Textile Diversion means the shifting of materials away from disposal (landfill or incineration) by using waste management strategies.  

Textile recycling is one strategy, it is a phrase used interchangeably with reuse, re-wear, donate, repurpose and finally breaking down of the textiles with fiber separation.

You can help reduce and divert textile waste by following the 5Rs re-think, reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover.

1. Rethink

The first step to waste diversion is to rethink daily choices to eliminate unnecessary purchases, limit necessary purchases, and switch to more eco-friendly alternatives.

You can also choose to buy once loved clothing and other textiles

Did you know?

  • Production and transport of textiles is a major emitter of greenhouse gases
2. Reduce

Limit the waste you produce.

Choose high quality clothing made of natural fibers that will last a long time.

Did you know?

  • Deconstruction of some textile fibers can produce oils and plastic
  • Decomposing T-shirts give off methane gas which contributes to climate change
3. Reuse
Switch from using disposables or single use items to items that are reusable or investigate opportunities to repair and repurpose items.
4. Recycle

Following the first 3 Rs, recycle or donating items through proper methods

Did you know?

‘Circular fashion’ can be defined as clothes, shoes or accessories that are designed, sourced, produced and provided with the intention to be used and circulate responsibly and effectively in society for as long as possible in their most valuable form, and hereafter return safely to the biosphere when no longer of human use. (Anna Brismar, Green Strategy, 2017)
5. Recover

Utilize waste to recover any resources possible

  • Textiles that cannot be resold as is will be shredded for rags.
  • Textile waste can be broken down into natural and synthetic fibers and these fibers can be used to make new things like insulation, stuffing, sports equipment, pet bedding automotive insulation and carpet padding!
  • Life Cycle of Unwanted Clothing

Did you know?

A circular economy implies that all materials and products in society are used and circulate among its users for as long as possible, in an environmentally safe, effective and just manner. Waste as we know it does not exist. Instead, waste is looked upon as a resource or as “nutrients” for other processes to take place in society.