A better way to dispose of your unwanted clothing

Pre-loved unwanted items of clothing can now be recycled thanks to free textile disposal chutes at Lardner and Trafalgar transfer stations.  

The service enhancement, delivered by Baw Baw Shire Council in partnership with Upcylce4Better, means that residents now have the options to recycle acceptable textile items that are unable to be recycled as part of standard kerbside collection, at no additional cost.  

In 2022, textiles made up for approximately 7% of Baw Baw Shire’s red garbage bin waste. With the introduction of this sustainable textile recycling program, these previously unrecyclable items can be diverted from ending up in landfill and instead recovered and repurposed for future use. 

“Reducing what ends up in landfill is one of the most impactful actions we can take to help protect our environment,” says Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Annemarie McCabe. “As a Council we want to do everything we can to make it as easy as possible to reduce landfill waste. We are so pleased to take this step and offer our residents the opportunity to recycle their unwanted clothing and fabric at no additional cost,” says Mayor McCabe. 

“The positive results we saw recently as part of kerbside collection audits is a testament to our residents who continue to do a fantastic job at recycling. I have no doubt our community will take up this program and support any opportunity to create a more sustainable future for Baw Baw.” 

Acceptable textiles include items of clothing, shoes, underwear, hats, belts, handbags, backpacks, bed linen, towels and soft toys. 

Items not accepted include hospital overalls, hotel slippers, face masks and mattresses. 

Residents are asked to please note that textile items must be dry when placed into the chute. Any items that are wet or damp cannot be accepted.  

For more details, and to learn more about recycling options available in Baw Baw Shire, please visit www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/Recycling. 

Image: Example of the textile disposal chutes available at Lardner and Trafalgar transfer stations.