Textile wastes are the materials which are either used textiles or excess materials which may not be directly usable for creating the main textile product. These wastes could be anything from basic yarns to used apparels. Textile wastes are in equal demand across developed as well as developing countries. Modified goods made from these wastes are sold in countries such as India, Pakistan, and Srilanka. Textile wastes are made to undergo a process known as recycling by which they are recreated to some useful product. Textile wastes are collected for reuse, and send to the 'wiping' and 'flocking' industry and fibres to be reclaimed to make new garments. Textiles made from both natural and man-made fibres can be recycled. It is estimated that more than 1 million tones of textiles are thrown away every year, with most of this coming from household sources.

Textiles make up about 3% by weight of a household bin. At least 50% of the textiles we throw away are recyclable. Although the majority of textile waste originates from household sources, waste textiles also arise during yarn and fabric manufacture, garment-making processes and from the retail industry. These are termed post-industrial waste, as opposed to the post-consumer waste which goes to jumble sales and charity shops. Together they provide a vast potential for recovery and recycling. All collected textiles are sorted and graded by highly skilled, experienced workers, who are able to recognize the large variety of fibre types resulting from the introduction of synthetics and blended fibre fabrics. Once sorted the items are sent to various destinations. Textile wastes are the cheapest means to get good profit margin in the Textile Industry.