Local Government

Textiles accounted for about 8 percent of total municipal solid landfilled in 20131. However, much of this material (clothing, shoes, towels, bedding, etc.) is able to be diverted from the waste stream. In 2013, only 15 percent of were recovered before disposal2. Textile recycling can be a low or no-cost opportunity to increase diversion. Recycling textiles can save local governments money through avoidance of tipping fees and hauling costs. A number of vendors in North Carolina are willing to contract with local governments to recycle their textiles and used clothing. It may even be possible to earn revenue for material collected, though the ability of a vendor to revenue share is just one issue to consider when searching for a textile recycler. Factors to Consider When Selecting a Vendor  What does the vendor provide? o Vendors vary in the manner of service they provide to clients. to see if items like drop boxes, collection service and data reports are provided and at what cost.  What type of organization is it/what is the organization’s reputation? o Textile recycling service can be provided by private companies and nonprofit organizations. Both types or collectors play an important role in diverting material from the waste stream. When selecting a vendor of either type, it is important to properly vet the organization to ensure they are reliable and acting in accordance with their stated mission. Be aware of the potential for deception. Potential questions to think about include: . Is the organization transparent about their tax status (for-profit vs nonprofit?) . How is the organization rated by industry oversight entities? (i.e. Better Business Bureau for businesses, CharityWatch for nonprofits) . Have other local governments worked with the organization before? What has their experience been like? Did the organization maintain service adequately? Consider asking for references.  What happens to the material that cannot be reused? o Some vendors simply landfill material that cannot be reused. Make sure to ask what is done with material that cannot be resold to ensure it is diverted from the waste stream. Local Government Recycling Performance Currently, only 4 percent of local governments in North Carolina report operating a textile recycling program. Even so, these programs have diverted more than 6,200 tons of material from landfills over the last five years. Number of NC Local Government LOCAL GOVERNMENT TEXTILE Textile Recycling Programs TONNAGE RECYCLED 2011 20 2000 2012 24 1500

2013 25 1000 2014 24 500

TONS RECYCLED TONS 0 2015 25 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

1 EPA. Advancing Sustainable Materials Management: 2013 Fact Sheet. June 2015. https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015- 09/documents/2013_advncng_smm_fs.pdf 2 Ibid. N.C. Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service July 2016 N.C. Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service (DEACS) Textile (clothing and rags) Recycling Vendors Willing to Serve Public Recycling Programs, For More Information Contact Joseph Fitzpatrick, 919-707-8121, [email protected] Service Area Vendor / Location Eastern Western Details Company Contact NC NC Better World Recycling Roman Amad, (888) 551-3211   Entire state email: [email protected] Durham, NC http://www.betterworldrecycling.org/ Friendship Used Clothing David Greenfield, (844) 423-7568 Entire state except Collection   email: [email protected] Western mountains Garner, NC http://www.friendshipusedclothing.com/ Green Zone Recycling Gage Moretti, (336) 334-2701   Entire State email: [email protected] Durham, NC http://www.greenzonenc.com/ Pamela Rehbock, (877) 250-1860 Missions of Hope NC, Inc Piedmont and Eastern   email: [email protected] NC Cary, NC http://missions-of-hope.org/ Planet Aid Charlotte, Greensboro, Gena Carruthers, (336) 404-0116   Raleigh-Durham, email: [email protected] Durham, NC Fayetteville area http://www.betterworldrecycling.org/ Value Clothing, Inc Chris Trivette, (704) 638-6111   Entire State email: [email protected] Salisbury, NC http://www.valueclothing.us/Home.php WEMA Global West of I-77, do not Francine Popular, (828) 400-9456   Waynesville, NC provide containers email: [email protected] Other Options Available Besides Vendors Aside from traditional textile recyclers, local governments have partnered with a variety of other organizations to divert their used clothing.  Goodwill  Local Charities (http://www.gcfglobal.org/gcf-donate-1/)  Local Ministries  The Salvation Army  Local Shelters (https://www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/) Resources North Carolina Recycling Markets Directory (http://www.p2pays.org/dmrm/start.aspx)  Tool provided by the Recycling Business Assistance Center (RBAC) to help find an outlet for your recyclable materials Textile Collection Receptacles for Purchase  Recyclingbin.com  J&T Metal Products Inc. Co. (http://www.recyclingbin.com/Large-Steel- (http://www.jtmetal.com/jtclothingboxes.asp) CollecDonator)  Gauer Metal Products, Inc.  Securr Refuse and (http://www.gauermetal.com/products/clothing Manufacturing -donation-bin-manufacturer/) (http://www.trash- cans.com/collection_bins.htm) N.C. Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service July 2016