2025 opened with a small, big revolution in the world of separate waste collection: from January 1stIndeed, textile waste also becomes part of the categories to be disposed of separately. An epochal change that it involves all citizens of the European Union and which aims to reduce the environmental impact of a sector, the textile one, often under fire for its high pollution rate.
So forget about throwing old faded jeans or holey t-shirts in the rubbish bin! Used, torn or simply out-of-fashion clothes must be placed in the appropriate containers that each Municipality must provide in its territory. A novelty that is part of a broader plan of the European Union aimed at improving sustainability in the textile industry and promoting a circular economy.
But what exactly is meant by “textile waste”? The definition is broad and includes not only clothes and clothing accessories, but also furnishing fabrics, household linens and even shoes. The objective is to intercept and recover the greatest possible quantity of textile material, preventing it from ending up in landfill or incinerators.
Italy leads the way
In reality, Italy moved ahead of the European obligation. Already from 1 January 2022, thanks to Legislative Decree no. 116/2020, separate collection for textile waste has been introduced in our country. An initiative that allowed us to experiment and refine collection methods and raise citizens’ awareness of the importance of this gesture.
Why differentiate textiles?
The reasons that pushed the European Union to introduce this new legislation are multiple. First of all, the need to reduce the environmental impact of the textile sector, responsible for a significant share of global CO2 emissions and water pollution. According to some estimates, Textile production contributes 2% to 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions20% of freshwater pollution and between 16% and 35% of ocean pollution caused by microplastics.
Furthermore, the separate collection of textiles allows textile fibers to be recovered and recycled, giving them new life and reducing the need to produce new materials. A virtuous process that contributes to limiting the waste of resources and promoting a circular economy model.
But where do the clothes that we deposit in the appropriate containers end up?
Once collected, textile waste is sent to various treatment and recovery processes. Items in good condition can be reused directly, while damaged ones are subjected to recycling processes to obtain new fibers or materials.
Extended producer responsibility
A key role in this process is played by extended producer responsibility (EPR). This legislation requires manufacturers of textile products to take charge of the management of waste resulting from their products, encouraging the design of more durable and easily recyclable garments.
Heavy fines for violators
However, be careful not to underestimate the importance of this new rule. Those who continue to throw their clothes in the unsorted bin risk heavy fines, which can reach up to 2,500 euros. A deterrent that aims to make citizens responsible and promote virtuous behavior.
