Clothing & Textile Recycling Program

Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) Clothing & Textile Recycling Collections at Warren Township Highway Department

It is estimated that nearly 85% of all clothing and textiles end up in landfills in the U.S. today. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the average person throws away 70 pounds of clothing each year. Textile and clothing waste is a significant problem in our country. It is estimated that anywhere from 5% to 10% of all waste that is sent to municipal landfills is comprised of textiles. These items are often very dense and consume significant landfill space.

With those statistics in mind, and a goal to increase recycling, the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) is establishing a community-wide program where clothing and textiles can be collected for recycling. Warren Township will be one of the first SWALCO sponsored clothing and textile collection bin drop-off locations. The program will accept new, gently used, used or unwanted/worn, women's, men's and children's clothing. All fabrics will be accepted. Even clothes or textiles with stains or holes will be accepted. The great news too, is that almost 95% of the materials collected will be repurposed or recycled.

Donation Bin

Warren Township's bin will be located at the Highway Department at 17801 W. Washington Street, Gurnee. The bin will be accessible to residents year-round, beginning Monday April 7, 2014. Drop hours will be Monday through Friday between 7:00am and 3:00pm.

SWALCO will be working with Chicago Textile Recycling, a division of Wipeco, Inc. to recycle the items collected. Please note that SWALCO sponsors Reuse-A-Shoe program with shoe recycling collection sites (all types of footwear, new, used, gently used or worn, excluding ice skates, roller blades and winter boots - all other types of boots accepted) and electronics recycling sites at many locations around the county all year-round. Warren Township is not a Reuse-A-Shoe drop off location. Please visit SWALCO for a list of these locations.

Proceeds

Proceeds from the program will help support community and environmental education, outreach, and programs. There will be opportunities for community and corporate groups and organizations, as well as schools, to work with SWALCO on special collection drives and events. More information will be posted to their website and updated as these programs develop. For more information on the program or SWALCO's efforts, please contact Merleanne Rampale at SWALCO, 847-336-9340 Ext 4.

List of Acceptable Items for Clothing & Textile Bin

Clothing Accessories: