Textile Recycling
What are textiles?
Textiles are all kinds of clothing, shoes, blankets and curtains. They are either made from natural fibres from plants or animals such as cotton, linen, wool and silk. These are renewable resources. Or they can be made from synthetic or man-made fibres such as nylon, acrylic and polyester. These are usually made from oil which is a non-renewable resource.
Can textiles be recycled?
Yes! More importantly, textiles can be easily reused which is even better. If you have grown out of a t-shirt or jumper, then it can be given to a family member (brother, sister, cousin) or a friend. You could sell it on ebay or at a car boot sale. Or you could take it to a charity shop so they can sell it and make money for a good cause. Whilst you are there, see if you can find a t-shirt that fits you! You could get brand-named clothes at a fraction of the price or develop your own chic retro style!
Try to repair clothes (especially socks!) and shoes rather than throw them out.
Start collecting different clothes for a dressing up box for play and drama
How are textiles recycled?
Donated items of clothing and shoes are collected from the clothing banks by vans and then bulked up into bigger lorries to be transported to a factory. At the factory the clothing is sorted by hand into over 100 different types and grades. Good quality clothing and shoes are sorted for reuse by charities in the UK as well as for use in poor countries, such as Africa and Eastern Europe. Countries coping with disasters (such as earthquakes or floods), war or refugees may also benefit.
Some charities in the UK sent shoes abroad to different countries. The shoes are paired up and sorted to make sure they go to the right places (countries with warm weather do not need furry boots). The shoes are then sold at markets in those countries at very low prices to people who might not have any shoes at all.
Items which can't be worn are taken away to be recycled in one of two ways:-
1) If garments are ripped or worn, they can be cut into squares and used as industrial wipes.
2) Some fibres, such as pure wool, can be pulled apart, dyed, and spun into new garments. These fibres can also be compressed for use as mattress fillings and upholstery padding inside sofas and chairs.
Why should we recycle textiles?
Environment
Many textiles are made of natural fibres such as wool, cotton and linen. These fibres decompose in landfill sites and produce Methane, contributing to global warming.
Energy and Resources
It takes a lot of energy, water and chemicals (dyes and bleaches etc) to make our clothes. By recycling and reusing them, rather than throwing them away, we can reduce the amount of energy, water and chemicals used.
Pesticides
To grow cotton it takes 16% of the world's bug killing chemicals called pesticides, which can be harmful to the environment.
Where can textiles be recycled?
Most people in Devon have textiles collected from their houses, click here to find out if you can do this. In some areas there are also bottle banks for plastic. You can take textiles to any of Devon’s recycling centres, click here for their locations.
If you put shoes into a recycling bank, please remember to tie the shoe laces together to help keep the shoes as a pair.
Did you know?
In the UK alone about 1 million tonnes of textiles are thrown away every year.
