Almost every fabric type can be recycled, yet not all are suitable for reuse. Non-recycled fabrics typically end up in landfills, where they pose a significant environmental issue by slowly decomposing over time. This decomposition process can span decades, especially for synthetic materials. Alternatively, non-recycled fabric waste might be incinerated.

Natural fibres like cotton and thread may decompose in a few months, but synthetic materials such as polyester could take centuries to break down. Therefore, it’s crucial that whoever handles your commercial fabric waste, be it yourself, municipal services, or a specialised waste management company, prioritises recycling as much as possible to mitigate these issues.