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Socks
Accepted at 6 locations
Socks are textile items made from materials like cotton, wool, nylon, polyester, and spandex that can be recycled even when worn, stained, or missing a match.
Material Details
Also known as: Textiles
Parent material: Textiles
Accepted Locations

Last updated on June 3, 2026 by Green Star GM

Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM

Last updated on June 3, 2026 by Green Star GM

Last updated on June 5, 2026 by Green Star GM

Last updated on June 5, 2026 by Green Star GM

Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
About Socks
What it is
Socks are frequently made from a blend of materials including cotton, wool, nylon, polyester, and spandex, which makes them a unique recycling challenge. In 2018, landfills received 11.3 million tons of textile waste in the United States, representing 7.7 percent of all municipal solid waste landfilled. It is estimated that 95% of all used clothing, footwear, and other household textiles can be reused or recycled.
How it’s recycled
Mechanical recycling involves shredding textiles into fibers that can be used to create new products, such as insulation, carpets, or filling for furniture. Textiles are sorted by color and material type and shredded to become fiberfill or stuffing, while some textiles are cut down and sold as rags. Chemical recycling breaks down the fibers into their basic chemical components, which can then be used to manufacture new materials, and while more advanced, it offers the potential to recycle more complex fiber blends.
How to prepare it
As long as the items are clean, dry and free of oil/grease and odors (not stained with solvents such as gasoline) many textiles can be dropped off at collection locations to be recycled.
Common mistakes
Traditional municipal recycling programs are typically not equipped to handle textiles, especially worn-out socks. Almost all textile recycling programs refuse wet garments because of inevitable mildew buildup, and if a piece of clothing gets wet in the shipping or sorting process, it's then headed for the landfill. Many clothes like socks with rips or holes are disposed of rather than donated, but with a little DIY or expert skill, there could be many more wears left.
Environmental impact
The recycling rate for all textiles was 14.7 percent in 2018, with the recycling rate for textiles in clothing and footwear at 13 percent. Textiles in landfills contribute to methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, and they also take up valuable landfill space. Textiles can take up to 200+ years to decompose in landfills.
Did you know?
Shoddy is made from shredded fibers and used for insulation and stuffing, transforming old socks into materials that keep homes warm.
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Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Eyeglass recycling and vision assistance
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Contact business for details about collection and dropoff options.
Last updated on May 31, 2026 by Green Star GM
To secure a precise quote for your exact material (whether it is structural steel, pipe, sheet metal, or non-ferrous scrap), it is best to contact them directly.
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 3, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 3, 2026 by Green Star GM
Drop box is located near the Northwest corner of the parking lot just West of the welcome center.
Last updated on June 5, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 5, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Fairbanks Police Department
Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 5, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM

FNSB Central Recycling Facility (CRF)
The FNSB Central Recycling Facility (CRF) is a service for FNSB residents and businesses / organizations only. Unlike the landfill, there is no provision for "out of borough" collection. Residents and businesses…
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
The FNSB Sanitary Landfill also serves as the transfer sites for FNSB residents living inside the City of Fairbanks.
Last updated on June 16, 2026 by Green Star GM
See FNSB documents for accepted items and fees
Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM
See FNSB documents for accepted items and fees
Last updated on June 13, 2026 by Green Star GM
See FNSB documents for accepted items and fees
Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM
See FNSB documents for accepted items and fees
Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM

FNSB Residential Transfer Site - Farmers Loop East
See FNSB documents for accepted items and fees
Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM

FNSB Residential Transfer Site - Farmers Loop West
See FNSB documents for accepted items and fees
Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM
See FNSB documents for accepted items and fees
Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM
See FNSB documents for accepted items and fees
Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM
See FNSB documents for accepted items and fees
Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM
The mission of BRIDGE is to assist young adults with developmental disabilities in gaining skills, knowledge and appropriate behaviors to become successful individuals, citizens and workers in the community.
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Fred Meyer - East Fairbanks
Last updated on June 5, 2026 by Green Star GM
Fred Meyer - West Fairbanks
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Home of the Green Star electronics recycling warehouse and our Reuse IT discounted refurbished electronics store, Repair IT desktop and laptop repair, Rebuild IT computer building classes and Reboot IT technology grants.
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Home Depot - Fairbanks
Take compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) to staff at self-checkout lane if service desk attendants do not know where they belong.
Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Formerly Chena Power / K & K Recycling
Last updated on June 5, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Acceptable items: Clean Clothing Linens and towels Clothing accessories: belts, ties, scarves, hats Small appliances Clean shoes, boots, sandals, etc. Vehicles with titles Toys, games, puzzles Eye glasses Books, DVD'S, VHS's, Cassette…
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
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