Can You Put Clothes in a Recycling Bin?A Perth and Peel Guide

So, can you put clothes in the recycling bin?

In short, No. Our yellow recycling bins should only contain plastic, glass, cans, paper and cardboard. The waste recovery centres only have the capability to sort those items, so when you put clothes into the yellow bin, you're sentencing your clothes to the landfill 💀💀 Keep reading about how to deal with your unwanted clothes.

Recycling is critical to environmental sustainability, but not all items can be recycled similarly. A common question is, “Can you put clothes in a recycling bin?” In Perth and the Peel region, understanding local waste management strategies is crucial to ensure that we recycle correctly and efficiently. This blog explores the guidelines and techniques for recycling clothes within these regions.

Perth and Peel Waste Management Strategy

Perth and Peel have robust waste management strategies to reduce landfill waste and increase recycling rates. The Waste Authority of Western Australia has set ambitious targets to divert waste from landfills by encouraging recycling and sustainable waste practices. As part of this strategy, it is essential to understand what can and cannot be placed in your standard recycling bin.

Recycling Bins and Their Purpose

In Perth and Peel, standard recycling bins are designated for materials such as paper, cardboard, plastic containers, glass, and metals. Clothes and textiles, however, should not be placed in these bins. Placing textiles in standard recycling bins can lead to contamination and operational issues at recycling facilities. This is because textiles can tangle in machinery, causing disruptions and inefficiencies.

So, What Can I put in my bins?

Use the guide below to decide what to put in which bins.

Proper Ways to Recycle Clothes in Perth and Peel

While you can’t put clothes in your standard recycling bin, there are several other ways to recycle clothes effectively in Perth and Peel:

Donation and Charity Bins

Donating clothes is one of the best ways to recycle in good condition. Many organisations provide donation bins throughout Perth and Peel. These bins are usually located in convenient places such as shopping centres, community centres, and public spaces.

• Good Sammy: Accepts donations of clean, gently used clothes.

• Anglicare WA: Accepts donations of clean, gently used clothes.

• St Vincent de Paul Society: Commonly known as Vinnies, they have numerous regional donation bins.

Textile Recycling Programs

Specialised textile recycling programs are available for clothes that are too worn or damaged to be donated. These programs ensure that textiles are processed correctly and repurposed or recycled into new materials.

• Planet Ark: Provides information on textile recycling options in your area.

• SevenC's Recycling: Polyester textile recycling in Perth and Peel.

Clothing Cleanup: Offers a convenient door-to-door collection service for unwanted textiles.

Retailer Take-Back Programs

Several retailers in Perth and Peel participate in take-back programs where they accept old clothes for recycling.

• H&M: Offers a garment collecting program where you can drop off unwanted clothes from any brand.

• SevenC's Swim: Recycle your use of SevenC's swimwear in-store or via post. Learn more here.

• Nike Reuse-A-Shoe: Accepts old athletic shoes for recycling into new products.

Local Council Services

Some local councils in Perth and Peel offer specific services for textile recycling. Check your local council’s website for details on any available programs or special collection events.

• City of Perth: Provides information on waste reduction and recycling initiatives, including periodic textile recycling events.

• City of Mandurah: Various waste management and recycling programs are tailored to local needs.

Benefits of Proper Textile Recycling

Recycling clothes correctly offers several benefits:

• Reduces Landfill Waste: Diverts textiles from landfills, decreasing the amount of waste and associated environmental impacts.

• Conserves Resources: Saves raw materials and reduces the demand for new textile production.

• Supports Local Communities: Donating usable clothes helps those in need and supports charitable organisations.

SevenC’s Recycling: A Game-Changer

SevenC’s Recycling is a standout example of innovation in Perth and Peel's polyester textile recycling space. This company focuses on providing efficient and sustainable textile recycling solutions. By partnering with local businesses and communities, SevenC’s Recycling will significantly increase the volume of textiles diverted from landfills. Our efforts contribute to environmental sustainability, create local job opportunities, and support the economy. Learn more about their initiatives and how you can participate on the SevenC’s Recycling website.

While you can’t put clothes in a standard recycling bin in Perth and Peel, there are numerous other ways to recycle textiles. You can ensure your clothes are recycled responsibly by donating, using textile recycling programs, participating in retailer take-back schemes, and utilising local council services. Adhering to the local waste strategy supports environmental sustainability and contributes to a cleaner, greener community. Let’s consciously try to recycle clothes properly and support initiatives like SevenC’s Recycling for a sustainable future.