New York: Clothes Recycling Program Promotes Circular Economy Development

The biggest feature of fashion is changing rapidly. So many people have encountered such a problem, not knowing what to do with a closet full of clothes and shoes that are basically not worn. The clothing recycling program that will be implemented in New York City in September is to solve this problem. The purpose of this plan is to make it as easy as donating clothes and throwing clothes.

The environmental protection agency said that the average person in the United States throws away 10 pounds of socks, jeans, shirts, sheets, etc., per year. New York City, in 2008, filled 190,000 tons of textiles into landfills. New York City accepts bids from non-profit companies and will sign a 10- to 15-year contract with the winning bidder. The company will be responsible for all collection boxes. Not all clothes can be recycled. Some worn jeans or shoes may not be recycled. But many companies can think of ways to use these clothes for other purposes, and only 5% of the returned clothes are eventually thrown into landfills. If this plan is successful, it will be possible to implement a clothing recycling program nationwide.