Old clothes are being used to repair potholes as part of a new trial.<\/p>\n
Run by Maidstone Borough Council and sustainable materials company Recool, the trial is testing a pothole repair material made from recycled textile waste in Mote Park and Penenden Heath.<\/p>\n
Rachel Rodwell, cabinet member for climate transition and nature recovery, said the effects of fast fashion were being turned into an opportunity.<\/p>\n
“We’re exploring a practical solution that could reduce waste, cut carbon emissions and support the circular economy,” Rodwell said.<\/p>\n
Five potholes, two at the park and three at the heath, have been repaired using an experimental, low-carbon product which uses recycled textile waste to fill most of the pothole, with a specialist surfacing layer applied on top.<\/p>\n
The pilot is taking place on council-owned land and does not involve public roads, which are maintained by Kent County Council.<\/p>\n
According to the charity Waste and Resources Action Programme, the UK generates about 1.45 million tonnes of used textiles every year, with almost half ending up in general waste<\/a> rather than being reused or recycled.<\/p>\n The repairs will be monitored over the coming months to assess their performance under regular park use and weather conditions, the council said. <\/p>\n Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, external<\/a>, X, external<\/a>, and Instagram, external<\/a>, and listen to BBC Radio Kent on Sounds<\/a>. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk, external<\/a> or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.<\/p>\n