About Pay It Forward Recycling in Massachusetts

Textile Recycling With a Social Mission

Pay It Forward Recycling operates textile recycling and donation logistics throughout Massachusetts and the surrounding states, diverting clothing and fabrics from landfills while creating employment opportunities for people who face barriers to traditional hiring. Licensed to operate textile recycling services, the business is owner-operated by Gary Hagar, who brings a background in law enforcement to his work running this sole proprietorship.

What sets this operation apart is the deliberate hiring approach. Gary hires people who need second chances—individuals with criminal records, those navigating addiction recovery, or anyone working to get back on their feet. Approximately 90% of the team members have some form of barrier that typically disqualifies them from traditional employment. You'll work with a crew that takes the job seriously because they understand what opportunity means.

The environmental impact is substantial. Massachusetts generates approximately 230,000 tons of textile waste annually, and new state law now prohibits clothing disposal in regular trash. Pay It Forward Recycling captures textiles that would otherwise occupy landfill space, sorting donations for reuse and recycling materials that can't be worn again. Every bin collected represents weight diverted from the waste stream and items redirected to people who need them.



Contact us to learn how textile recycling supports both environmental goals and employment reentry in your community..

Gary founded Pay It Forward Recycling after years in law enforcement, where he repeatedly encountered individuals cycling through the system—many driven to theft simply because they couldn't find work with a criminal record. After approaching the Salvation Army about hiring someone with a record and being rejected, he decided to create the solution himself. He started with 10 bins placed on roadsides and hired his first employee. Eight years later, the business has grown significantly while maintaining its core mission.

This isn't a registered 501(c)(3) charity, but it operates with a charitable mission embedded in its business model. The focus remains on providing stable employment to people who society often writes off, proving that second chances paired with accountability produce reliable teams. Customers benefit from professional textile recycling services while supporting a business model that prioritizes reentry and recovery.



Massachusetts' new textile disposal law creates both environmental necessity and opportunity. Residents and businesses throughout the state now need compliant ways to handle clothing, linens, and fabric waste. Pay It Forward Recycling provides collection services that meet regulatory requirements while advancing social impact—employment for individuals rebuilding their lives and reduced environmental burden for communities across the region..

What You Experience Working With This Team

When you arrange textile collection or drop-off, you're working with a team that understands the value of the opportunity they've been given. The crew takes pride in organized, professional service because they know what it means to work for an employer willing to look past their history. You'll notice the difference in how seriously they approach the work—punctual pickup, careful handling, and respect for your property.

Licensed textile recycling and donation logistics operator in Massachusetts

Owner-operated by Gary Hagar, former law enforcement professional

Eight years of operation, starting from 10 roadside bins to current regional service

Approximately 90% of employees hired with criminal records, addiction history, or reentry barriers

Serving Massachusetts and surrounding states with compliant textile diversion services

Massachusetts diverts 230,000 tons of textile waste annually, and new state law requires proper disposal. Whether you need residential pickup or business textile recycling, you're supporting both environmental compliance and employment for people rebuilding their lives. Reach out to schedule service or learn more about how textile recycling creates second chances.