As of November 2022, textiles are banned from the trash in Massachusetts. The general term “Textile” is defined in the waste ban regulations as “clothing, footwear, bedding, towels, curtains, fabric, and similar products.” Exceptions to this ban include textiles contaminated with mold, bodily fluids, insects, oil, or hazardous substances; these contaminated textiles should go in the trash.
There are many local reuse & donation opportunities for all textiles & shoes. Clothing, sneakers, shoes, boots, slippers, belts, ties, purses, throw pillows, bedding (comforters, sheets, blankets), table linens, stuffed animals, and draperies/curtains can be placed in textile drop boxes boxes, or brought to Salvation Army stores. These textile items can be in almost any condition except wet or moldy, as anything not deemed appropriate for the charities' stores will be sold to a textile recycler. Moth-eaten, torn, and stained fabrics are all acceptable. However, all items must be DRY. Worn-out clothing can also be used at home for rags.
All transfer stations in Franklin County have Textile Recycling drop boxes (e.g. Salvation Army boxes), including Bernardston, Buckland, Charlemont, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Heath, Leverett, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Shelburne, Warwick, Wendell, and Whately.
DENIM in any condition can be recycled into insulation. Mail denim products to the Blue Jeans Go Green Denim Recycling Program, 431 North 47th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85043. See guidelines at: bluejeansgogreen.org/recycle-denim/
Some non-profit organizations target specific types of clothing, such as winter coats and prom dresses, to benefit those in need. You can learn more at Career Gear or westernmass.dressforsuccess.org.
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