Textile Recycling

It is estimated that the average American throws away a staggering 80 pounds of clothing per year, and in Connecticut alone, we generate a whopping 90,000 tons of textile waste annually. With the total global textile waste reaching approximately 92 million tons per year, the need for immediate action has never been more pressing.

The good news is that we, as individuals, have the power to make a significant impact. By adopting a few simple yet impactful strategies, we can drastically reduce the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Say No to "Fast Fashion" and Reduce Impulse Purchases
The most sustainable garment is the one you already own. The average person only wears 20% of the clothes in their closet, which means a significant portion of our purchases end up languishing in our wardrobes. By being more mindful of our consumption habits and investing in high-quality, timeless pieces, we can curb the endless cycle of "fast fashion" and its detrimental impact on the environment (the fashion industry is the second largest polluter in the world after the oil and gas sector).

Keep Items in Circulation: Donate Responsibly
When it comes to clothing and textiles, the mantra "reuse, repair, recycle" should be at the forefront of our minds. If you have garments, shoes, and accessories in good to new condition, donate them to local organizations that will redistribute them to people in need. When considering whether to donate or recycle something, ask yourself: Would you proudly give the item to a friend or family member? If the answer is no, due to stains, tears, or general wear, then it is probably best to recycle it. If the answer is yes, then your item is good for donation or consignment.By doing so, you're ensuring that your unwanted items find a new home and continue to be used, rather than ending up in a landfill.

Thinking of dropping off clothing at a large chain? Remember, a mere 15% of clothing donated to large chain organizations are put on racks for resale. The remaining 85% are landfilled.

Recycle Textiles at the Ridgefield Recycling Center
In Ridgefield, we are fortunate to have access to the Bay State Textiles recycling program at the Ridgefield Recycling Center. These bins accept ANY dry textiles from clothing, to shoes, to stuffed animals and linens. Click here for a full list of what is or is not accepted. 

Bay State Textiles is a recycling no-judgment zone. They collect ALL dry donations into 40,000-pound bales and ship them to South America, where they sort them into categories. Anything in good condition is reused, and the balance is recycled. Bay State Textiles also offers a rebate on the collected amount, thereby generating a new revenue stream for the Town. It’s a win-win!

Remember, the most sustainable garment is the one you already own, so let's work together to keep our textiles in circulation for as long as possible.