How to Responsibly Recycle or Repurpose Old Swimsuits
Learn sustainable, eco-friendly ways to recycle, repurpose, or dispose of your worn-out swimsuits while reducing plastic waste.
Swimsuits, essential in warm-weather wardrobes, are designed for durability and performance. Unfortunately, these same properties—synthetic fibers that withstand sun, salt, and chlorine—also make old swimwear notoriously difficult to recycle or biodegrade. This guide explores environmentally responsible ways to deal with your well-worn swimsuits, from creative reuse and upcycling projects to the latest recycling initiatives and eco-design innovations in the swimwear industry.
Why Recycling Swimsuits Matters
Traditional swimwear is constructed primarily from synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, and spandex. While these textiles deliver stretch, support, and longevity, they originate from petroleum-based plastics. Their production and disposal both carry an environmental price:
- Persistent in the environment: Synthetic fibers can take hundreds of years to break down in landfills.
- Microplastic pollution: Washing synthetic swimsuits releases microfibers into waterways.
- Resource-intensive manufacturing: Producing virgin nylon or polyester requires significant water, energy, and chemicals.
Because donating used swimsuits is often not an option, and their recycling options are limited, eco-minded swimmers must get creative to prevent their suits from ending up in the trash.
Understanding Swimsuit Materials
Most swimsuits are made with a blend of the following:
- Nylon (Polyamide): Durable, lightweight, dries quickly, but from non-renewable resources.
- Polyester: Resistant to chlorine and fading; also a plastic-based fiber.
- Spandex (Lycra/Elastane): Provides the necessary stretch and fit, but makes recycling composite fabrics more challenging.
Newer sustainable swimwear may incorporate eco-friendly fibers such as recycled nylon (e.g., ECONYL), recycled polyester (e.g., from plastic bottles), or blends with biodegradable components. However, the majority of old swimsuits still contain unrecyclable blends, complicating end-of-life disposal.
Challenges of Swimsuit Recycling
Most municipal recycling programs do not accept textiles—especially blends containing spandex or elastane—because:
- Composite fabrics are difficult to separate for fiber recycling.
- Stretch fibers (e.g., spandex) are not widely recyclable.
- Standard clothing donation centers do not accept used swimwear for resale due to hygiene concerns.
Despite these challenges, growing consumer demand for sustainable fashion is motivating designers and recycling innovators to find viable end-of-life solutions for swimwear and other technical textiles.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives for Old Swimsuits
1. Repurpose and Upcycle
The most accessible and eco-friendly solution is to give your old suits new life by upcycling them into practical or creative items. Consider these ideas:
- Hair ties and scrunchies: Swimsuit fabric is perfectly stretchy for DIY accessories.
- Resealable bags: Waterproof fabric makes excellent small wet pouches for toiletries, gym kits, or reusable sandwich bags.
- Pet toys: Sturdy enough for homemade dog tug toys or cat crinkle balls.
- Patches and appliqués: Use colorful prints for patching holes in other activewear or bags.
- Craft projects: Swimsuit material can be used for doll clothing, wallets, bookmarks, and more.
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Simple DIY: No-Sew Upcycled Scrunchie
- Cut a strip of clean swimsuit fabric approximately 2 inches wide and 12-15 inches long.
- Thread a thin elastic band through the center, knotting the ends together.
- Wrap the fabric around the elastic band and stitch or securely knot the ends to conceal the elastic.
2. Donate Strategically
While most charities cannot accept used swimwear, there are niche programs and initiatives that may collect items for:
- Costume wardrobes: Community theaters or dance studios may accept gently used swimsuits for costume construction.
- Animal shelters: Some facilities use waterproof fabrics in bedding, cleaning rags, or enrichment projects.
- Fabric recycling drives: Look for textile recycling events that accept all fabrics, knowing that non-reusable textiles may be processed down for insulation or industrial use rather than clothing.
3. Textile Recycling Programs
Some brands and organizations are pioneering take-back schemes or collaborating with textile recyclers to solve the technical hurdles of swimsuit recycling.
- Check with the brand: A few sustainable swimwear companies now offer end-of-life recycling for their products, especially for styles made from 100% recycled fibers.
- Mail-in textile recycling: Companies such as TerraCycle accept a wide variety of fabrics—including blended textiles—through paid mail-in programs, although not all schemes accept spandex-containing items.
- Local council tips: Some municipal recycling centers may host periodic textile collection drives; clarify what types of materials are accepted beforehand.
Innovations in Sustainable Swimwear Design
Addressing the issue at the source, eco-conscious swimwear brands now work to minimize waste before products even reach consumers. Key developments include:
- Recycled fibers: Materials such as ECONYL (regenerated fishing nets, carpets, post-industrial nylon) and REPREVE (recycled plastic bottles) are used to produce high-quality, performance-driven swimsuits .
- Take-back programs: Certain brands operate closed-loop systems, collecting used products for recycling or refurbishment.
- Zero-waste production: Some manufacturers use off-cuts from their own collections to minimize waste generation .
- Innovative blends: Technology is advancing to create textile blends that are easier to recycle or even biodegradable.
Supporting companies adopting these practices can help foster a more circular textile economy and reduce the net environmental toll of swimwear over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why can’t I put swimsuits in regular recycling?
A: Conventional recycling programs do not accept textiles, especially blended or synthetic-only materials like those used in swimsuits, due to processing limitations and the need for material separation.
Q: Can I donate my old swimsuits?
A: Most thrift stores, clothing banks, and charities do not accept used swimsuits for hygiene reasons. Your best options are upcycling, using them as cleaning rags, or finding targeted niche programs for reuse.
Q: Are there brands that recycle old swimsuits?
A: A few sustainable swimwear brands offer take-back programs, letting you return their products for recycling if composed of specific recyclable fibers. Always check with the individual brand for details.
Q: What happens to swimsuits sent for textile recycling?
A: If accepted by textile recycling programs, swimsuits may be shredded for industrial uses such as insulation or filler. However, not all recycling plants process elastane or blended materials, so always verify before donating.
Q: How can I lessen the environmental impact of buying new swimwear?
A: Choose sustainably designed suits using recycled fibers, buy better-quality products that last longer, support brands with eco-responsible programs, and care for your suit according to instructions to extend its lifespan.
Tips for Making Your Swimsuits Last Longer
- Rinse after every use: Salt, sand, sunscreen, and chlorine can degrade fabrics over time. Rinse with cold, fresh water after swimming.
- Hand wash gently: Use mild, non-toxic soap and avoid machine washing or wringing the suit, which can damage fibers.
- Dry flat in the shade: Direct sun can fade colors and weaken elasticity. Lay your swimsuit out flat, away from heat sources.
- Avoid rough surfaces: Sitting on concrete pool decks or rough sand can cause pilling or snags. Lay down a towel first.
Step-by-Step: What To Do With an Old Swimsuit
- Assess condition: If it’s in good shape but no longer fits or suits your style, donate to costume programs or creative reuse centers.
- Upcycle: Convert into new functional or creative items as suggested above.
- Send to textile recycling: Look for take-back or mail-in programs, especially for sustainable brand items.
- If landfill is the only option: Cut into small pieces to prevent the potential for microplastic pollution from whole garments.
Summary Table: Swimsuit Disposal Options
| Disposal Option | Accepts Most Swimsuits? | Best For | Environmental Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Municipal Recycling Bin | No | None—do not use | Not processed; may contaminate recycling stream |
| Clothing Donations | No (unless new, tags on) | Brand new or barely worn items only | Low, if suit is reused |
| Upcycling/DIY Reuse | Yes | Any clean swimsuit | Very low; keeps items in active use |
| Brand Take-Back/Closed Loop | Sometimes | Certain brands, often for their own products | Low, if properly recycled |
| Textile Recycling Centers | Maybe—check before | Worn-out suits, not suited for reuse | Lowered by industrial repurposing |
| Landfill | Yes | Only when all else fails | High; persists for centuries |
Conclusion: Taking Action for a Greener Swimwear Future
While the recycling infrastructure for swimsuits is still developing, there is a growing range of options for keeping your retired swimwear out of the landfill. Repurposing, recycling through specialized schemes, supporting innovative swimwear brands, and extending the life of your suits remain powerful tools in the sustainability journey. Consumer demand is pushing the industry toward new materials and recycling solutions—every piece kept out of landfill is a positive ripple toward cleaner water and a healthier planet.
Remember:
- Look for creative reuse opportunities first.
- Support clothing and textile collection programs.
- Buy from brands dedicated to eco-friendly practices—including material innovation and closed-loop systems.
- Care for your swimwear to maximize its usable life.
With thoughtful disposal and conscious shopping choices, you can enjoy the water more sustainably—one swimsuit at a time.
References
- https://www.elle.com/fashion/trend-reports/a61078327/swimwear-industry-sustainability/
- https://smartgirlstories.com/how-to-make-sustainable-swimwear-from-recycled-plastic/
- https://settingmind.com/soak-in-the-sun-with-papers-swimwear-made-of-100-recycled-materials/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqzaScZfdUQ
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