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SMART takes lead in promoting requirements on recycling containers

As the international trade association of the for-profit clothing recycling industry, SMART (the Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association) says they recognize the importance of properly regulating collection bins at the local level to encourage the recycling of used clothing and household textiles.

“SMART understands local governments are often dealing with a proliferation of collection bins in their communities,” says Jackie King, Executive Director of SMART. “The Association has developed draft legislative language reflecting our industry’s Code of Conduct for collection bin operators. We encourage local officials to utilize this language to encourage companies with the best business practices to locate in their communities, while holding accountable those companies that operate without regard to local residents or community standards.”

In a recent memorandum addressed to Kentucky’s League of Cities, Magistrates and Commissioners, Association of Counties, and Judge Executives Association, the Office of the Attorney General of Kentucky announced its support for the model advanced by SMART pertaining to the appropriate regulation of clothing collection bins.

SMART’s legislative template requires collection bin operators to clearly identify themselves and provide contact information on collection bins and to clearly state their business practice (for-profit vs. non-profit). It also requires operators to have permission before placing bins, and to ensure that bins are maintained on a regular basis and meet all local zoning requirements. As its recent national member conference, SMART’s committee on collection bins conducted a training session on how to work with local officials to enact effective collection bin regulations. Members of the panel provided tips on developing a positive relationship with local elected officials, as well as how to offer the regulatory language that encourages the best practices of the used clothing recycling industry.

In the memorandum, Kentucky’s Attorney General noted: “textile (clothing) recycling doesn’t just help charitable organizations, it helps your community. More than 6% of landfill space is taken up by textile items that could have been recycled and it is estimated that only 15% of potentially recyclable material is currently entering the recycling system. By providing more opportunity to recycle old clothing, these bin programs can cut down on the amount of material going into landfills.”

In its most recent report on solid waste, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states that each year more than 13 million tons of recyclable clothing and textiles are dumped into the nation’s landfills while 2 million tons, only 15.3%, are reused or recycled.1 According to SMART, 95% of all clothing and textiles can be re-used or recycled. Even if it is stained or torn, as long as an item is odor-free and dry, there is a use for it in the world of textile recycling.

“People already know they can donate clothing to charities. By getting municipalities, the private sector and charities working in partnership, the amount of clothing being recycled will skyrocket,” says King.

Company info

3465 Box Hill Corporate Center Drive, Suite H
Abingdon, MD
US, 21009

Website:
smartasn.org

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