Recycling clothes and textiles

Here in the Liverpool City Region around 18,000 tonnes of textiles ends up in people’s bins each year. According to research the clothing in our wardrobes is worth an average £4000 yet 30% is unused. So we’re asking householders – please keep clothes and textiles out of your bin.

Everything from rags to britches has a value – even a sock with a hole! By making simple changes to the way we buy, use and get rid of our clothing we can all save money and help the environment. There are many options for recycling and reusing old and unused clothes and textiles throughout the region, including:

• Charitable doorstep collections
• Local bring banks
• Textiles containers at the region’s Recycling Centres
• Repair/refashion what you have
• Use shop takeback schemes
• Give away or sell items you don’t use

REUSE, REFASHION, UPCYCLE, RECYCLE 

• Buying new clothes: buy better made clothes that are easy to care for and made to last. Did you know that in the UK around 300,000 tonnes of unwanted clothing gets thrown away every year?
• Care and Repair: can you repair an item instead of throwing it away? It’ll keep your clothes and textiles looking great and will save you cash too.
• Refashion and Upcycle: think an item is due for an upgrade? Look online and find inspiring ways to create a fresh look from the things you already have.
• Unwanted textiles: find the things you no longer want a new home by selling, swapping or giving to charity. Clothing, carpets, blankets, rugs – love your look then pass it on.

Whatever you do keep them out of your bin!