faqs
Have a questions? We've got answers for some of our most common ones below:
how does it work?
Do you currently take donations?
We're operating out of a storage unit until we can get a larger facility. So we are considering donations on a case by case basis.
Currently, we are most interested in denim, quilts, and nature fibers like cotton & wool to test or insulation prototype.
We will NOT accept anything dirty, wet, moldy, or contaminated.
Do clothing donations need to be clean?
Yes! We accept clean, dry clothing and textiles — even if they’re torn or stained.
This really helps us cut back on washing and water usage. We need to ensure everything we remake or recycle is clean first, before it's turned into a new product.
How will donations work in the warehouse?
Once we get a larger facility, we will accept in the following ways:
- Drop-off for free: Bring your textiles (clothes, sheets, towels, linens, etc.) to our facility for free.
- Mail it to us: Ship your donations to us using our reusable mailers, starting at $20.
- Pickup Services: For larger donations or commercial haul-offs, we offer pickups for a fee.
✹ ✹ PLEASE NOTE: ✹ ✹
We are small and space is limited! Currently, we are very selectively accepting donations such as natural fiber linens, vintage pieces, denim, and quilts. We are still working on getting a larger scale warehouse, so currently inventory is being remade and resold.
Do you have a physical location?
our coopertive
What does 'worker-owned' mean?
Why are you a cooperative?
We see the power of unionized labor, cooperatively owned businesses, and the importance of protecting workers’ rights. Fair wages and safe working conditions are often denied to workers globally (even in our own backyard). We’re committed to creating a workplace that sets a new standard for equity and respect. Everyone that works at Material Union will also get a chance to become an owner with voting rights. Excess profits at the end of the year are equitably distributed to worker-owners and also re-invested in the business instead of going to shareholders.
Material Union represents a vision of working together to build systems of support— for each other, for the planet, and for a sustainable future.
how are you raising money?
Instead of taking investor money, we are selling our upcycled clothing pieces and home goods to raise money for our storefront & warehouse.
Every purchase directly supports our mission to open Austin’s first textile recycling facility and community space. Your support helps us create green jobs, host sewing workshops, and continue our work in circular fashion. By choosing our pieces, you’re investing in sustainable solutions for textile waste and a more equitable fashion industry.
What's your minimum-wage?
our clothing
Where are your clothes made?
Each garment is handcrafted in Austin, Texas, by our talented team of sewists, all of whom are paid fair wages. We upcycle vintage quilts, giving them a second life as unique, wearable pieces of art.
Every stitch is done with care, ensuring quality while honoring the original craftsmanship of the quilt.
Can I buy your products wholesale?
Yes! We sell to both individuals and businesses. Check out our online shop or contact us for wholesale pricing.
Where do you get your material?
Do you make custom pieces?
What are the proceeds for?
Every purchase directly supports our mission to open Austin’s first textile recycling facility and community space. Your support helps us create green jobs, host sewing workshops, and continue our work in circular fashion. By choosing our pieces, you’re investing in sustainable solutions for textile waste and a more equitable fashion industry.
delivery & returns
How much is delivery?
Deliveries are calculated at checkout based on weight and where you live.
All orders above $150 will get free shipping!
How long does delivery take?
Readymade mustache pour-over bespoke normcore, succulents tofu. Flannel fit everyday carry vexillologist.
Do you deliver internationally?
Sorry, not right now! We are only shipping within the US.
Can I change or cancel my order once it's been placed?
Readymade mustache pour-over bespoke normcore, succulents tofu. Flannel fit everyday carry vexillologist.
Do you allow returns?
All sales are final. Because each item is one-of-a-kind and made from upcycled materials, we cannot accept returns or exchanges. If you have any questions before purchasing, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to provide additional details or measurements.
Please email our small team for support: christa@materialunion.com
textile tecycling
Is your shipping sustainable?
Yes! We are a small business and source used cardboard boxes and mailers from the community so we can also ship our pieces in reused packaging.
How does textile recycling work?
We collect unsellable or damaged textiles, sort them by material, then shred or process them into things like furniture stuffing and insulation.
What's a textile recycling facility?
It’s a place where used clothing and fabric are sorted, processed, and transformed into new materials or products instead of ending up in a landfill.
What makes you different from other recyclers?
We’re a worker-owned cooperative focused on real, local solutions — not just shipping the problem overseas. Everything we do supports people, planet, and community.
Why does textile recycling matter?
Every year, billions of pounds of clothing go to landfill. Recycling helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and create green jobs.
Textile production is estimated to be responsible for about 20% of global clean water pollution from dyeing and finishing products. 85% of all textiles go to dumps each year which often ends up becoming a burden on vulnerable communities.
But that’s where we come in! We are partnering with local charities around Austin, TX (and beyond) to intercept the estimated 14,869,333 lbs (7,435 tons) of clothing that are shipping out of Austin and sent overseas to landfills every MONTH. Goodwill of Austin alone will ship off an estimated 1 million pounds every month.
community & events
do you offer classes?
Until we have our own community center for hosting in-house classes, we are partnering with other groups around town. All classes will be listing on our Instagram.
If you'd like to co-host a class with us, please reach out on our contact page.
What's the best way to support Material Union if I don't have money?
We curate a list of free events as well as host our own, so please come say hi in person! Also we'd love to be friends on Instagram and telling your friends about us is such a huge way to support what we're doing and help us build a really strong community in Austin & Central Texas.
Can I volunteer or get involved?
We're a for-profit, worker-owned business so we don't offer volunteer days, however please come to one of our workshops or free community events. Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Instagram for updates!