Are You Recycling Textiles Correctly? Common Mistakes to Avoid

For the Lazies - A 30-Second Summary

Recycling textiles is a great way to reduce waste, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can hinder the process. Common errors include recycling dirty or wet items, tossing non-recyclable materials, and forgetting to sort fabrics. By following simple tips, like ensuring textiles are clean and dry, you can help make recycling more effective. Here’s how to get it right!

Common Mistakes in Textile Recycling

Textile recycling is an important part of reducing waste and supporting sustainability, but mistakes can disrupt the process or render items unsuitable for recycling. Here are some of the most common errors:

1. Recycling Dirty or Wet Textiles: Wet or dirty textiles can contaminate entire batches of recycling, making them unusable. Always clean and dry your items before recycling.

2. Tossing Non-Recyclable Items: Not all textiles can be recycled. Materials like heavily soiled items, carpets, or fabrics with non-removable components (e.g., metal zippers) may not be accepted. Check with your local recycling facility for guidelines.

3. Forgetting to Sort Fabrics: Sorting textiles by material type, such as cotton, polyester, or blends, can improve recycling efficiency. Some facilities may have specific requirements, so it’s always best to confirm.

4. Including Non-Textile Items: Accessories like shoes, bags, and belts are often mistaken for recyclable textiles. These items typically require separate recycling processes.

How to Recycle Textiles Correctly

Follow these simple steps to ensure you're recycling textiles correctly. Textiles are recycled properly:

1. Clean and Dry: Make sure all textiles are free from dirt, stains, or moisture. Dirty or wet items can compromise the entire recycling process.

2. Remove Non-Fabric Components: Take off buttons, zippers, or embellishments where possible. These components can interfere with recycling machinery.

3. Check Facility Guidelines: Confirm what materials are accepted at your local drop-off point or recycling facility. SevenC’s Recycling, for example, will provide clear guidelines once its facility opens in 2025.

4. Donate First: If items are still in good condition, consider donating them to charities or second-hand stores before recycling.

Contaminated Clothing unsuitable for recycling

Why Getting It Right Matters

Proper textile recycling ensures that valuable materials are recovered and reused, reducing landfill waste and environmental impact. By avoiding common mistakes, you can help WA move closer to its sustainability goals and make recycling more effective for everyone.

Ready to start recycling textiles the right way? Follow these tips and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Together, we can reduce waste and create a cleaner, greener WA!