Mid Devon District Council is making it easier for residents to recycle unwanted textiles and help a good cause. It has recently installed two more textile banks in the district, with more banks planned to be sited early next year. The new banks are located at Lords Meadow Leisure Centre and High Street (St Saviours Way) car park in Crediton.
Clothing banks, in addition to the fortnightly kerbside recycling collection, are a simple and convenient way for our residents to recycle unwanted textiles. Clothing banks are sited in accessible areas and are a perfect way to dispose of larger amounts of unwanted textiles.
Suitable items for recycling include, adult and children’s clothing (including underwear, socks and coats), paired shoes, handbags, belts, towels and bed linen. The Council’s textile banks are supplied and emptied by the Salvation Army. Textiles are reused and recycled to raise charitable funds, in turn helping to protect the environment.
An estimated £140 million worth (350,000 tonnes) of used clothing goes to waste in landfill in the UK every year*. Next time you head to the bin with an old outfit or duvet cover remember someone else can benefit from your waste.
*Information from the Salvation Army Trading Company webpage: http://www.satradingco.org/donating/why-reuse-and-recycle
