What Retold Recycling does

Retold Recycling (legal entity Family Wagon LLC) is a California-based direct-to-consumer textile recycling company founded in 2020 by Amelia Trumble (CEO) and Alan Yeoh (COO). Its core product is a mail-back recycling bag service: pre-paid, pre-labelled compostable cornstarch bags (each holding ~5 lbs) are shipped to consumers nationwide, who fill them with clothing, household textiles, or DIY fabric scraps and drop them in any USPS mailbox. Collected textiles are routed through a downstream network of thrift stores, rag companies, next-gen fabric houses, and downcyclers, with the company reporting 350 tons diverted from landfill cumulatively. The product line is split into two SKUs (Classic Bags for clothing/textiles, and Fabric Scraps Bags for sewing/quilting waste), sold as one-time bundles (Solo $17.90, Threesome $48.90, 10-Pack $144.90, College Move-Out Pack $119.90) or as Annual ($109) and Quarterly ($31.95) subscriptions, with subscription holders receiving access to Retold Rewards (~$15/quarter in partner brand discounts).\n\nThe company runs a parallel B2B 'Sustainability as a Service' division, offering branded Take Back Bags (e.g., the Boody 'Second Life Bag'), bulk recycling for samples, recalls, and damaged goods, corporate events, and in-store activations, with wholesale pricing available (Three Bags in a Box at $9.00/unit vs. $15.50 retail). Retold monetizes via direct e-commerce (retoldrecycling.com), a Shopify-hosted storefront shipping to all 50 U.S. states, a retailer/wholesale channel for B2B partners, and a curated Sustainable Store marketplace. Distribution is mail-based only via USPS; no physical retail footprint exists. The brand has notable earned media (NYT Wirecutter, WWD, BuzzFeed, CNN, Yahoo Finance, Green Matters) and received a $300,000 Shark Tank investment from Mark Cuban for 25% equity in 2023 (post-money valuation $1.2M). The company is small (1–10 employees) and discloses financials through annual reports (2022–2025) but not revenue.

Name

Retold Recycling

Legal name

Family Wagon LLC

Website

https://retoldrecycling.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Retold Recycling is a California-based mail-back textile recycling service that ships pre-paid, compostable bags to U.S. consumers, who return unwanted clothing and fabric scraps via USPS for sorting and downstream recycling, with an emerging B2B Sustainability-as-a-Service line.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Textile Recycling Services

NAICS

Packaging and Labeling Services (56191), Waste Management and Remediation Services (562)

SIC

Wholesale-Paper & Paper Products (5110)

akta.pro primary industry

Reusable Packaging & Refill Systems (Returnable Transport Items, Deposit/DRS Ops) (EUAIANAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Reusable & Refill Packaging Systems (Returnable Packaging, Refill-at-Home/In-Store) (IMALAMAE)

Keywords

• Textile recycling service
• Mail-back recycling bags
• Clothing recycling bags
• Fabric scraps recycling
• Sustainable textile management

Headquarters

HQ city

California

HQ country

El Salvador

HQ region

Latin America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct-to-Consumer Bag Sales (One-Time): Individual and multi-pack bags sold as one-time purchases with prepaid shipping included. Products include Solo Bag ($17.90), Threesome ($48.90, 5% savings vs. 3 singles), Closet Clean-Out 10 Pack ($144.90, 10% savings vs. 10 singles), Fabric Scraps Bags (Solo $17.90, Threesome $48.90, 10 Pack $144.90), Retold Duo ($33.90), College Move-Out Pack ($119.90), and Three Bags in a Box ($15.50). Shipping is included on all Retold Recycling bags.
2. Recycling Bag Subscriptions: Annual and Quarterly subscription plans deliver pre-labelled, prepaid bags automatically on a recurring schedule. Annual Subscription ($109) delivers 3 bags up front, then 1 bag each quarter (6 bags/year). Quarterly Subscription ($31.95) delivers 1 bag each quarter (4 bags/year). Subscriptions are available for both Classic Bags and Fabric Scraps Bags. Subscription holders receive exclusive access to Retold Rewards (approximately $15 value per bag returned).
3. B2B / Enterprise Services: B2B division offers Sustainability as a Service (branded Take Back Bags sold on client websites), bulk recycling for brands (handling samples, recalls, returns, damaged goods), corporate events with recycling and educational components, and in-store event series. B2B products are available at wholesale pricing (e.g., Three Bags in a Box at $9.00 per unit vs. $15.50 retail). Outreach via [email protected].
4. Merchandise and Sustainable Store: Retold Merch includes branded apparel (Retold Emblem Tee $35, Retold 'Hi, I Recycle!' Crew Neck $39.50, Retold Tote Bag $14.90) and a curated Sustainable Store featuring third-party eco-friendly products (sunglasses, dishcloths, laptop cases, travel sets, etc.). Shipping for merch varies at checkout. Sustainable Store shipping is determined by each supplier.
5. Gift Cards: E-Gift Cards available in various denominations and themed packages (Solo Gift, Threesome Gift, Cleanout Gift, $50, $100, $150, Intro to Retold $10, Limited Edition Gift, Scrappy Gift). Sold as one-time digital purchases on the website.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Retold Recycling operates a mail-based textile recycling service that delivers compostable cornstarch bags with pre-attached prepaid USPS shipping labels directly to customers' doors. Customers order bags online (Classic Bags for clothing and household textiles, and dedicated Fabric Scraps Bags for DIY textile waste), fill them at home, and drop them in any mailbox for recycling through a network of thrift stores, rag companies, next-gen fabric houses, and downcyclers. The company also offers a B2B Sustainability as a Service division providing branded Take Back Bags, bulk recycling, and corporate event activations for eco-conscious brands.

Product overview

Retold Recycling operates a mail-based textile recycling service with two core bag products: Classic Retold Bags for clothing and household textiles, and Fabric Scraps Bags for DIY project remnants. Products range from individual bags ($17.90) to multi-pack bundles (Threesome $48.90, Closet Clean-out 10-Pack $144.90), with Annual and Quarterly subscription options providing recurring deliveries and Retold Rewards access. The company also offers a B2B Sustainability as a Service program for brands, a curated Sustainable Store marketplace, and an annual ReBoxing Day initiative. Founded in 2020, the company appeared on Shark Tank Season 14 securing investment from Mark Cuban.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Classic Retold Bags Pre-labelled, prepaid mail-back bags for recycling clothing, household textiles, and worn fabrics. Each cornstarch bag holds approximately 5 lbs, arrives with prepaid USPS return shipping, and accepts textiles in any condition including items too damaged to donate. Available as Solo ($17.90), Threesome ($48.90), and 10-Pack ($144.90).
• Fabric Scraps Bags Dedicated mail-back bags specifically designed for recycling textile scraps from sewing, quilting, crocheting, and other DIY projects. Each bag holds approximately 5 lbs of fabric scraps and uses different downcycler facilities than standard clothing recycling due to distinct material handling requirements.
• Retold Subscriptions Recurring delivery plans for Classic Bags or Fabric Scraps Bags. Annual Subscription ($109) delivers 3 bags upfront then 1 bag each quarter (6 bags/year). Quarterly Subscription ($31.95) delivers 1 bag each quarter (4 bags/year). Subscription holders receive exclusive Retold Rewards access with approximately $15 of partner brand discount value per bag returned.
• B2B Business Solutions Turnkey Sustainability as a Service offering for brands and corporates including branded Take Back Bags sold on partner websites, bulk recycling for samples/recalls/returns/damaged goods, in-person sustainability events with educational components, and wholesale Three Bags in a Box at $9.00/unit versus $15.50 retail. Reference case study: Boody's 'Second Life Bag' sold on Boody.com with Retold handling backend sorting, recycling, and impact reporting.
• Retold Duo Starter bundle combining 1 Classic Retold Bag and 1 Fabric Scraps Bag for $33.90, allowing first-time customers to try both recycling streams. Pre-labelled and prepaid with 4.9/5 stars across 107 reviews.
• Closet Clean-Out 10 Pack Bundle of 10 pre-labelled Classic Retold Bags for $144.90 (10% savings versus individual bags) with total capacity of 50 lbs, designed for major decluttering sessions, moves, and wardrobe purges.
• College Move-Out Pack Package of 7 pre-labelled Classic Retold Bags plus 1 cotton tote for $119.90, designed for college students during end-of-semester move-out or graduation. Holds up to 35 lbs total.
• Three Bags in a Box Giftable retail box of 3 compostable bags for $15.50 without prepaid shipping labels included. Customers purchase shipping labels separately via retoldrecycling.com/labels. Used as retail/wholesale product for client gifts, staff programs, and resale at wholesale $9.00/unit.
• Retold E-Gift Card Digital gift cards available in preset themed packages (Solo Gift, Threesome Gift, Cleanout Gift, Scrappy Gift) or custom denominations from $10 to $150 for gifting textile recycling services.
• Retold Merch Branded apparel and accessories including Retold Emblem Tee ($35, 50% recycled cotton / 50% organic cotton), Retold 'Hi, I Recycle!' Crew Neck ($39.50), and Retold Tote Bag ($14.90).

Quantifiable outcome

• 350 tons of clothing diverted from landfill
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor, flagship and core.

• Soak iT UpminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2024Soak iT Up is a compostable Swedish dishcloth brand. Retold partnered with Soak iT Up for a co-branded product (Retold x Soak It Up Clard featuring TryCarrots artwork) and offers their products in the Sustainable Store. Soak iT Up is also featured in Retold Rewards with a 15% off offer for subscription holders.
• Bray & CoflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 December 2022Bray & Co partnered with Retold to launch #ReBoxingDay — an annual post-Christmas movement celebrating Boxing Day with a sustainable twist. The campaign encourages people to recycle unwanted textiles and holiday-related clutter instead of sending them to landfill. The partnership has run annually since 2022, with the 2025 edition marking the fourth annual #ReBoxingDay campaign. The collaboration includes co-branded marketing content and social media activations.
• BoodycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBoody is an eco-friendly underwear, activewear, and loungewear brand made from bamboo viscose. They partnered with Retold to launch 'The Second Life Bag' — a fully branded Retold recycling initiative available on Boody.com. Customers purchase Boody-branded biodegradable bags, fill them with unwanted textiles, and mail directly to Retold via a dedicated landing page. Retold and Boody have collaborated on messaging, promotions, and PR. This is Retold's primary B2B case study demonstrating its Sustainability as a Service offering.
• TryCarrotsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTryCarrots is a local Pacific Northwest (PNW) artist who designed the limited-edition Retold Goes Green bag collection. The collaboration brought a decorative green design to Retold's classic recycling bag format, offering a seasonal and visually distinctive product. The limited-edition bags retain all the functionality of standard Classic Bags with an art twist. This is a creative collaboration to drive holiday/marketing interest.
• Retold Rewards Partner Brands (20+)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerRetold Rewards features a curated gallery of 20+ eco-minded partner brands offering discount codes to Retold subscription holders. Partner brands span categories including apparel, home goods, wellness, and personal care. Each time a subscriber sends in a filled bag, they unlock the Rewards Gallery and can select a partner brand offer (worth approximately $15 per bag). Partner brands gain exposure to Retold's subscription customer base and eco-conscious demographic. The program is cross-promotional and drives mutual benefit for all parties.
• Pod & Parcel MunrominorGTM or Marketing PartnerPod & Parcel Munro is a coffee brand featured in Retold Rewards. Co-founder Amelia Trumble is described as a devoted customer of Pod & Parcel Munro, going so far as to invite them to be a Retold Rewards partner. Available through the Retold Rewards redemption program for subscription holders.
• Park+CoopminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPark+Coop is an upcycled bag and accessories brand. Retold partnered with Park+Coop to create the Upcycled Laptop Case — Retold's first circularity project. The case features exterior made from upcycled denim (previously worn and sanitized pants) and interior padding made from Retold bag contents (shoddy/downcycled textile fiber). Park+Coop products (straps, crossbody bags, belt bags, market bags, coin purses, laptop cases) are also sold through Retold's Sustainable Store and Merch sections.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• TerraCycle: TerraCycle operates branded take-back and recycling programs for hard-to-recycle waste streams at global scale. Adjacent to Retold's B2B take-back model but with a much broader category footprint and established enterprise customer base.
• Patagonia (Worn Wear): Patagonia's Worn Wear program is a brand-operated take-back and resale/recycling initiative for Patagonia garments — overlapping with Retold's textile take-back thesis but vertically integrated by a single brand.
• ThredUp: ThredUp is a much larger resale + recycling incumbent with its own Clean Out bag program. Overlaps directly with Retold's mail-back clothing recycling, but at vastly greater scale and with a resale-first model.
• Eileen Fisher Renew: Eileen Fisher Renew takes back the brand's own garments for resale, repair, and remaking. Comparable to Retold's branded take-back service but single-brand and vertically integrated.

Direct peers

• FabScrap: FabScrap collects fabric scraps from designers and sewists in NYC — the same DIY textile waste stream that Retold's Fabric Scraps Bag targets. Closest direct analog to that specific product line.
• For Days: For Days operates a similar take-back bag model (Trade In bag) for consumer clothing recycling, directly comparable to Retold's pre-paid mail-back Classic Bag.
• The Renewal Workshop: The Renewal Workshop is a textile renewal and recycling service that sorts, repairs, and resells or recycles garments on behalf of brands — directly comparable to Retold's downstream routing and brand services.
• Recurate: Recurate operates a peer-to-peer resale and take-back platform for brands, comparable to Retold's B2B take-back and recycling service layer.
• Trove: Trove provides branded take-back, resale, and recycling programs for apparel brands — directly comparable to Retold's B2B 'Sustainability as a Service' (Second Life Bag) offering.

Emerging players

• Ridwell: Ridwell is a subscription mail-back recycling service for hard-to-recycle household items. Different material focus (textiles is not core), but a highly comparable product-led mail-back subscription model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/watch?v=dbiKenKEOX0
• Instagraminstagram.com/retoldrecycling
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/retoldrecycling

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Retold Recycling