A study evaluated the effects of ageing on the recyclability of automotive, signage, protective clothing, mop cover, laundry bag, laminated, drapery, bedding, denim, and medical fabrics. Industrial fabrics exposed to weather and ultraviolet light showed greater deterioration than apparel fabrics. Fabrics made from multifilament of twisted yarns deteriorated less. Ageing caused depolymerization and/or reductions in the molecular length of polyester and polyacrylonitrile fibers. Ageing also increased fiber to fiber frictional adhesion and reduced dynamic friction properties. An increase in ageing and environmental exposure increased the dust and short fiber content of all materials tested. Industrial fabrics with the greatest exposure to the environment had the highest loss of crimp. Higher electrostatic charges inhibited the separation process. Reclaimed fibers with a greater short fiber content resulted in yarns with high hairiness and low tenacity. Adding crimp to the recycled polyester fibers improved processing. bulk, and volume. 5 refs.