Recycling Textiles
Textile recovery facilities separate overly worn or stained clothing into a variety of categories. Based on data from the Council for Textile Recycling, it was estimated that 1.3 million tons of textiles in clothing were recovered for recycling in 2009. Some recovered textiles become wiping and polishing cloths. Cotton can be made into rags or form a component for new high-quality paper. Knitted or woven woolens and similar materials are “pulled” into a fibrous state for reuse by the textile industry in low-grade applications, such as car insulation or seat stuffing.
Other types of fabric can be reprocessed into fibers for upholstery, insulation, and even building materials. Buttons and zippers are stripped off for reuse. Very little is left over at the end of the recycling process. The remaining natural materials, such as various grades of cotton, can be composted.
Sailboat Sails
Sails are incredibly strong, durable and are made to withstand the forces of nature. But they are no longer made of natural materials, man-made Dacron and performance sails are not bio-degradable and if they end up in landfill will probably stay in their current state for many years to come.
This is an unhappy end for a sail that has lived a life of adventure on the ocean wave and an unhappy story for the planet.