According to the 2025 Waste Characterization Study, each year Ontario County residents throw away over 3 million pounds of textiles. Textile waste includes discarded clothing, bedding, linens, and shoes.

Historically, textiles were expensive and reused for multiple purposes before being disposed of. Textile waste has been growing in recent decades due to the rise of fast fashion. Fast fashion is the rapid production of inexpensive and low-quality clothing. These clothing items are often worn only a handful of times before being discarded due to poor quality, poor design, or rapidly changing fashions. The number of times a piece of clothing is worn has rapidly decreased in the last decade.

Fast fashion primarily uses synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and acrylic to manufacture their products. Historically, textiles were often made of natural fibers which could be reused more often and would break down more quickly once disposed of. Synthetic materials are much more difficult to recycle and take longer to breakdown in a landfill.

Here are 5 practical tips for reducing textile waste:

1.    Purchase fewer and higher quality pieces. By buying less clothing, you will be able to buy fewer high-quality pieces that will last much longer. Buy the best quality you can afford.

2.    Buy secondhand or organize a clothing swap with friends or family. Consider fashion rental services for special occasion wear that will be worn infrequently.

3.    Donate usable textiles and recycle clean, but damaged textiles. You might even be able to sell higher quality items. Check with local retailers and donation locations for textile recycling programs- some retailers offer credits for eligible items.

4.    Learn how to care for your clothes and do basic repairs so your clothes last longer. If you have higher quality pieces it’s worth repairing yourself or taking to a tailor for alterations or repairs.

5.    Repurpose damaged textiles. For example, damaged shirts or towels can be used as cleaning rags and reduce paper waste. There are lots of projects out there to upcycle old clothing.

January can be a good time of year to organize and clean out old junk. It can be hard to know if an item should be donated or disposed of. Donation centers are not repair centers or equipped to handle waste disposal. They depend on receiving items that can immediately be reused by someone in need. If an item is broken, stained, moldy, missing parts, unsafe, or weather damaged it should be disposed of in the trash.

Each location has its own rules, so it’s important to check what is accepted and reach out with any questions ahead of time. Even items in good condition may be rejected if they don’t meet the locations guidelines. Some examples of materials that may not be accepted for health and safety reasons include mattresses and baby gear (cribs, high chairs, car seats).

Before donating an item make sure that it is clean, safe, functional, and ready to use without repairs. Here’s a few tips:

• Furniture should be gently used with no stains, rips, or damage.
• Clothing, bedding, and other linens should all be clean and free of holes, stains, or damage (some locations may accept clean, but damaged linens for recycling- confirm prior to arrival).
• Dishes, cups, and other kitchen items should be clean, with no stains, chips, or cracks.

You can also think outside the box when it comes to donations. Schools, daycares, and community theater groups may accept books, art supplies, costumes, or paint. Animal shelters need towels, blankets, and cleaning supplies. Neighborhood groups, buy nothing groups, or marketplace sites can also be great options to list items for free.

Sentimentality can make an item feel “too good” to toss. But holding onto items you don’t use creates clutter that drains your time and energy. By staying organized and tackling clutter as it comes you can help to keep usable materials out of the landfill.

Happy New Year! The New Year is a great time to reset and implement new strategies to reduce waste. It can be overwhelming to know where to start. Try picking one new habit to implement and building from there. Here’s a few ideas to get you started.

1. Reduce Paper Waste in the Kitchen

Instead of using paper towels, switch to reusable options like wash cloths, Swedish dish cloths, or other options that can be washed and reused. You can make your own from worn out shirts, towels, or sheets. It’s helpful to cut into desired sizes ahead of time and have them on hand to use as needed.

You can also cut paper waste in the kitchen by using reusable napkins instead of paper ones.

2. Compost Organic Waste

About 30 percent of the waste Ontario County residents are sending to the landfill are materials that could be composted (for more info click here to see our 2025 Waste Characterization Study). One of the biggest impacts you can have on reducing waste is to start composting either at home or through a drop-off program or curbside service- click here for details and services.

3. Make Homemade Cleaning Supplies

Reduce packaging waste and toxins in your home by making homemade cleaning supplies You may already have many of the ingredients needed to make safe and effective cleaners at home. Making your own cleaners protects water quality, saves you money, and can be healthier to use. Vinegar, baking soda, borax, hydrogen peroxide and even citrus peels can be used to make cleaning products.

The acid in citrus and vinegar means that they can kill bacteria, remove mold/mildew, and cut through grease and stains, leaving household items clean and shining.

Visit the NYS DEC's website for more tips on household cleaning products and their greener alternatives. You can also search the internet for the type of material you need to clean for ideas. Always be sure not to combine household chemicals, cleaners, and other products without confirming that they will not cause a dangerous chemical reaction.

4. Stop Stocking Disposable Food Packaging

Zip top food storage bags, plastic wrap, and tin foil can be hard to recycle and most often need to be disposed of in the trash. By using reusable storage containers, jars, and beeswax wraps you can reduce the amount of waste you make and may even save some money.

5. Give Green Gifts

You can have an even bigger impact by inspiring others with thoughtful gifts. Reusable food storage options, cloth napkins, Swedish dish cloths, and wool dryer balls all make great gifts and encourage others to reduce their waste. Homemade gifts and gifts of an experience also make great options for low waste gifts.