How should I compost worn cotton t-shirts at home in a circular economy?

[Luna_W]

I’m trying to switch to a more circular economy model at home, but I’m stuck on what to do with my old, worn-out cotton t-shirts that aren’t good enough to donate. I’ve heard about composting natural fibers, but I’m unsure if my simple backyard pile will actually break them down properly or if I’m just creating future trash.

[JerryYS]

If you want to try composting, cut the tees into strips, rinse out any dirt, and mix them with kitchen scraps and leaves. Cotton is natural so it should break down, but in a backyard pile it tends to take many months and the dye can slow things down.

[Avery.J]

I started by shredding old tees into cleaning rags. I keep a bin by the laundry sink, wash the rags after using them, and suddenly I’m using fewer paper towels.

[Elizabeth.S]

I once crammed a batch into seed starter pots made from newspaper and torn edges, but it didn’t work out great and I abandoned that idea. Still, it felt good to reuse instead of tossing everything.

[Oliver37]

Do you have a local textile recycling drop-off or program near you? Some places will take worn out cotton and recycle the fiber instead of sending it to landfill.

[Natalie.S]

I kept a stash for rough cleaning and pet cleaning, but the colors and fuzz eventually drove me to recycle elsewhere. I learned it’s ok to pivot rather than force a single path.

[Brian.J]

They’re handy as garden ties if you cut them into thin strips, and they last a little while in the sun before you replace them.

[BrandonRM]

Sometimes I wonder if the bigger problem is the system and our habits, not just these shirts. It’s hard to tell whether chasing circular solutions is helping or if I’m spinning my wheels.