Spring cleaning? Don’t trash those textiles!

For many people, spring cleaning means tackling overstuffed closets and discarding items they no longer want. But since 2022, it’s been illegal in Massachusetts to toss most textiles, including footwear, into the garbage. The law applies to everyone, even businesses and people living in apartments and condos.

Why does that law exist, and what are people supposed to do with the clothes, shoes, bed and bath linens and other textiles they no longer want? 

The law aims to decrease the amount of trash that needs to be hauled away, which is expensive for governments and taxpayers. An estimated 5% of the garbage in Massachusetts are textiles, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, which also states, “About 95 percent of the textiles currently being thrown away could be donated, reused, or recycled instead.”

Plus, textiles made with inorganic dyes and synthetic fabrics pose toxic dangers. Textiles “don’t break down in landfills, and they are associated with emissions” from the chemicals used to make them, according to Bradley Ellis, Waltham’s Recycling Coordinator.

Even stained or torn textiles are recyclable. According to the Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles (SMART) association, 30% of donated textiles are turned into wiping cloths, and another 20% are converted into fibers used for insulation or stuffing for pillows and car seats.

However, people should toss textiles that are contaminated with mold, insects, bodily fluids, oil, or hazardous substances.

Some organizations pick up goods directly from homes in Waltham. Big Brother, Big Sister Foundation (508-466-4590), through a company called CMRK, allows Waltham residents to schedule the free pick-up of gently used textiles in good condition at their homes, along with other household goods in working condition. Ellis noted that in 2024, CMRK had 1,474 Waltham pickups, weighing 23,584 lbs. 

Simple Recycling (866-835-5068) schedules free curbside pick-ups of clothing, shoes, and small household items.They also pick up items that are damaged and stained. 

Alternatively, Waltham residents can bring gently worn, reusable clothing, shoes and other textiles to local organizations like:

• The Morgan Memorial Goodwill donation center at 215 Waverley Oaks Road (American Legion parking lot), open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Waltham Clothing Exchange, Tues., 10 a.m.-4 a.m.; First Parish, 50 Church St.; closed in summer
• Neighbors Who Care Thrift Shop, 709 Main Street; phone: 781-891-7700
• Freecycle: nonprofit organization of people who are giving (and getting) free goods
• Global Thrift, 322 Moody St.
• Plato’s Closet, 100 River St.; specializing in teen and young adult clothing
• Drop-off bins from various companies and charities throughout the city

The city’s page on textile recycling options has useful information. Another resource is the Commonwealth’s website Beyond the Bin, where people can ask about recycling goods of all sorts.