Congratulations to GrowNYC, our partner in greenmarket collections, for the accomplishment of diverting 1 Million lbs. of textiles from landfills. GrowNYC has been a great partner in so many ways that it is hard to say enough about how we feel about this organization. They have helped us as a company and also as individuals raising the bar in how we interact with our local community. We tip our caps to you GrowNYC. Here’s to 1 million more!
The average New Yorker tosses 46 pounds of clothing and textiles in the trash each year. Thereby totaling 6% of our entire residential waste stream. But with your help, landfills are going on a diet. More than 51,000 New Yorkers have helped NYC lose 1 million pounds by recycling unwanted clothing. For that’s linens, paired shoes, bags and more. All through GrowNYC’s textile recycling initiative.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why a textile recycling program?
5.7% of NYCs residential waste stream consists of textiles like clothing and towels. All told, New Yorkers discard 193,000 tons of textiles every year in NYC. Especially at a cost to taxpayers and our environment.
Where and when can I recycle my textiles?
Textiles can be dropped off weekly at 8 select Greenmarkets: 97th Street, Union Square (Mon and Sat only), Grand Army Plaza, Fort Greene, McCarren Park, Inwood, Tompkins Square and Jackson Heights. Click here for the full schedule and location information.
What items are accepted?
Our collections accept clean and dry clothing, paired shoes, bedding, linens, hats, handbags, belts, fabric scraps 36″x36″ or larger and other textiles. We do not accept rugs or carpeting.
What happens to materials donated?
Materials are also sorted into different grades. That’s also including usable/non-usable, cotton scrap, cotton blend scrap and synthetics. These commodities are then sold for reuse as clothing. Also linens, or to recycling markets. Then that turn materials into wiping rags, fiber for car seats and insulation.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes! Your contribution to the program directly benefits Council on the Environment, Inc. d/b/a GrowNYC.
What if I can’t make it to these collections?
If you are unable to attend our weekly collections, contact Wearable Collections at 646-515-4387 or info (at) wearablecollections.com. All to see if you are eligible for a home pick up. Better yet, visit www.WearableCollections.com to find out how to set up a textile recycling program in your apartment building!
Can my business bring items to the drop-off sites?
In conclusion, NYC law requires businesses to recycle textiles if they comprise more than 10% of the company’s total waste stream. Visit NYC Wasteless to find a vendor.
Finally, and from their recent news release:
“Given the enormous volume of textiles that residents dispose of each year in NYC. GrowNYC wanted to provide a convenient alternative. What began as a pilot in Union Square has grown to be a permanent offering at eight of our Greenmarkets,” said GrowNYC Executive Director Marcel Van Ooyen. “And, New Yorkers have responded overwhelmingly. So over 51,000 New Yorkers have contributed to the million pounds of textiles that have been diverted from disposal as of March 31, 2011. That’s enough to fill 24 subway cars!”
