Also prevalent in the early 1900s was the “rag and bone man.” These recyclers went door-to-door collecting rags to be recycled into carpet underlay or mattress stuffing, and bones to be used as fertilizer. It wouldn’t be until 1928 that the UK’s Ministry of Health reported on the ...
If you have damaged or soiled items and still want to help a charity shop, you can put them in a separate bag marked 'rags' as most charities will still be able to get a small amount of money for them. Do ask if they're still collecting rags – or donations at all – as many c...