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.