Recycling Textiles
In 2008/09 the people of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough recycled over 2,680 tonnes of textiles through local authority waste services. Research by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) has shown that 3% of our household waste is textiles, which means that potentially over 11,800 tonnes of textiles could have been recycled in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough in 2007/08.
So what happens to it?
Like books, recycling banks are provided and emptied by charities such as Oxfam, Salvation Army and Planet Aid. Once banks are emptied, the textiles are taken for sorting and are divided according to their quality. Clothes and textiles in good condition are baled and sent to charity shops to be sold and reused. Alternatively, the clothes might be packed and sent abroad to aid Countries in need. Any worn or damaged textiles are made into industrial rags or cloths. Low quality textiles can be shredded for use in furniture padding.
When using textile banks, please remember to keep the clothes clean and dry by putting them into carrier bags. Shoes should be tied into pairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) Where is my nearest textile bank?
A) Please see our recycling banks section to find your nearest textile recycling bank.
Q) How can I recycle items such as duvets, curtains and rugs?
A) These items, if in good condition, are best donated to charity shops or sold on our Swap & Sell.
Q) My clothes are very old and worn - can I still put them in the recycling bank?
A) Yes, items that cannot be re-worn will be separated and sent for recycling.
