Is Retold Recycling Legit?

If you’re concerned about textile waste and want to contribute to reducing it, you’ve probably come across Retold Recycling, a company that has gained attention for its mission to recycle clothing and textiles. But, like with any newer business, especially one that deals with something as important as recycling, it’s natural to wonder: Is Retold Recycling legit?

Having come across Retold myself after hearing about it on Shark Tank, I understand the skepticism. I was curious whether the company’s promises were more marketing than action. After researching and observing how the business operates, it’s clear that Retold Recycling is indeed a legitimate operation, and here’s why:

What is Retold Recycling?

Retold Recycling is a sustainable service that specializes in recycling textiles and clothing. It operates on a subscription-based model, where customers purchase recycling bags, fill them with old clothing (and other textiles), and send them back to the company for processing. The clothes are either recycled into new products or responsibly upcycled, all with the aim of keeping unwanted textiles out of landfills.

The company was founded in 2018 by Amelia Trumble and Noelle Sadler Delory, with Alan Yeoh joining later. The business started with a vision to tackle the growing environmental crisis caused by the textile industry, which is one of the largest polluting industries in the world. Fast fashion and overconsumption have contributed to millions of tons of textile waste, and Retold’s founders wanted to offer a practical and eco-friendly solution to this issue.

Retold Recycling’s Business Model

One of the things that caught my attention early on was Retold’s unique business model. It’s not just a typical recycling company. Instead of asking customers to find a local recycling center or drop off their clothes at a donation bin, Retold provides a full-service solution.

Here’s how it works:

1. Subscription Bags: Customers subscribe to Retold’s service and receive special recycling bags. These bags come in different sizes, depending on your needs. You can fill them with clothes, shoes, and even textiles like bedding, towels, and more.
2. Mailing: Once the bag is filled, customers send it back to Retold via prepaid shipping. The convenience of this process makes it accessible for people who may not have easy access to a local recycling center or prefer a more streamlined solution.
3. Processing and Recycling: Once Retold receives the bag, they sort the items and recycle or upcycle them. Items that cannot be reused are responsibly disposed of or sent to other specialized recycling processes.

Retold operates on the belief that textiles should be reused as much as possible—whether that means repurposing old clothes into new items, transforming textiles into other goods, or using the material in creative ways.

Retold’s Appearance on Shark Tank

One of the reasons Retold gained so much attention is their appearance on Shark Tank. In 2023, Retold’s founders entered the tank seeking $300,000 for 15% equity in the business. Their pitch was compelling: they highlighted the massive amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills every year and showed how their service was a solution to this problem.

After a bit of back-and-forth, the founders secured an investment from Mark Cuban, who offered $300,000 for 25% equity in the business. This partnership helped to boost the company’s credibility and visibility, pushing them into the mainstream spotlight.

Is Retold Recycling Reliable?

Customer Feedback

What really makes Retold Recycling stand out as legitimate is the feedback from their customers. Many users have expressed satisfaction with the service, particularly the convenience of having a sustainable way to recycle clothing without having to leave home. Customers appreciate that they can send in not just clothing, but also shoes, towels, bedding, and other household textiles.

While there are always some mixed reviews with any service, the overwhelming sentiment about Retold is positive. Customers appreciate the ease of use and the company’s clear commitment to sustainability. As the company grows, its customer service and logistics are continuously improving, helping to resolve any occasional hiccups in shipping or processing.

Professional Partnerships

Retold has also formed strategic partnerships with other businesses and eco-friendly brands, further solidifying their legitimacy. These collaborations show that Retold is not only a service for individuals but also for businesses that want to reduce their environmental footprint by working with a trusted recycling partner.

What Happens to the Textiles Sent to Retold?

One of the most pressing questions customers have about Retold is what exactly happens to the items they send. According to the company, they recycle or upcycle the textiles into new products, either by breaking them down into raw materials for new garments or repurposing them into goods like insulation, cleaning products, or even new pieces of fashion.

Retold works with a network of recycling partners, so once the items are sent to their processing facility, they follow a responsible and eco-friendly recycling process. They are committed to ensuring that nothing sent to them ends up in a landfill unless absolutely unavoidable.

Retold’s Long-Term Viability

As of now, Retold is in business and growing, having secured investments from Mark Cuban and expanded their services. However, a legitimate concern for many people is whether such a business model can be sustained long-term. The textile recycling industry is notoriously difficult to scale, and shipping costs can be significant, especially when the company offers free return shipping for its subscription model.

But the growth trajectory of the company suggests that Retold is headed in the right direction. Their partnership with Shark Tank’s Mark Cuban brings more credibility to their operations, and as they scale, they will likely find ways to streamline their operations and reduce costs. Moreover, the global textile waste problem is growing, and companies like Retold that offer practical solutions will likely see increasing demand.

Is Retold Recycling Worth It?

If you’re wondering whether Retold Recycling is worth it, it comes down to your values and goals. If sustainability and reducing waste are important to you, and you don’t mind the subscription cost, Retold offers a simple, convenient way to recycle your textiles responsibly.

Here are some things to consider:

• Cost: Retold’s subscription model includes options for quarterly and annual plans. These can range from $24.75 for a quarterly plan to about $94 for an annual plan. The service isn’t free, but it’s an affordable price for the convenience it offers.
• Impact: By subscribing to Retold, you contribute to reducing landfill waste. You also help reduce the environmental impact of textile production, one of the biggest sources of pollution in the fashion industry.
• Convenience: With the prepaid return bags, Retold’s service is incredibly easy to use, especially for people who don’t have the time or resources to go to a local donation or recycling center.

Ultimately, Retold Recycling is a legitimate and reliable business that offers a much-needed service in the face of growing textile waste. The company’s commitment to recycling and sustainability, backed by their investment from Mark Cuban, shows they have the resources and passion to make a real impact on the textile recycling industry.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a way to reduce your personal textile waste, Retold Recycling offers a convenient and effective service. From what I’ve seen, the company has a legitimate business model, solid customer reviews, and a clear vision for tackling the issue of textile waste. As they continue to expand and refine their operations, it’s likely that Retold will grow into a leader in the sustainable recycling space, especially as consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions increases.

So, if you’re wondering whether Retold Recycling is legit, the answer is a resounding yes. It’s a business that’s not just trying to make a profit—it’s actively working toward making the planet a cleaner, greener place.