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Recycle your Old Blue Jeans

January 2, 2009 By: Anna53 Comments

blue jeans

Photo by permission of Ben Donley

Updated 1/7/2012:

What’s blue, made out of old recycled blue jeans, itch-free, and keeps you warm during the winter and cool in the summer?  No, not your favorite blue sweater or blanket!  Bonded Logic’s Ultra-touch insulation.  Previously, I have written about having this terrific insulation in my own home as sound insulation since it is itch-free and formaldehyde-free.  With four rambunctious boys and hardwood floors throughout the house, the noise level would be deafening.  I can’t tell you how much this demin insulation absorbs sounds especially in the basement!

As I mentioned in my Bonded Logic article, you can easily use this insulation for your exterior walls.  We chose to use Icynene, an open cell spray foam insulation, which we felt was a better insulator than the cotton insulation.

People have asked me in the past if you can send your blue jeans to Bonded Logic.  I have always replied ” no” since their insulation is made up of  blue jeans scraps from the factories.  I recently found out that this is not true.  There have been demin drives in the past as well as currently, where your old jeans could become someone else’s warmth.

  • Green Jeans Insulation Inc was collecting the jeans  to send them to Bonded Logic.  (Via  a tip from Jana’s Care 2 blog post citing Plenty magazine‘s article.)    However, Green Jeans indicated that  they are no longer taking the blue jeans.  This made me a little blue.
  • Certain universities are collecting old jeans  as participants in the Cotton, Blue to Green® Denim Campaign. The university campaigns are run by the students to educate their fellow  jean wearing students that cotton is  not only comfortable but is renewable and recyclable.  Those participating students are making an impact on the environment in their own way by recycling their jeans.
  • According to Sean Desmond, the Director of Sales and Marketing at Bonded Logic, the Company sponsors denim drives throughout the year.  The next drive is scheduled for April, 2009 in conjunction with National Geographic with a Washington DC centralized collection point.  Perhaps the White House? Stay tuned to Green Talk as this event is formally announced.
  • (New!) You can send your jeans directly to JBM Fiber in Brownville, Texas.  They are a leader in textile recycling and fiber conversion.   (You pay for shipping.) Before you run to the post office, I would suggest calling the company to confirm that this policy still exists.
  • (New!)  Donate your gently worn (but in good condition) jeans to Teens for Jeans by dropping them off during the Campaign at one of the US or Canada local Aeropostale location.  This Campaign usually happens in the middle of January for a month.  To be updated, when there is a campaign sign up here.

What if you don’t want to send your jeans to be reused in insulation? Here are some other alternatives to recycle your jeans:

  • Freecycle your old jeans because someone may want to use them for a craft or if gently worn, wear them again.
  • Donate them to a charity such as Goodwill.
  • Have your jeans made into sandals at Recycle Your Jeans ( Tip via LivePaths)
  • If you are a more crafty type of person, consider some of these projects in “25 Things to Do with Old Jeans.”
  • Learn how to sew with denim.  Here is your chance with this helpful article.
  • Learn how to revamp outdated or too short jeans into new stylish ones.

Join the Conversation:

  • What are your ideas what to do with your old blue jeans?
  • Do you give away your jeans?  If so, where?
  • Are you crafty and remake your jeans?

Similar Posts:

  • Recycle Your Jeans at the Gap March 5-14, 2010
  • Recycle Old Blue Jeans at the GAP. Oct 5 thur 26, 2010
  • Recycled Denim Insulation by Bonded Logic: Green, Warm, and Itch-Free
  • Second Life Denim Jean Rugs from Summer and Winter Weaving
  • Recycled Denim Insulation Nonprofit Grant Offered by Levi Strauss

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About Anna

Anna Hackman is the editor of Green Talk, and owner of The Naked Botanical and a avid (okay obsessed) gardener. She also loves video and podcasting and hosts Green Talk TV and Green Talk Radio. Her most important role is being a mother of four boys.

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Comments

  1. 1

    Tricia says

    January 5, 2009 at 6:13 am

    Thanks for the suggestions. Denim is my absolute favourite fabric to recycle. I already make bibs, dresses, bags from reclaimed denim and have a long list of other things I plan to make. It is such a strong and durable fabric and it is sad that so much of it ends up in landfil.

    Tricias last blog post..Weekly eco inspiration and lots of Summer holiday fun

    Reply
    • 2

      Green Talk says

      January 5, 2009 at 1:07 pm

      Tricia, do you sell them on your website or do you have an etsy site? Anna

      Reply
  2. 3

    Chicago Breast Cancer says

    January 5, 2009 at 2:32 pm

    This is a really cool idea! I usually give them to charity (I still maintain this is the best solution, someone is always in need) but if it can be converted to insulation this has definite potential. Maybe someone can start a program for donations and then convert the jeans into insulation for a needy family or something. Great, regards!

    Reply
  3. 4

    Montan says

    January 8, 2009 at 5:09 am

    This blue jeans is my favorite too..I think it too funny and interesting to know about a rear topic which i haven’t come across…

    Montans last blog post..New Orleans, Louisiana

    Reply
  4. 5

    Wranger says

    February 3, 2009 at 10:00 am

    This is a really cool idea! I usually give them to charity but if it can be converted to insulation this has definite potential. Maybe someone can start a program for donations and then convert the jeans into insulation for a needy family or something. Great, regards!

    Reply
  5. 6

    Wendy says

    November 7, 2009 at 2:33 pm

    I was wondering if there is also a place where they would make insulation with socks, I have bags of them I can’t bring myself to send to the landfill, they have holes that can’t be darned but are washed and clean.

    Reply
    • 7

      Green Talk says

      November 9, 2009 at 9:58 pm

      Wendy, I agree. You would think someone could take them back and respin the fabric. Anna

      Reply
  6. 8

    lkjj says

    December 2, 2009 at 10:17 pm

    This is a really cool idea! I usually give them to charity but if it can be converted to insulation this has definite potential. Maybe someone can start a program for donations and then convert the jeans into insulation for a needy family or something. Great, regards!

    Reply
  7. 9

    Boardwalk @ Recycle Christmas Cards says

    December 3, 2009 at 10:44 pm

    I’m a recycling fanatic, but I never knew that your old jeans could be recycled to creat other products. I always sell or give away my old jeans (my blue jeans recycling method), but now it sounds like there’s another option.

    Thanks
    .-= Boardwalk @ Recycle Christmas Cards´s last blog ..Recycle Greeting Cards for Arts and Crafts =-.

    Reply
  8. 10

    florence hotels says

    December 7, 2009 at 7:13 am

    I am very sensitive to the issue of recycling, we all have the blue jeans in the closet, I’ll talk to my friends here in Italy
    .-= florence hotels´s last blog ..The Uffizi Gallery =-.

    Reply
  9. 11

    Mini Skips says

    December 11, 2009 at 2:41 am

    Jeans often become jean shorts and then those jeans shorts become dusters. It’s not recycling but at least it’s reusing.

    Reply
  10. 12

    ed hardy says

    February 22, 2010 at 3:02 am

    This is a really cool idea! I usually give them to charity but if it can be converted to insulation this has definite potential. Maybe someone can start a program for donations and then convert the jeans into insulation for a needy family or something.

    Reply
    • 13

      Green Talk says

      February 22, 2010 at 12:28 pm

      Ed, that is a fabulous idea! I have such smart Green Talk readers! Anna

      Reply
  11. 14

    Justin@Solar Global Green says

    March 3, 2010 at 10:33 am

    I have certain jeans that my wife has forbid me to wear. This information will be very useful.

    Reply
    • 15

      Green Talk says

      March 3, 2010 at 11:52 am

      Solar Global, how come your wife has forbidden you wearing these jean? Anna

      Reply
  12. 16

    ibdhiker says

    March 11, 2010 at 11:43 am

    Wonderful site, thanks for the opportunity to post here. We have a small company here in Tennessee which recycles jeans. This year we have pledged 2000 pairs of jeans to the Children of Appalachia Project. We hope to increase that to 5000 pairs if we can get enough donations. These jeans are washed, repaired if necessary, seperated, sized, bagged and tagged. It is hard to believe how many children of Appalachia (upper East Tennessee) have so little to wear. These are children in grades K-12. It would break your heart to see how ragged some of these children look when they come for free clothing. We will then give them the opportunity to shop with “green-bucks” right off the racks we set up in the gymnasiums just as me and you enjoy the chance to do so every day in the stores when we shop. Many will “buy” jeans for their parents. Nobody will be turned away. The “green bucks” are presented to them free.

    I can give you the address if you would like to help us in our quest to assist these children. It is only a small part of what we are doing in our recycle program but it will make such a difference in the lives of so many. HUG, 157 Autumn Drive, Crossville, Tennessee 38571

    Can any of you help? Any jean works. No matter what style. No matter how ragged. Sure, they would like to have the latest greatest style. But OLD BEATS COLD! Any and all jeans would be appreciated. I can be contacted at hug@live.com or you can contact me directly at (931-337-5051) The Home Uprade Group, or on my personal cell phone at (931-261-9248) if you could help us out with some jeans or would be interested in doing a collection drive for us in your area.

    Thank you so much.

    Terry
    (ibdhiker)

    Reply
  13. 17

    mona @ best jeans says

    June 14, 2010 at 11:51 pm

    I typically donate my used jeans to the Salvation Army or the Kidney Foundation, and just throw away the ones that were not wearable. I always felt that this was a waste of material, but didnt’ know what else to do…turning used jeans into insulation has never crossed my mind until now. Thanks for the enlightenment!

    Reply
  14. 18

    Internet Web Marketing says

    June 22, 2010 at 1:31 pm

    I usually use the back pockets from old jeans to make pockets to go on my fridge. The pockets hold notes, coupons, or other little odds and ends. 🙂

    Reply
    • 19

      Green Talk says

      June 22, 2010 at 10:59 pm

      IWM, great idea. How do you get them to stick on the fridg? Anna

      Reply
  15. 20

    honest casino says

    July 15, 2010 at 6:53 am

    Does anyone have the pattern for a tablecloth that incorporates denim placemats into the actual tablecloth? One sewing magazine had the directions a few years ago but I can’t locate it again. This particular pattern also called for embroidered “ants” crawling across the center of the tablecloth.

    Reply
  16. 21

    coach handbags says

    September 28, 2010 at 2:53 am

    I typically donate my used jeans to the Salvation Army or the Kidney Foundation, and just throw away the ones that were not wearable. I always felt that this was a waste of material, but didnt’ know what else to do…turning used jeans into insulation has never crossed my mind until now. Thanks for the enlightenment!

    Reply More from author

    Reply
  17. 22

    MonkeyMom says

    November 3, 2010 at 8:21 pm

    You can also turn your jeans into paper. I can’t remember the exact process, but you need to blend them with water. How long depends on how fine a grain you want. You take a fine screen attached to a wooden frame and using a container larger then the screen you screen the jean pulp from the water and let dry. And then you have jean paper. Great for crafts.

    Reply
    • 23

      Anna@Green Talk says

      November 3, 2010 at 8:33 pm

      MoneyMom, if you could find a link about turning your jeans into paper, that would be great. Anna

      Reply
      • 24

        Riens@Auto Transport says

        November 29, 2010 at 11:30 pm

        I have plenty of denims right in my locker, and i only wore a few of them. This idea of turning jeans into paper would be great. I hope there could also be a link on how to turn denim jeans into Christmas decors since it is fast approaching. Ms.Anna, do you have one?

        Reply
        • 25

          Anna@Green Talk says

          November 30, 2010 at 12:17 pm

          Auto,

          See how to make old Jeans into stockings : http://ezinearticles.com/?Chri.....id=5254262.

          You could also make gift bags out of jeans. See also http://www.wisebread.com/twent.....-old-jeans. I like the iPod holder, coffee cozy, and reusable lunch box. Anyone else have some ideas? Anna

          Reply
  18. 26

    raid 5 recovery says

    December 2, 2010 at 1:33 pm

    I never thought jeans could also be made into a reusable lunch box. But now that you just mentioned it, then it was just awesome.Thanks!

    Reply
  19. 27

    J. says

    December 17, 2010 at 3:53 pm

    Who knew there were so many different things you could do? I have always just recycled them by giving them to charity, but that’s mostly because I never realized I had other options! What a lovely post!

    Reply
  20. 28

    dee says

    December 21, 2010 at 4:49 am

    i use my scrap denim pieces to make drink coasters. Cut out the round ( i use a pattern made from tracing a soup can) and then trim it with my home-made biase tape or serge the edges. When they get to gross i toss them in a lingerie bag and wash. I have also used it to make coffee wrappers/cozies, BBQ aprons, bibs, sleep masks (with/without rice), and one of my personal favorites is draft snakes – those things you put at the bottom of your doors to knock out the draft that the insulation never seems to quell. My larger pieces i cut out squares and make allll sorts of strange and wonderful things – piece together to make a sheet for various sewing projects (jackets, bags, table cloths, curtains) … Old jeans are some of my favorite things to ask my friends for. They get cool stuff back.

    Reply
    • 29

      Anna@Green Talk says

      December 21, 2010 at 2:48 pm

      Dee, could you send me a picture of your draft stopper! Or post some of your ideas on my Facebook Fan Page. What a great idea. What do you stuff it with.

      Reply
  21. 30

    canopy says

    January 17, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    Recycling old jeans is a great idea. Once I’ve worn by dungarees thin I usually turn them into jean shorts, which thankfully have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Other than that I’ll take them to Goodwill so other people can get some use out of them. Thanks for the post!

    Reply
  22. 31

    Agony says

    April 21, 2011 at 3:47 am

    I usually use the back pockets from old jeans to make pockets to go on my fridge. The pockets hold notes, coupons, or other little odds and ends.

    Reply
  23. 32

    Nivlem says

    June 20, 2011 at 8:18 pm

    After going through a mental list of creative ideas, i came upon denim (old jeans), since 1987 i have been making Denim Jewelry ( assortment of denim accessories. each is uniquely designed and excellent quality. Assortment of denim braclets, necklaces, earrings, neckties, rings and brooches. much of my work can be seen at differnt arts & craft shoes arund Atlanta.
    I MAKE YOU LOOK GOOD IN YOUR JEANS. Nivlem Denim Jewelry.

    Reply
  24. 33

    Living SImply says

    July 20, 2011 at 9:42 am

    Thanks, Anna. Still exploring this site, and I love it. This article makes me remember the jean shoulder bags everyone had when I was a kid in the 70s. Would’ve never thought to use them for insulation. I like it 😉

    Reply
  25. 34

    diane fronek says

    August 22, 2011 at 12:35 pm

    do you know of any current blue jeans recycling drives going on ,particularly in the chicago area. I have been saving mine and dont want to waste them. thanks in advance for any info.

    Reply
    • 35

      Anna@Green Talk says

      August 26, 2011 at 1:39 am

      Diane, I don’t know of any but you could call the gap and ask them when they will have their next drive. Alternatively, you can give them to Goodwill. Anna

      Reply
  26. 36

    diane fronek says

    August 22, 2011 at 12:39 pm

    added comment , looking for recycling blue jeans for insulation.

    Reply
    • 37

      Anna@Green Talk says

      August 26, 2011 at 1:38 am

      Diane, recycled jean insulation is made by Ultra Touch. Anna

      Reply
  27. 38

    Anne says

    November 14, 2011 at 10:36 am

    Interesting info. Since I’m always sewing something, I’m keeping some odds and ends for now. I used parts of old pants to make one of those activity centers that teach kids to zip, button, etc.

    Reply
    • 39

      Anna@Green Talk says

      November 14, 2011 at 12:24 pm

      Anne, do you have a link so GT readers can see your creation? So clever. Anna

      Reply
  28. 40

    Richard says

    August 25, 2012 at 3:49 am

    I have heard of recycling plastic, paper, glass, water, rubber, tire but never heard of recycling Jeans. Looks like an innovative idea to me 🙂

    Reply
  29. 41

    Nicola says

    August 11, 2013 at 6:59 am

    I created a marvellous zombie inspired skirt using fabrics and a pair of ripped jeans recently. They were a huge hit with my customer. she loved that I had breathed new life into a worn out pair of jeans.

    Reply
  30. 42

    Helene beadman says

    April 12, 2016 at 3:41 am

    I wish I could live in USA . I live in Pierrefonds Montreal Quebec. I see so many opportunities as thrift stores and goodwill in your country. Don’t get me wrong, I love it here but I’m a crafter, recycling fanatic and would love for someone to give me old recycled jeans so I could do my quilts for my grandkids. Here they sell them up to 10.00$. I cut them up in squares for rag quilts. So far I have two pairs of jeans. To do one denim quilt, I need 20 pairs of jeans. If with your firm u know of anyone in Montreal Quebec Canada that u may deal with exchanging jeans could you let me know please. I’ve been searching on line for days and weeks now. I would be so grateful to get old jeans.. Thank you so much..

    Reply
    • 43

      Anna@Green Talk says

      April 13, 2016 at 11:00 am

      Helene, do you have Freecycle in your area? You can put a request for old jeans on the site. Anna

      Reply

Trackbacks

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  5. Are Your Blue Jeans Green? says:
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  6. Recycle Old Jeans at Aeropostale for the Teens for Jeans Campaign | Green Talk® says:
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  8. Ways to reuse Denim Jeans | Fabulessly Frugal says:
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