Recycling textiles
This project resulted in diverting over 80 tonnes of unwanted textiles from landfill, and by expanding partnerships has the potential for future savings.
Textile Recyclers Australia
Textile Recyclers Australia (TRA) has a vision to establish commercially viable pathways to keep textiles and clothing out of landfill. Under the pilot program, unwanted textiles were collected, processed and sorted at the TRA Jamisontown facility. TRA’s NSW and Australia-wide recycling partnerships have grown significantly. Long-term business relationships have been built by assisting Bathurst City Council’s community recycling initiative, Aldi Australia's staff uniform recycling program, and Sheridan's in-store recycling programs.
How Circulate helped
The $80,000 grant from the EPA enabled TRA to win 10 major customers. They were able to recycle their textile waste in Sydney instead of shipping it interstate.
The textiles were sorted to be shredded and on-sold as garments. They were then baled and exported to recycling partners, for use in products such as mop heads, sponges, gardening gloves, blankets, floor mats and recycled wool yarn.
Results
TRA also works closely with and has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of New South Wales SMaRT Centre in the research and development of alternate solutions for textile waste such as green ceramic tiles solution. “We are working on further textile waste solutions, one of which we are quietly optimistic will be a game changer here in Australia for textile waste”, said Maureen Taylor from TRA.
As well as a commitment to reducing textile waste in NSW landfill, TRA also have a strong desire to support the local community. New items of clothing they receive have been gifted to The Haven, a shelter for women escaping domestic violence, and to the WestCare Community Services men’s shelter.
The numbers
- Circulate grant $80,000
- 80 tonnes textiles diverted from landfill
- approximately 80,700 kilos of textiles recycled at the Jamisontown facility in 2 years
The benefits
- partnerships with leading clothing brands
- supporting research and development of new solutions for textile waste
- gifting new clothing to charities
