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 such as cotton, silk, wool, linen, and hemp. Unlike synthetic fibres, which come from petroleum-based materials, natural fibres biodegrade and reduce the pollution caused by clothing production. They are also typically more breathable and hypoallergenic.

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 disposable or single-use items to reusable ones, or explore opportunities to repair and repurpose items

Care and repair of clothing and textiles

Sell your used clothing and textiles

  • Sell your unwanted clothing using online reuse platforms, such as Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, Kijiji, Letgo, Varage Sale, Depop, Poshmark
  • Sell your clothes to consignment or vintage stores, where you can also find unique, pre-loved items. 
  • Organize a garage sale to meet your neighbours while selling any clothes and other textiles that you no longer need  

Swap – Attend or set-up your own swap events
4. Recycle

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

Did you know?

‘Circular fashion’ refers to clothing, shoes, or accessories designed, produced, and used to maximize longevity and value, then safely return to the biosphere when no longer useful. (Anna Brismar, Green Strategy, 2017).
5. Recover

Utilize waste to recover any resources possible.

  • Textiles that cannot be re-sold as-is will be shredded for rags
  • Textile waste can be divided into natural and synthetic fibers, which can be repurposed into products like insulation, stuffing, sports equipment, pet bedding, automotive insulation, and carpet padding

Did you know?

A circular economy involves the repurposing and redistribution of materials and products for as long as possible, in a way that promotes sustainability and equity. Under this model, even “waste” is not the end point of a process, but rather the resources to supply and fuel other processes.