Kempsey loses free textile recovery program

Published on 18 November 2024

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The popular free textile recycling program, enthusiastically embraced by the community, has had to cease with immediate effect after the organisation behind the initiative ceased operations.

Upcycle 4 Better, the company that runs the textile recovery program has announced that it will no longer be operating their recovery program at any of their collection sites, including the Kempsey Waste Management Centre.

Any textiles brought to the Waste Management Centre from now by members of the community will need to be put into landfill and as such will not be accepted for free by Kempsey Shire Council.

Roxane Uzureau Zhu, Head of Textiles Recovery Partnerships and Developments at Upcycle 4 Better, expressed disappointment at the global conditions which have made this necessary.

“Unfortunately, we are now facing a global saturation of unwanted garments. Resellers, buyers, and recyclers are struggling with stock issues, and those still purchasing are doing so at prices that no longer support our operational costs,” said Ms Uzureau Zhu.

“Our processing expenses have surpassed the value of the output goods, making it unsustainable for us to continue,”

For residents looking to dispose of unwanted textiles without putting them into landfill, options include:

  • Sell your used clothes for cash
  • Donate your clothes
  • Host or join a clothing swap
  • Repurpose clothes
  • Upcycle clothes
  • Convert unusable items to rags and cleaning cloths

Council is committed to sustainable waste management practices, including minimising the amount of waste put into landfill. 

 

This is a news update from Kempsey Shire Council. The information is correct at the time of publication.
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