Your collections deserve a closed loop.
GEF built a network where clothing is reused first, repurposed second and turned into fiber last, so as few items as possible ever see a landfill.1 We buy textiles collected by others.2 Let's talk about putting your volume to work.
Photo: Oleg Alexandrov, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
One partner, every grade, every fiber.
Thrift operators typically want only gently worn, resale-grade clothing.3 GEF's system is built to handle all of it: usable items go to our network of reuse stores in Latin America, and what can't be resold is reprocessed into fiber for building insulation and carpet underlay.1
We've built that network since 2012, with partnerships across Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, and a fiber processor in Guatemala since 2016.1 Together with our partners we have created more than 6,000 jobs in Central America.1
GEF buys textiles collected by others. Whether you run a collection program, a hauling route or a charity drive, we will make you an offer for your material. Grades, pricing, minimum loads and service regions depend on your material; contact us and we'll quote.2
From first call to steady flow.
Tell us about your material
Volume, mix (apparel, shoes, household textiles), grade and location.
We assess fit
Our team reviews logistics and where your material fits in the reuse, repurpose and fiber streams.
Agree terms
Pickup or delivery schedule, weighing and documentation.
Material moves
Every load is weighed and recorded, the way our own stations are.3
Report
Diversion records you can use with your clients, cities or board.3
Help us keep stations spotless.
In Texas alone, GEF has hired 28 contractors to clean and maintain stations, paying local residents for the work.4 Every station is serviced daily, and illegal dumping is cleared within four hours.3
If you run a hauling, cleaning or logistics business in a region we serve, tell us about it.
Collector FAQ
Does GEF buy textiles collected by others?
Yes. GEF purchases textiles collected by other organizations. Contact us with your volume, mix and location for grades, pricing and minimums.2
What materials does GEF handle?
At our stations we accept clothes, shoes, hats, purses, belts, accessories, toys, games, tools, jewelry, sporting goods, glasses, dishes, silverware, cookware, linens, towels, bedding, luggage and household items. We do not accept furniture, large appliances, mattresses or carpets.5
What happens to items that can't be resold?
They are repurposed (for example into cloth rags) or broken down into fiber used for carpet underlay, mattress padding, furniture filling and building insulation.1
Do you take curbside-collected textiles?
Our operational guide notes that textiles collected curbside alongside other recyclables are often contaminated and hard to recycle.3
Where do you operate?
Can you document diversion?
Yes. GEF records every weight in its Diversion Verification Software and issues reports.3
Is GEF a nonprofit?
Yes. Green Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity, EIN 45-2552544.6
Let's keep it out of the landfill together.
Tell us your volume, material and region. We'll come back with how we can work together.
Prefer the phone? 1 (860) 891-9043 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm