Clothing & Textile Collection Program
Collecting for a Better World!
Help us change things for the better!
WHAT
- This program diverts items from landfills responsibly, assists our local community, and supports our greater environment and planet beyond.
- We accept new, gently used, or unwanted/worn, women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and textiles. All fabrics accepted.
- Your donations of new and gently used items are tax-deductible.
- Collection bins located throughout the region. Many available 24/7.
- Full-circle program. Supports environmental and community outreach, education & programs!
- New and gently used donations are tax-deductible and will be reused.
- Worn, torn and stained items will be recycled/upcycled.
- Opportunities for community groups, schools, churches, corporate offices and other organizations to work with SWALCO on special collection drives and events.
WHY
- Nearly 85% of all clothing and textiles end up in landfills in the U.S. today.
- Now the fastest growing waste in the U.S. waste stream today.
- Over 32 billion pounds of clothing is thrown out every year. EPA estimates that the average person throws away 70 pounds of clothing each year. Much of this is thrown away within12 months of being made.
- It is estimated that anywhere from 5 to 10% of all waste sent to municipal landfills is comprised of textiles. These items are often dense and consume significant landfill space.
- We know that the current situation calls for us to look for a solution with ethical, responsible alternatives. Thank you for supporting our efforts!
We could reach your neighborhood next!
Contact your Village or City to find out! If you are a church, school, business or other organization that would like to become a host site and be a part of this wonderful community effort to offer this responsible, environmental resource to your members, families, employees, congregants, etc., please contact 847-377-4954.
Contact your Village or City to find out! If you are a church, school, business or other organization that would like to become a host site and be a part of this wonderful community effort to offer this responsible, environmental resource to your members, families, employees, congregants, etc., please contact 847-377-4954.
The program continues to grow. Please view our list of accepted items and drop off locations and find out if one is coming soon to your community and neighborhood! You may also wish to view our Reuse-A-Shoe-Program pages to find out locations where you can drop-off shoes through this separate, but companion program.. Some sites may offer either one or both programs.
We hope you'll join us to make positive changes for our local community and our planet, and support these efforts. Thank you.
We hope you'll join us to make positive changes for our local community and our planet, and support these efforts. Thank you.