Everyone knows that the most commonly recycled materials are plastic, glass, cans and paper. It is not as simple when it comes to textiles and fabrics. Textiles can generally be recycled, however, it will depend on the material’s core component and whether a recycling facility in your city or town has the proper equipment to process various textiles.
Donating or repurposing textiles is the best alternative to recycling them. Old clothing and materials are often donated to a church or charity because most small towns in South Africa lack recycling facilities that can process fabrics. However, if the material is plastic-based, such as nylon, acrylic, or polyester, then recycling is a feasible option.
How textiles are recycled
Depending on the type of core fibres, each textile is recycled in a unique way. This means that materials must be sorted and separated before processing. Natural fibres, like cotton, must be separated from synthetic fibres and often into different colours as well.
The textiles are shredded or torn into fibrous form after sorting. This is what gets cleaned and processed. The “yarn” is then re-spun and sold as recycled yarn to be woven, knitted or used in fibre form for stitch-bonding, filled products (such as duvets and pillows) or in other non-woven applications.
What if my city doesn’t recycle material?
The facilities to recycle textiles are likely to be lacking in many smaller South African towns; in this case, you should consider donating your old textiles. Just make sure they are reusable and clean. Many of the products made from stitch-bonded non-woven material can be recycled or repurposed.
Customers are commonly sold shopping bags as a more long-term means of reducing plastic bag waste. A “leave one, take one” policy has been adopted by supermarkets like Woolworths, allowing customers to drop off their unused shopping bags for other customers to use as needed.
Plastic-based textiles help reduce the negative environmental effects of plastic waste. Contact your local municipality or recycling facility to find out if it’s possible to recycle textiles in your area. If not, your best option is to donate them.
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