Most of us are familiar with Goodwill, Salvation Army or Saver's donation sites for wearable items - but there are more options, even for stained, ripped or unwearable garments/fabrics, shoes, handbags, belts and backpacks.
Check out Mass DEP's great guide here.
Yes that boot with the sole barely hanging on, the single sock, jacket with a broken zipper, stained tablecloth, worn towel, scuffed belt or handbag and threadbare t-shirt all have value in textile recycling. Drop them off with us or find another option but don't throw them in the trash unless they are contaminated with oil or paint, wet or have an odor that just won't wash out.
Use the MassDEP-supported Beyond the Bin Recycling Directory to search by type of material and your location to find out where in Massachusetts to recycle, reuse, or re-purpose items that don’t belong in your household recycling bin.