Textiles Stay Out of Landfills

Schedule Your Textile Recycling in Bozeman

Wild River Thrift’s textile recycling program ensures that donated clothing and linens that can’t be sold still make a meaningful impact. Instead of ending up in the landfill, damaged or overly worn textiles are processed through our hydraulic baling system, which compresses fabric into dense bundles ready for large-scale recycling. Each bale represents another load diverted from Gallatin County’s waste stream and another step toward a more sustainable Bozeman.


Wild River Thrift keeps literal tons of material out of landfills each month through our baling and recycling program. We responsibly process unsellable clothing, metal, toys, shoes, glass, and cardboard, compressing them into bales and sending them to recycling partners. This system reduces local waste, supports a circular economy, and helps Bozeman stay sustainable—one load at a time.


We accept clothing, linens, and fabric goods that are too stained, torn, or worn for resale. During sorting, staff evaluates every piece, sending high-quality items to the sales floor and routing the rest through our recycling channels. This system reduces environmental impact while keeping the donation process simple for the community. Clean textiles of nearly any condition can be diverted into recycling, supporting a circular economy and reducing waste.


Contact us to learn which items qualify for textile recycling and how you can participate in Bozeman’s growing effort toward responsible reuse.

How Our Process Works

When you drop off clothing and linens that are past their prime, the team doesn't simply toss them aside. Instead, textiles that can't be resold are carefully separated and prepared for recycling. Using a hydraulic baling process, staff compacts these materials into dense bundles that are shipped to recycling facilities equipped to break down fibers and transform them into insulation, cleaning rags, or even new fabric blends.

This systematic approach reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility and a refusal to let usable materials go to waste. Wild River Thrift processes a high volume of donations, and the emphasis on reusing or recycling as much as possible ensures that even items you might think are "done" still have value. The result is a measurable reduction in landfill waste across Gallatin County and a cleaner, more sustainable future for the region.

You don't need to sort or prepare materials beyond making sure they're clean—just bring your textiles, and the team handles the rest with care and efficiency.

Contribute to a greener Bozeman by recycling your textiles today.

Key Benefits of This Service

Textile recycling keeps usable materials circulating and prevents thousands of pounds of fabric from filling local landfills each year. Understanding the mechanics and benefits helps you make informed choices about what to donate.

What textiles can you recycle?
We recycle clothing, linens, towels, and fabric goods that are too worn, stained, or damaged for resale. Items must be clean and free of hazardous materials.
How does the hydraulic baling system work?
The baler compresses textiles into tightly packed blocks weighing hundreds of pounds, making them easier to transport to recycling facilities. This process maximizes efficiency and reduces transportation emissions.
Can I bring textiles that have holes or stains?
Yes, as long as they're clean. Holes and stains don't disqualify fabric from recycling, but dirt and contamination do.
What happens to textiles after they leave your facility?
Baled textiles are shipped to recycling partners who break down fibers for use in insulation, carpet padding, and new fabric production. Some materials are repurposed into industrial rags.
How does this help Bozeman's waste reduction goals?
Diverting textiles from Gallatin County landfills reduces methane emissions and conserves space. In Bozeman, where outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship matter, every bale recycled supports cleaner land use.

Textile recycling in Bozeman turns unwearable clothing into raw material that fuels new manufacturing, closing the loop on waste. Your contribution, whether it's a single bag or a truckload, makes a measurable difference in local waste reduction. Reach out at (406) 868-0224 to confirm what we accept and when you can drop off your textiles.