Fairfax County expands textile recycling

Fairfax County has expanded its textile recycling program to three new locations, including the West Springfield Government Center, at 6140 Rolling Road.

Residents can drop off clothing, shoes, and household textiles in blue Helpsy bins.

The bins are also located at the Jim Scott Community Center in Fairfax, the Sully Government Center in Chantilly, the I-66 Transfer Station in Fairfax, and the I-95 Landfill Complex in Lorton.

The program is a partnership of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services and Helpsy, a corporation with a mission to extend the useful life of clothing.

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Recycled items must be clean, dry, odorless, and placed in a securely closed plastic bag. Items that are stained, worn, or have broken zippers are acceptable.

In addition to all types of clothing and shoes, residents can drop off hats, handbags, totes, gloves, ties, scarves, jewelry, bedding, curtains, luggage, table linens, and stuffed animals.

Textile waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the United States, though 95 percent of discarded textiles can be reused or recycled.

Donated items that are reusable are sold to thrift partners in North America and around the world or donated to community organizations. Non-reusable items are repurposed into new materials, such as insulation, industrial wiper rags, or other products.