This weekend, South Australians are encouraged to participate in ‘Set Your Clothes Free’, the nation’s largest textile recycling event. The initiative, led by Green Industries SA, provides an opportunity for residents to dispose of unwanted garments, shoes, and household linen in an environmentally sustainable manner.
The event is set to take place on Saturday 24 May across various locations in Adelaide and Victor Harbor and aims to address the challenge of textile waste.
Australia ranks as one of the highest consumers of new textiles worldwide, with average purchases amounting to 53 clothing items per person each year, contributing significantly to environmental degradation.
Last year, the event succeeded in diverting nearly 10 tonnes of textiles from landfill, a significant achievement given that over half of the country’s discarded clothing ends up as waste, accumulating over 222,000 tonnes annually according to recent figures.
This statistic underscores a disturbing growth in fast fashion practices, whereby global clothing production has increased notably while the average lifespan of garments has decreased by 36 percent.
The environmental impact of these trends is stark, with the fashion industry responsible for around 20 percent of global wastewater and 10 percent of global carbon emissions. This year’s recycling initiative not only seeks to mitigate these impacts but also to support local charitable organisations through the collection of reusable or recyclable textile products.
Residents are invited to bring items that are still in good condition, such as clothing and footwear, along with household textiles. These include items made from polyester and cotton irrespective of their condition, such as bathroom and kitchen linens, in addition to curtains and cushion covers.
The collected items will be distributed among various partner charities, including the Australian Red Cross, Salvos Stores, and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (South Australia).
Participating councils and their respective drop-off locations include the Adelaide Hills Council at Heathfield Resource Recovery Centre, Burnside City Council at the Burnside Civic Centre, Onkaparinga City Council at the Field Operations Centre in Seaford Meadows, and several others listed on the Green Industries SA website.
Deputy Premier Susan Close stated, “Events like ‘Set Your Clothes Free’ not only help reduce landfill but also support our local charities and promote a circular economy.”
She highlighted the addition of Victor Harbor as a new regional participant, extending the reach of this year’s textile recycling drive.
She also emphasised the importance of quality in donations, noting, “Not all clothing donations are created equal – if you can’t wear it, or it’s not good enough for a friend or family member, the sad truth is that our charity sector is unlikely to be able to sell that item.”
Susan encouraged all South Australians to consider the potential for extending the life of their clothing, urging them to take part in this important initiative.
“I encourage all South Australians to think about the clothes they own that really could have a second life, and to ‘set your clothes free’ at this event. Participate and make a positive impact on our environment,” she urged.
This event provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to declutter responsibly while contributing positively to environmental sustainability and aiding charitable efforts.
Eight drop-off points will be open across metropolitan Adelaide on Saturday 24 May, from 9 am to 3 pm.
Adelaide Waste and Recycling Centre // Salvos Stores
181 Morphett Road, North Plympton SA 5037
Beverley Recycling and Waste Centre // RSPCA
2-4 Toogood Avenue, Beverley SA 5009
Burnside Civic Centre // Australian Red Cross
401 Greenhill Road, Tusmore SA 5065
City of Onkaparinga Field Operations Centre // Salvos Stores
Lot 10 Railway Road, Seaford Meadows SA 5169
Gawler Sport and Community Centre // Salvos Stores
Nixon Terrace, Gawler SA 5118
Heathfield Depot // Red Nose
32 Scott Creek Road (entry via Brick Kiln Rd)
Tea Tree Gully Civic Centre Car Park // Salvos Stores
571 Montague Road, Modbury SA 5092
Victor Harbor Civic Centre // Red Nose
1 Bay Road, Victor Harbor SA 5211
View the map to find your nearest drop-off point
For more detailed information on drop-off locations and acceptable items, residents can visit the official Green Industries SA webpage.
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