How Schools in Perth Can Start a Textile Recycling Program

SevenC's Admin
Apr 28
3 min read

For the Lazies - A 30-Second Summary

Schools in Perth have an incredible opportunity to lead the way in textile recycling. By setting up collection bins, running awareness campaigns, and partnering with organisations like SevenC’s Recycling, schools can reduce textile waste and teach students the value of sustainability. This guide provides a step-by-step plan for launching a successful textile recycling program that benefits both the environment and the community.

Why Schools Should Recycle Textiles

Textile waste is a growing problem in WA, with thousands of tonnes ending up in landfill each year. Schools are uniquely positioned to drive change by engaging students, parents, and staff in sustainability initiatives. Recycling textiles not only reduces waste but also provides a hands-on learning opportunity to teach students about the importance of environmental responsibility.

By recycling textiles, schools can:

Minimise landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
Promote sustainability within their communities.
Support WA’s Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030 (Waste Authority WA).

Kids Swimming Uniforms: An Excellent Recycling Opportunity!

Step 1: Educate and Engage the School Community

Before launching a program, it’s essential to educate students, parents, and staff about the importance of textile recycling. Here’s how to get started:

Host an Assembly or Workshop: Invite local sustainability experts or organisations like SevenC’s Recycling to speak about the benefits of recycling textiles.

Create Awareness Campaigns: Use posters, newsletters, and social media to share facts about textile waste and how the school community can help.

Involve Students: Form a sustainability club or task force to lead the program and spread the message among peers.

Step 2: Set Up Textile Collection Bins

Providing accessible collection points is key to a successful program. Follow these steps to set up collection bins:

Choose Strategic Locations: Place bins in high-traffic areas, such as near the school entrance, in the cafeteria, or by the sports hall.

Use Clear Signage: Label bins with easy-to-read instructions on what can and cannot be recycled. For example, “Clothing, household fabrics, and shoes only—no wet or dirty items.”

Coordinate Regular Pickups: Work with local textile recycling partners, like SevenC’s Recycling (launching in 2025), to ensure collected materials are processed efficiently.

Step 3: Organise Recycling Events

Make textile recycling a fun and engaging activity by hosting events such as:

Clothing Drives: Encourage students and parents to bring in unwanted textiles during a designated week. Offer incentives like certificates or prizes for the highest contributors.

Upcycling Workshops: Teach students creative ways to reuse old fabrics, such as making tote bags or cushion covers.

Sustainability Fairs: Partner with local organisations to showcase eco-friendly practices, including textile recycling.

Step 4: Track and Celebrate Progress

Tracking the program’s impact is crucial for maintaining momentum and showing the community the difference their efforts are making. Here’s how to do it:

Measure Results: Keep a record of the amount of textiles collected each month. Share these figures with the school community to highlight their impact.

Celebrate Achievements: Recognise the efforts of students, teachers, and parents with awards, certificates, or shout-outs during assemblies.

Share Success Stories: Feature your program in newsletters, local newspapers, or on social media to inspire other schools to take action.

Step 5: Partner with SevenC’s Recycling

When SevenC’s Recycling launches in 2025, schools will have access to a state-of-the-art facility for processing textiles into reusable materials. Partnering with SevenC’s can streamline your recycling efforts and provide an end-to-end solution for managing textile waste.

Benefits of partnering with SevenC’s include:

Efficient processing of collected textiles.
Educational resources and workshops for students.
Support in organising collection events and campaigns.

Perth schools, it’s time to take the lead in textile recycling! Start by educating your community, setting up collection bins, and partnering with organisations like SevenC’s Recycling. Together, we can teach the next generation about sustainability and make a real difference for WA’s environment.