Fashion Recycling for NYC
Thriftier NYC is a community-driven fashion recycling program built for the five boroughs. We make it effortless for New Yorkers to recycle their clothing — right from their front door — while holding the fashion industry accountable for the waste it creates.
Make NYC a Global Fashion Sustainability Capital
New York City generates over 200,000 tons of textile waste every year. Most of it ends up in landfill — not because New Yorkers don't care, but because the system makes recycling harder than throwing away.
Thriftier NYC flips that equation. By bringing the recycling bin to your door, partnering with the brands that made the clothes in the first place, and working with city government to scale the infrastructure, we're building a city where fashion waste is simply not an option.
Tons of NYC textile waste per year
Of clothing is recyclable or reusable
Boroughs served by our program
Cost to residents — always free
How We Work
Circular Fashion
We close the loop on clothing waste by connecting NYC residents directly with recycling infrastructure — no drop-off required. Every bag we collect stays out of landfill.
City Partnership
Thriftier NYC works alongside city government and the Department of Sanitation to integrate fashion recycling into the urban fabric of New York — block by block.
Community First
We believe sustainability starts at the doorstep. Our program is designed to be effortless for residents, equitable across all five boroughs, and deeply rooted in local community.
Industry Accountability
We partner with fashion brands to take responsibility for the full lifecycle of their garments — turning end-of-life clothing into a resource rather than a burden.
The People Behind the Program
Jordan Ellis
Founder & Executive Director
A lifelong New Yorker and sustainability advocate, Jordan founded Thriftier NYC after years working at the intersection of fashion, waste policy, and urban planning.
Maya Chen
Director of Operations
Maya oversees our pickup logistics and neighborhood expansion strategy, bringing a decade of experience in last-mile urban logistics to the mission.
Darius Okafor
Head of Partnerships
Darius builds and maintains our relationships with fashion brands, city agencies, and community organizations across all five boroughs.
Ready to Recycle?
Join thousands of NYC residents already recycling their clothing with Thriftier NYC. It's free, it's easy, and it makes a real difference.