The recovery boxes ensure that any deposited textiles are diverted from landfill.
“We are still very much encouraging people to donate items in good condition to our local op-shops, but for unusable textiles these boxes are a fantastic solution,” Moira Shire administrator chair John Tanner, AM, said.
The recovery boxes have been provided by Upcycle4Better, which sorts the boxes into wearable and repairable while the remainder is used for upcycling, repurposing, recycling and waste to energy.
Recycling requires more resources than repairing and repurposing, and waste to energy is a last resort for unusable textiles only.
Mr Tanner said far too many textile items ended up in landfill, and the recovery boxes were a welcome addition.
“These boxes give our residents a location where they can drop off their unusable textile items, knowing that they will be repurposed or recycled in the best possible way,” Mr Tanner said.
“Clothing and accessories such as belts and hats, shoes and home textiles can all be left in the textile recovery boxes.
“Please ensure that all items are washed, dried, and placed in plastic bags – this is for the safety of the handling staff and to keep material integrity.
“All plastic bags used in this collection are recycled, as well.”
Go to moira.vic.gov.au/Residents/Environment/The-world-of-waste/Waste-we-accept/Clothing-and-textiles for a full list of what can and cannot be deposited.