Textile Recycling *FAQ's What is post-consumer textile waste?›Textile waste is comprised of all types of clothing and household goods›At Community Recycling, we collect all family clothing, shoes, bags, belts, books, soft toys, hard toys, electronics (NO TV's), computers, housewares (cookware, dinnerware, cutlery, linens, tools)›All items need to be dry and mildew free
Why is textile waste a problem? ›Textile waste, such as clothes and shoes is very dense and takes up costly space in our dwindling landfill landscape›Despite the growing environmental movement, most people in the US are unaware that textiles can be reused, resold and recycled, creating local economies and jobs here and abroad›In the US, we generate 9 billion pounds of used clothing each year, with only a fraction getting recycled.›Every American throws away approximately 70 pounds of perfectly good and reusable textile waste each and every year›There is still a lot of work to do to educate people about the need for textile recycling
›Many textile recycling firms acquire materials from non-profit organizations who collect in surplus or have inventory overflow and cycling of merchandise; they use these funds towards their charitable purposes
What about the cost of landfilling, vs. transportation around the world? ›The energy saving benefits from not producing new textiles are vastly larger than the energy saving costs of collecting and transporting secondhand goods to developing markets›Textile waste represents up to 5% of our landfills
›Additionally, landfill space around the country is extremely limited and costly as the majority of landfills are reaching their 'end of life' and very few people are pro-landfill in or near their hometowns›The long term effects of land-filled textiles range from methane, major greenhouse gas and a significant contributor to global warming, being released by decomposing clothes, to the formation of leachate that has the potential to contaminate both surface and groundwater sources.
Why should I participate in textile recycling? ›Textile recycling offers strong environmental benefits, allowing residents, neighbors, customers and friends a convenient way to contribute to improving human conditions and eliminating poverty both here and overseas›Offering second hand shoes to developing countries literally saves lives›Recycling of second hand clothing creates jobs in the local economy, supporting our local and national economies, as used clothing is the eighth largest U.S. export›Through education and awareness, we want textile recycling to become as essential to daily life as that of traditional recycling of materials like aluminum, plastic, cardboard, paper, glass›Textile recycling firms contribute to the revenue base of federal, state and local governments
Community Recycling FAQ's
Where does the clothing and other goods go?
›The majority of material we collect is processed through our central warehouse. Once sorted, boxed or baled, it is readied for reuse, resale and recycling in markets locally and abroad
›This process creates green jobs of all skill levels here and in developing countries
What charities does/has Community Recycling work with?
›Child Quest International, Family Services Association of Bucks County, Jewish Family and Children's Service, Holy Redeemer Hospital, St. Mary's Medical, Whosoever Gospel Mission, Rescue Mission of Trenton, Habitat for Humanity, Junior League
›To date, Community Recycling has donated over $500,000 on behalf of our charitable partners
How much material does Community Recycling divert from landfills/incinerators?
›In 2010, we diverted over 56 million pounds from landfill ›For 2011, we are on track to surpass that goal
*(source: U.S. EPA and Council for Textile Recycling)
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