Our war on textile waste

Australia is the second biggest textile consumer in the world per capita after the United States, and the average Victorian creates 28kg of textile waste each year. Although around 95% of the clothes sent to landfills could have been reused or recycled, only 7% of textile waste is recycled.

In addition to taking up space in landfills, textiles also consume 98 million tonnes of non-renewable resources globally each year, like oil to produce synthetic fibres, fertilisers to grow cotton, and chemicals to produce dye.

What we’re doing in Victoria

To address the problem of textile waste, the Victorian Government has invested over $630,000 in 5 projects that will avoid more than 600 tonnes of textile waste per year.

This includes a project led by Australian fashion label A.BCH to connect the oversupply of textile materials with demand through an online marketplace.

Global outdoor brand Kathmandu received funding as part of this initiative to intercept used, damaged or faulty products destined for landfills and repair them to be resold under the Kathman-REDU label.

At a more grassroots level, we’ve supported projects like an op-shop and slow fashion hub for Neighbourhood Collective Australia, and an upcycled clothing project for Antiochian Community Support Association. We’ve also helped an old church in Bendigo to expand their second-hand clothing shop into a sustainability superhub.

Textiles are not just about fashion, which is why we’ve supported the Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre to create a repair centre for heavy materials like tents, caravan annexes, ute tonneaus and surfboard covers so they don’t end up in landfills.

The Victoria Government’s Circular Economy Business Innovation Centre has also been bringing together the textile industry to share information, collaborate and innovate to reduce textiles waste and use materials more efficiently.

What you can do

Ask the following questions before buying something new:

• Do I really need it?
• Can I host or attend a clothes swap instead?
• Can I hire an outfit rather than buy one?
• Can I buy something second-hand instead of brand new?
• Is this clothing made by a brand with ethical accreditation?
• Is the clothing made from recycled or environmentally-friendly materials?
• How is this clothing packaged?
• Has this clothing been made to last, and can it be easily repaired?

What to do with clothes and textiles when you no longer want them:

• Sell your item at an online or in-person marketplace.
• Donate or give away your item if it’s in good condition.
• If your item isn’t in great condition, repair it before donation.
• If your item can’t be repaired, there are a number of textile recycling options to explore. Upparel can turn your old clothes into furniture, insulation and more. Treadlightly will take your old sneakers and transform them into gym mats, floors and playgrounds. Some clothing brands like H&M, Zara and Uniqlo also offer donation bins for garments in any condition.

More information

Learn more about reducing textile waste.