Clothing (aka – Textiles)
“Globally, the fashion industry produces 92 million tonnes of waste annually – costing the economy over $400 billion every year.” The waste is largely generated in the production end of the process, but the fast fashion industry creates a lot of casts-offs as well. This article further explains the problems and solutions of the fashion industry. The Brewing Fashion Waste Issue And What Brands Are Doing About It – Waste Advantage Magazine
Textiles are a tricky material to manage in this part of Vermont. The LRSWMD has partnered with Helpsy to keep usable clothing in the supply chain. Our agreement currently allow us to only accept clean, dry, reusable clothing at the Stowe Transfer Station (fees apply, https://lrswmd.org/pricing-guide/). Clothing needs to be in wearable condition, not something that you discard. If the items you are looking to get rid of do not meet these criteria, finding ways to repurpose the items as rags or remnants for repairs or projects is the best option.
However, manufacturers are becoming more cognizant of this problem and are creating takeback programs for some of their labels. Below are some companies and organizations to explore to see if any of them will accept your items. Thank you so much for putting in the additional effort to minimize the amount of materials heading to Vermont’s only landfill.
Goodwill Industries International, Inc. – Goodwill Industries International
Buy Better, Recycle More – Levi Strauss & Co : Levi Strauss & Co
The North Face Clothes the Loop | Recycle Unwanted Clothing