Used Pantyhose to Clean Oil Spill

According to an AOL news article, "Hanesbrands is donating 50,000 pairs of used pantyhose to make oil-absorbing hair booms".
The plan is to stuff the nylons with human hair and use them to trap the spilled oil.
I am wondering how Hanesbrands got their hands on used pantyhose. As far as I know, women do not routinely return their used nylons to the manufacturer. Are pantyhose recyclable?
While I think it's wonderful this effort is being made, it wouldn't have been my first idea of how to put worn pantyhose to good use. (wink wink)