SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): Fairfax County has expanded its textile recycling program by adding three new drop-off locations, strengthening efforts to reduce landfill waste and promote sustainable disposal practices.

The initiative, run by the county’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services in partnership with Helpsy, now includes collection bins at the West Springfield Government Center, Jim Scott Community Center, Sully Government Center, I-66 Transfer Station, and I-95 Landfill Complex. Residents can deposit unwanted clothing, shoes, and household textiles in designated blue bins at these sites.

Officials noted that all donated items must be clean, dry, and sealed in plastic bags. Even worn or damaged textiles—such as items with stains or broken zippers—are accepted, expanding the scope of recyclable materials. Accepted items include apparel, footwear, accessories, bedding, curtains, and even stuffed toys.

The program addresses the growing challenge of textile waste, one of the fastest-expanding waste streams in the U.S. Authorities estimate that up to 95% of discarded textiles can be reused or recycled.

Reusable items are redistributed through thrift partners globally or donated locally, while non-reusable materials are repurposed into products like insulation and industrial cleaning cloths, supporting a circular economy.

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