Uniform Next-Life Program

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Physical drop-off locations are available at hub airports

Find Nearest Location

How the mail-in program works

Fill out our form below
We’ll need to know basic information about your return to generate a shipping label.
Receive your individual shipping label in your inbox
Once you’ve filled out and submitted your form online, you will be e-mailed a FedEx shipping label that you can print out and use to mail in your uniform. You will need to know the dimensions of your mail-in package so please select one in advance.
Print your shipping label and prepare your package
Please ensure your garment is being sent back clean. This includes laundering if necessary, and removing any irritants like bags, rubber bands, pins, or any additional elements that aren’t a part of the garment itself.
Drop your package off at any authorized FedEx shipping center
You’ve successfully diverted your uniform from landfill! Your package will be sent to the nearest Debrand facility to be sorted into its next life.
Find your nearest authorized FedEx shipping center here.

Get your shipping label

For technical questions, please contact united@debrandnextlife.com. We will respond to your inquiry within two business days.

Note: We provide up to two unique shipping labels only. Please package your returns accordingly.

First Name *

Last Name *

United E-mail *

Phone Number *

Country *

Address Line 1 *

Address Line 2

City *

State *

ZIP Code *

Approximate Box Dimensions (L" x W" x H") *

× × in.

Approximate Box Weight (lbs) *

Airport Code *

I acknowledge and understand that only previously issued Cintas or M&H uniform garments are included in my shipment. I understand that any additional items, including personal belongings sent accidentally, will not be returned to me and will be disposed of. I will check all pockets and remove any personal items prior to shipping. I will also remove items such as hangers, bags, and hang tags.

Learn more about the program

Why is United Airlines offering this on-going program?

United is committed to integrating sustainability at every altitude. This commitment includes actively seeking ways to minimize and divert the waste we produce across our operations from landfill, and engaging employees across the airline in this mission. As we launch our new employees' uniforms, our partnership with Debrand presents a valuable opportunity to significantly extend the lifecycle of materials used in our employee apparel.
Who is Debrand and what do they do?

Debrand is the most comprehensive sustainability and circularity hub in North America. They partner with the top brands and organizations to find the best next life for their apparel products, at the highest-value impact possible across scale in reuse, recycling, responsible disposal, and circular textile innovations. To learn more about their work and impact, visit debrand.ca.
When is this program active?

The Uniform Next-Life Program is ongoing for United Airline employees and does not have an end date.
What items are accepted into this program?

This program accepts all M&H and Cintas apparel that is in clean condition.

Apparel includes items such as tops, pants, blazers, skirts, shorts, and similar garments.

Please note that footwear, accessories, and any non-apparel items are not accepted.

For safety reasons, this program does not accept hazardous materials of any kind. This includes soiled garments, biohazardous materials, and flammable or combustible products.
What exactly happens once our uniforms arrive at Debrand's facility?

United Airline's Uniform Next-Life Program enables two next-life solution channels: recycling and responsible disposal. When returned uniforms arrive at Debrand's facility, their teams will sort and assess each garment returned and determine eligibility for recycling first, based on certain specifications of their recycling partners.
How will uniforms be recycled?

Uniforms that are eligible for recycling undergo a process called fiber reclamation, a scaled next-life solution that accepts a wide variety of textile types, sizes, and colors. Known as a form of recycling called 'downcycling', fiber reclamation involves shredding end-of-life textiles and turning them into a loose fibrous material called shoddy fiber. The shoddy fiber is then used for end products like insulation for homes and office spaces, filling for sport equipment, or filling for mattresses and pillows. This type of textile recovery serves as a sustainable approach to replace the use of products that would otherwise use virgin materials.
How will uniforms be responsibly disposed?

Uniforms that are not eligible for recycling are sent to next-life two types of responsible disposal channels: Waste-to-Energy and Alternative Fuel. These channels use incineration to convert end-of-life textiles into recovered energy, with Waste-to-Energy powering neighboring communities and Alternative Fuel using engineered fuel to power production facilities like cement plants. Responsible Disposal solutions are considered essential components of many communities' waste management strategies by reducing landfill pressure, mitigating carbon dioxide emissions, and handling non-recyclable materials with current technologies.
What are irritants and why do I need to remove them?

Irritants are non-textile components added to a garment or items left in pockets. Examples of irritants include items like bags (laundromat, plastic, totes, etc.), packaging, security tags, or pins. Irritants need to be removed to eliminate the risk of clogging or damaging shredders used during the recycling process.
How do I find my shipping label?

Your shipping label is automatically sent to your e-mail inbox. Please allow a few minutes for this to show up, and ensure that you check your Spam folder just in case.

Note that we offer up to two unique shipping labels only. For any questions or concerns, please contact united@debrandnextlife.com.
I have more than one box. Can I get multiple shipping labels?

United Airlines provides up to a maximum of 2 shipping labels per employee, so please package your items accordingly. If you need another form, please refresh your page and submit a second request. We also still have physical drop-off locations at select airport hubs nationwide—find your nearest one here.
Do my shipping labels expire?

Your shipping labels are valid up to two years, but we encourage you send your returns to Debrand as soon as you're able so we can take your old uniforms off your hands.
Who do I contact with questions, concerns, or if I'm having any issues with the shipping process?

Please direct all Takeback Program inquiries to united@debrandnextlife.com and someone will be able to address your questions within 2 business days.

The majority of uniforms will be recycled into “shoddy fiber”, which is used to replace virgin fill materials for products like sporting equipment, mattresses, and insulation.

Irritants are items added to garments like security tags, bags, rubber bands, and hang tags that must be removed before packaging your return.