SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): Residents of Stearns, Benton and Sherburne counties can recycle unwanted clothing, shoes and household textiles during a free collection event Saturday, July 18.

The Tri-County Solid Waste Commission and Retold Recycling will host the event from 9 a.m. to noon at the Stearns County Service Center, 3301 County Road 138, Waite Park.

There is no limit on the number of items residents may bring. Accepted materials include clothing, shoes, socks, underwear, bras, towels, rags, household textiles, bed linens, dog toys and stuffed animals. All items must be clean.

The event will not accept unwashed items, carpets and rugs, industrial workwear, pillows or cushion inserts, or garments coated with paint or oil. Organizers reserve the right to reject items that do not meet recycling guidelines.

The event is intended to help divert textiles from landfills, where more than 11 million tons of fabric waste are discarded each year in the United States.

For more information, contact the Tri-County Solid Waste Commission at 320-257-8606.

Courtesy: www.stcloudlive.com