As of November 1, 2022, there are new state regulations that ban the disposal of textiles in the trash. According to the state press release, textiles “represent an important opportunity for Massachusetts to reduce the waste stream and capture valuable resources. “

Each year, Massachusetts throws out more than 200,000 tons of textiles in the trash. This includes old clothing, as well as other things like towels, linens, and even bags, belts, and shoes. Fortunately, Massachusetts has an extensive collection infrastructure of both non-profit and for-profit textile recovery organizations that can find a new use for these materials, either through selling or donating for reuse, or recycling into products such as carpet padding, insulation, or wiping rags.

More information on the waste disposal bans is available on MassDEP’s website. In addition, you can attend a MassDEP presentation to learn about how recycling and reuse works.

November 17 – Exploring Mattress and Textile Recycling and Reuse is the third webinar in a series hosted by the MassDEP to celebrate America Recycles Day. This webinar will address what happens to our donated textiles and the mattresses we can no longer send to landfills and incineration. Where do they go? How are they reused or recycled? Who benefits?

What’s a Westonian to do with their unwanted textiles? Your first choice, particularly for warm clothing in good condition, is one of the many donation drives for coats and winter wear. The Owl will cover those in a future blog.

Weston’s Transfer Station has options for textile recycling including bins for various charitable organizations for clothing or shoes in good condition. There is also a textile recycling bin for Bay State Textiles which accepts many other items. Please see the Weston Transfer Station page for more information. Helpsy, a textile reuse and recycle company, also has a very informative website.

Many of the school districts around us have School textile recycling boxes–this includes neighbors Lincoln, Sudbury, Wayland, Concord, and Natick. Let’s get ours before Wellesley or Waltham. Go ‘cats.