Curbside textile collection week

From shoes to swimwear, set it out!

During the week of May 8 to 12, Strathcona County will be offering curbside textile collection alongside the standard waste, organics and recycling.  

Residents will be able to set out their unwanted textiles in clear plastic bags to be collected and donated to local not-for-profit thrift stores Goodwill and the Salvation Army. 

“During engagement for the Waste Roadmap we heard that convenience was one of the most important priorities for residents for collection services,” says Leah Seabrook, Manager, Waste Services. “We’re offering curbside textile collection as a pilot this year, and we’re hoping it’s successful enough to become a regular event.” 

Acceptable items for donation during textile collection week include: 

• All clothing 

• Belts, swimwear, hats 

• Coats, mittens, gloves and scarves 

• Shoes and boots (secured in pairs) 

• Sheets, towels, blankets and tablecloths, curtains and drapes 

• Purses, jewellery and accessories 

Factors such as consumerism, fast fashion, decreasing clothing costs and rapidly changing styles and trends all contribute to increasing amounts of textiles ending up in the landfill.  

Textiles and other fabric goods made up nearly 8 per cent of the average black cart based on the County’s latest audit numbers.  

Reusing a single t-shirt can save up to 2,700 litres of water compared to producing the same shirt from new materials. Reusing textiles is also a step in reducing plastic waste since many synthetic fibres, such as polyester, are formed from plastic.  

Recycling unwanted textiles reduces waste, benefits the environment and local community and leaves more room in your black cart.  

For more information visit strathcona.ca/textiles  

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595   
strathcona.ca