SMART advocates for local government support in managing clothing bin programs

The Secondary Recycled Textiles Association (SMART), the leading global trade group for textile reuse and recycling, is calling on local governments to embrace clothing bins as a key solution to the growing textile waste problem.

SMART highlights that clothing bins play an essential role in textile waste management, helping to divert textiles from landfills and promoting a shift towards a circular economy. These bins not only make recycling more accessible but also extend the life cycle of textiles, encouraging reuse and reducing waste.

Each year, Americans discard around 17 million tons of clothing and fabric, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Shockingly, about 95% of these textiles could be reused or recycled. Reusing and recycling textiles has a bigger climate impact than recycling materials like plastic or glass, making it a crucial step toward reducing environmental harm.

Countries like Canada, Japan, South Korea, and many European nations are already implementing forward-thinking policies to address this issue. These include Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, which hold producers accountable for the environmental impact of their products from production to disposal.

California has been a leader in passing legislation that requires major companies to establish large-scale textile collection programs. Other states, such as New York and Washington, are considering similar initiatives. While these steps are crucial, SMART stresses that success depends on coordinated action from all levels of government and full participation from the textile recycling industry.

Despite these efforts, some local governments have taken steps that hinder the effectiveness of clothing bins, such as banning for-profit collection bins or introducing restrictive regulations. These actions counteract waste reduction goals, as clothing bins are a vital part of the textile recycling process. They provide convenient donation options in areas where physical collection sites are unavailable, significantly increasing recycling rates and reducing the amount of textile waste in household trash.

Clothing bins also support local economies by creating jobs in logistics, warehousing, sorting, and recycling. These roles not only help drive the circular economy but also enable partnerships between clothing bin operators and nonprofits. Revenue-sharing agreements help fund community programs while advancing sustainability.

Clothing bins can help municipalities cut landfill tipping fees by reducing the volume of textiles being sent to landfills. This presents a cost-effective solution for waste management, benefiting local governments financially.

SMART emphasizes the importance of responsible bin management to prevent issues like illegal dumping and maintenance challenges. It urges local governments to adopt balanced policies that encourage operator collaboration, ensure transparency, and address community concerns while still preserving the benefits of clothing bins.

To promote these goals, SMART members follow a Clothing Collection Bin Code of Conduct that sets clear operational standards. However, excessive fees, restrictive regulations, and administrative hurdles often discourage operators and limit the availability of services.

SMART’s message is clear: local governments must adopt thoughtful policies that support the responsible use of clothing bins, benefiting both the environment and local communities. By working together, governments, operators, and recyclers can help reduce textile waste and advance a more sustainable future.