Fashion changes as often as the seasons, and those who like to stay trendy promptly shelve their freshly-outdated clothes to make room for their new wardrobe. But what happens to all the old clothes that are discarded in favor of the latest trend? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 15.1 million tons of textile waste was generated in 2013, of which around 85% ended up in landfills.
The problem in throwing away your old clothes is that they sit and decompose in a landfill, releasing toxic greenhouse gases, rather than being reused or recycled. There are many options to get rid of old clothing items instead of throwing them away, like reselling in a yard sale or online buy/sell/trade groups, or donating to charities that accept clothing items (Goodwill, Salvation Army, St. Vincent De Paul). Many towns, cities, and even local apparel retailers collect and recycle post-consumer textiles.
The EPA statistics suggest that even modest reductions in the amount of textile waste that winds up in landfills could bring a major benefit to the environment. In 2013, Americans recycled some 2.3 million tons of textile waste, which brought a reduction in greenhouse gases equivalent to taking 1.2 million cars off the road for an entire year! Here’s what likely becomes of the textiles you recycle:
· Resold: After collection of the textiles, workers sort and separate collected textiles by color, size and quality, it is then packed, baled and sold as good reusable clothing. Shoes are reused by being resold as well. This process not only creates local jobs, it helps stimulate local economy.
· Converted to Rags: Damaged textiles are sorted out to make industrial wiping cloths and other items.
· Made into Other Clothes: Some textiles can be remade into other pieces of clothing.
· Discarded: If textile re-processors receive wet or soiled clothes, these may still end up being disposed of in landfill, as washing and drying facilities are not present at sorting units. This then affects the environment, so make sure when recycling or donating your clothing that the items are clean and dry.
Junk Recyclers, LLC is a fully insured business that operates in Rochester, MN and surrounding communities. We strive to provide friendly, affordable, professional, and green removal service for both residential and commercial properties. We are a believer in extending the life of anything we can by actively donating items to Salvation Army, Savers, Goodwill, and Habitat for Humanity. Contact us at (507) 216-2365 today!
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