A Global Problem, A Global Solution
Together we can re-use & recycle more...
It's estimated that more than 1 million tonnes of textiles are thrown away each year!
Currently we only recycle 25% of textiles.
Textiles account for 3% of household waste.
- BCR can re-use and recycle almost any type of wearable textile, including T-Shirts, Shoes, Belts, etc.
- Textiles unsuitable for re-use are recycled. Cottons and linen are cut down to be re-used as industrial wipes.
- Materials such as wool are 'pulled' and made into fresh yarn, or re-used as felt for stuffing upholstery.
What is Textile Recycling?
Textile Recycling is the process in which unwanted clothes, shoes and textiles are collected and sorted for re-use.
Re-useable textiles and shoes are sent abroad where they can provide clothing for those who either do not have access to, or are unable to afford new garments.
People are encouraged to put wearable clothes, shoes and other textiles into plastic bags and take them to a textile bank.
Recycling textiles and shoes reduces the environmental problems that result
from landfill and helps create employment both here in the UK and abroad.
BCR exports around 70% of the wearable clothing to:
West Africa
East Africa
Pakistan
Eastern Europe
Jordan
Australia
The Benefits of Textile Recycling
There are many benefits from BCR's Recycling service, both at home and abroad:
Sustaining jobs in the UK for the collection and sorting of textiles and shoes.
Creating jobs for businesses who sell the recycled garments abroad.
Providing inexpensive clothes for Third world Countries and socially deprived areas throughout the globe.
Better clothing creates a feeling of pride and well-being in the community.
The amount of clothing exported to these countries helps improve the UK's balance of trade.
Using textile banks allows the public to recycle items that would otherwise go into landfill sites or incineration - a definite environmental advantage.
Regular recycling avoids clutter at home.
BCR are constantly exploring new ways of re-using and recycling more of the textiles and shoes collected from textiles banks.
New methods of creating textiles from recycled plastic etc. present a constant challenge.