City launches textile recycling program

By Dave Flaherty/The Oshawa Express

What should you do with old clothes that cannot be donated or handed down?

Those who think these materials should be thrown in the trash are mistaken.

It is estimated that the average person throws away 37 kg of textiles per year – the majority of which can be reused or recycled.

In partnership with Diabetes Canada, the city has launched a new program aimed at increasing recycling opportunities for textiles.

Textile recycling bins have been installed at four city recreation facilities – the Civic Recreation Complex (99 Thornton Road South), Donevan Recreation Complex (171 Harmony Road), Legends Centre (1661 Harmony Road North), and the South Oshawa Community Centre (1455 Cedar Street).

The bins provide secure access for unwanted textiles, including accessories and bags, clothing, curtains, general household items like towels, blankets and sheets, shoes and boots and sleeping bags.

As part of the program, the city has also launched a free online self-scheduling textile collection program.

For a complete list of accepted times or to book a home pick up, visit oshawa.ca/reducingwaste

Net proceeds from the diverted clothing donations will go to support Diabetes Canada.

The organization works towards diabetes research, advocacy, and development of health care professional resources.

According to Diabetes Canada, the prevalence of the disease with rise almost 40 per cent by 2025, when there will be an estimated 5 million Canadians with diabetes.

It is estimated that there are approximately 48,000 people in the City of Oshawa with diabetes or pre-diabetes.

The city is also partnering with York University to gather statistics on the quantities of textiles that are generated and recovered. City officials says this is Canada’s first national study to identify the economic, environmental and social impacts of textile diversion for municipalities.

“The city is proud to have partnered with Diabetes Canada and York University on this textile diversion program that not only benefits the environment but also supports our community,” says Mayor John Henry.

Diabetes Canada has been collecting items for more than 30 years and recently expanded its pick up service. For more information, visit declutter.diabetes.ca

“We are proud to partner with the City of Oshawa to reduce landfill waste and raise awareness about the options and benefits to people and the environment when donating used textiles,” says Simon Langer, manager of government and strategic partnerships – National Diabetes Trust.