Textile waste
The problem
The proliferation of fast
fashion enables over-
consumption
Textiles consumption has
increased dramatically in
recent decades, largely due to
the proliferation of the “fast
fashion” business model, which
enables over-consumption of
low-quality garments that are
quickly discarded.
Textile production is
resource-intensive
Conventional methods of
textile production are resource-
intensive (relying on fossil fuel
fertilizers, arable land, and
water) and environmentally
destructive with chemicals and
micro-plastics leaching into the
environment.
Textiles can take up to a
thousand years to degrade
Textiles also release methane
when they are dumped in
landfills. Synthetic fibers like
nylon or polyester can take up
to a thousand years to degrade.
Synthetic fabrics lead to micro and nanoplastics
-
Polyester
Polyester is a widely used synthetic fabric known for its durability, wrinkle resistance, and resistance to stretching and shrinking. It is often blended with other fibers to improve its qualities and is commonly used in clothing, home textiles, and industrial applications.
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Nylon
Nylon is a strong, lightweight, and elastic synthetic fiber. It has excellent resistance to abrasion and chemicals, making it suitable for various applications, including clothing (stockings, swimwear), ropes, and industrial uses.
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Rayon
Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp. Although it is not entirely synthetic, it is considered a regenerated fiber. Rayon is soft, breathable, and drapes well, making it suitable for various clothing items, including dresses, blouses, and linings.
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Acrylic
Acrylic fibers are soft, lightweight, and warm. Acrylic fabrics resemble wool and are often cheaper than natural wool in sweaters, blankets, and other cold-weather clothing items.
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Spandex (Lycra or Elastane)
Polyethylene fibers create fabrics with specific properties, such as high strength and water resistance. These fabrics are used in applications like outdoor furniture, camping gear, and waterproof clothing.
MSWAB’S PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
Residential
Residents of multifamily buildings can request a refashionNYC bin in their building. They can also drop-off clothing at Housing Works or other thrift stores.
Commercial
DSNY requires separate collection of commercial textile waste when it comprises at least 10% of a business’ monthly waste stream. Businesses can contract with companies like FabScrap to arrange pickup.
TEXTILE RECLAIMATION
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Helpsy
Helpsy is a certified B Corp and Public Benefit Corporation with a mission to keep clothes out of the trash and to create honorable work.
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Trashie
Responsibly recycle your unwanted clothing and textiles with The Take Back Bag by Trashie, and unlock valuable TrashieCash rewards for online shopping.
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Supercircle
SuperCircle’s tech and reverse logistics connects the fashion and retail sector to post-consumer textile waste and recycling infrastructure.
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Goodwill
Goodwill is an American nonprofit organization that sells used goods and provides job training and employment services.
Legislation
MSWAB supports the New York State Senate Bill S6654 which establishes extended producer responsibility for textiles; requires a producer, either individually or cooperatively in a group or with a representative organization to submit to the department of environmental conservation a plan for the establishment of a collection program for textile covered products no later than December 31, 2024.
Avoid creating more textile waste by shopping secondhand or mending your old pieces into something new!
JOIN THE textiles COMMITTEE
The Manhattan SWAB Textiles Committee consists of residential leaders, zero waste professionals and community advocates.
Contact us to join or learn more about how you can help support NYC’s textiles recycling programs.
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