Prisons Cut Costs With Recycled Underwear

The state Department of Corrections (DOC) has begun collecting used uniforms and underwear from inmates before they leave prison.

After minor repairs and laundering the clothing is passed on to new inmates, with half the clothing being handed out at the state's 13 prisons now being recycled.

Any clothing that cannot be used is sold to local businesses as rags.

Dan Pacholke, deputy director of prisons, said DOC had also decided to ditch the traditional 1970s vintage tube sock in favor of cheaper, shorter ankle socks, at a saving of $22,000 annually.