What Fabrics Are Actually Recyclable? A Guide for WA Households

For the Lazies - A 30-Second Summary

Not all fabrics can be recycled the same way. In Western Australia most households aren't sure whether cotton polyester wool or blended fabrics belong in the bin op shop or a specialised recycling service. This guide helps break down the difference between recyclable and non-recyclable fabrics so you can reduce waste avoid contamination and prepare for the launch of textile-focused facilities like SevenC’s Recycling in 2026.

Why Fabric Recycling Matters in WA

Each year Australians discard over 200000 tonnes of clothing most of which ends up in landfill. A large portion of these textiles are reusable or recyclable yet a lack of knowledge around proper sorting leads to waste. For Western Australians fabric recycling offers a chance to cut down on landfill and support a more circular economy.

As WA looks ahead to advanced textile processing facilities including SevenC’s Recycling launching in 2026 knowing which fabrics are recyclable is the first step in household waste reduction.

So, what fabrics are actually recyclable?

Fabrics That Are Recyclable

• Cotton: Natural cotton fibres can be recycled into insulation stuffing or industrial rags if clean and uncontaminated.

• Polyester (PET): A synthetic plastic-based material that is recyclable through mechanical processes like the ones SevenC’s will soon support.

• Wool: Natural wool can be shredded and re-spun into new yarn or reused in insulation and felt.

• Acrylic and Nylon: Can be recycled in specialised facilities through chemical processes but are rarely accepted in household bins.

  
  

Keep in mind these fabrics must be clean dry and free of contaminants like oil or heavy stains to be recycled properly.

Fabrics That Are Difficult or Not Recyclable

• Blended Fabrics: These are combinations of materials like cotton and polyester which are hard to separate and recycle. They're a major challenge for recyclers.

• Heavily Treated or Dyed Fabrics: Coated or chemically treated fabrics are difficult to break down for reuse.

• Elastic Materials: Stretchy fabrics with high elastane or spandex content can’t currently be recycled in most systems.

  
  

Items made from these materials are better suited to reuse donation or upcycling projects unless specialised options exist.

How Households Can Sort Textiles for Recycling

• Keep a separate container at home for clean worn-out textiles made from 100% cotton or polyester.

• Donate usable clothing and fabrics to local charities or op shops.

• Check labels for material content before deciding whether to recycle reuse or landfill.

  
  

Some local councils run textile collection events. Keep an eye on local news or the WA Waste Authority website for updates.

Looking Ahead: SevenC’s and WA’s Recycling Future

In 2026, SevenC’s Recycling will open a dedicated facility to process synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, and divert textile waste from landfills. At the same time, household recycling of fabric remains limited. SevenC aims to provide WA residents and retailers with an accessible and sustainable textile solution. Hopefully, you can now decipher what fabrics are recyclable.

To learn more about what happens to textiles after collection, read Textile Recycling in Perth: How You Can Be a Part of the Change's

Final Tips for WA Households

• Don’t put textiles in your yellow bin

• Sort fabrics by material and cleanliness

• Use donation bins responsibly – no wet or soiled items

• Store recyclable textiles until new services become available

  
  

WA households have an opportunity to lead the country in sustainable textile practices by staying informed and supporting upcoming solutions like SevenC’s.