for the Denim Stack Challenge.

Do I have to contribute my denim to participate in the Denim Stack Challenge?

No, you do not have to recycle your denim to participate.  You can simply snap a photo of your denim and post to your Instagram handle (and tag your friends to nominate them to participate!).