Our Textile Recycling:  From Start to Finish

We place our Gaia drop boxes in agreement with businesses to collect gently used textiles. Our drop boxes have required permits and contact information. We place the drop boxes in easily accessible locations.

You can find the Gaia drop boxes in parking lots and other designated areas of businesses. We place all drop boxes according to the business’ requirements concerning the size and location of the drop box.

People can drop donations down the chute, but this chute remains closed to protect donations from the elements. People place bags of clothes, shoes, toys, and small household items inside of the drop box. Bags should be tied so donations remain in good condition and our team can be donate or shipped sustainably.

Drivers pick up the donated items once a week. After the drivers collect the donations they bring them back to the warehouse to get packed. The warehouse team separates items and prepares them for shipping. After that, the team separates a portion of the items for local charities to use to help those in need.

Bags with clothes go in a baling machine. This machine presses the clothes into 1,000-pound bales. The warehouse team wraps the donated items for transport after the baling machine presses them. The baling machine can damage some items, such as shoes, toys, and household goods. Our strong warehouse team packs these items into capsacks by hand!

The team stacks and organizes the bales of donated items in the Gaia warehouse. We ship around 45 bales of donated items to countries like Guatemala, Nicaragua and Chile. Merchants buy them per pound for an affordable price.

Some of the donated clothes go to marketplaces and thrift stores in Central America. These donations can make a good source of income for families and merchants. This helps build up the economy by providing jobs and high-quality clothing to families.

In the Chicagoland area, our donations go out to support local organizations. Our team prepares clothes, coats, food, and other necessities to donate to local shelters and schools. To learn more about some of the organizations that we support, read more about Gaia’s Impact.

A message from The Gaia Movement

Here at The Gaia Movement, we are proud of our sustainable work and encourage others to live more sustainably. We cannot express how grateful we are to all of our partners who support our mission. By promoting our nonprofit organization, hosting a Gaia drop box, or both you help spread sustainable efforts! Everyone from the CEO and founder of Gaia, the warehouse workers, territory managers, office workers, and operations team members would like to express our infinite gratitude. This includes everyone who tries to live sustainably by dropping off gently used textiles at Gaia drop boxes. Making life changes by following tips found in our Eco-Education Blog can also make a large impact. To everyone who joins Gaia in making a sustainable effort, we thank you!!! When you recycle your textiles, you make a positive impact in your community and our planet!!!