Good to know! The kids really went through socks, and I have a drawerful that I use as cleaning cloths especially when I know I will throw it out afterwards, and they hold smaller handbells nicely when they are not in the case. (Flannel shoe bags are good for that, too, especially for not-as-small handbells.)

It says they turn them into insulation for new goods. What does that mean? For the Insulated socks?

Bombas has a similar thing, but you order the envelope for $10 and when you send it in, you get $10 off a Bombas purchase.

What's their goal? Clean out drawers so people see they need new socks? Seems like throwing them away cuts out the middle man. Pass.

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I think this program sounds like a nice idea, and for sure there is no down side to it, but I don't think it works for me.

The only socks I look to get rid of, are usually so worn or ripped that they're not functional. I use them for cleaning and eventually toss them. At that point, they are usually so shredded and not much material left.

I wear a lot of knee socks. The elastic in the top often goes before the sock is worn out. That is most of what I got rid of.

bpath, good to know about the handbells … if only I were coordinated enough (or had enough rhythm) play them. I use old airplane footies as shoe covers when I travel.

I don’t think the socks have to be functional. I believe they are after the fabric. All that they require is that the socks are clean.

Lascatx, good to know that about Bombas. I may have to do a second clean out! I’ve never worn Bombas but I’d like to try them. My sneaker socks of choice were Balegas, but I’ve converted to SmartWool merino.

I don’t find SmartWool’s recycling substantially different from Eileen Fisher Renew or Bombas recycling program. I like getting socks I don’t want out of my house without throwing them in the garbage. It costs me nothing.

So basically it is just aiding in recycling. Similar to how we separate our paper and glass for my town’s recycling. Except the company themselves make the money.

I think Bombas donates socks for socks that you buy. That is different.

Am I misunderstanding, or do you have to buy something in order to get the recycle kit? I don't mind dropping off a sack of old socks at a convenient location, but not if I have to buy their brand first. An old Kroger bag would work, too.

No, you do not have to buy anything to get the recycling bag and shipping label. You just order it from the link above. It is free and the shipping is free. The only thing that is semi-inconvenient for me is that I have to take it to a FedEx drop-off point. I have UPS drop-off within 4 minutes of my house, but FedEx is on the other side of town…so about 10 minutes. It’s a tiny town.

I recall seeing blown-in insulation for buildings made from old jeans - why not socks and other apparel?

It also has a list of retailers for dropoff.. I can get to REI fairly easily.