Long Beach residents can give their old textiles a second chance by donating items at Recycle Your Textiles on Saturday, Jan. 31.
This eco-friendly event, organized by the Long Beach Department of Energy & Environmental Services (EES) and Los Angeles-based closed-loop recycling company SUAY, invites residents to drop off their textiles for free at a trio of local locations.
“We’re proud to offer residents this opportunity to responsibly recycle and remake their unwanted textiles,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “When residents take part, they help reduce waste, build a more sustainable future and keep textiles out of landfills. Together, we can turn what might otherwise be discarded into something with new purpose.”
Since textiles cannot be recycled via curbside recycling carts due to contamination, Recycle Your Textiles offers residents a chance to properly dispose of their unwanted textiles. SUAY will then collect, clean and fashion the items into new products, such as repaired clothing and restored pillows and dog beds.
The Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library Learning Garden. (Courtesy of the city of Long Beach)
Textiles can be dropped off at any of these three locations between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Jan. 31:
Mark Twain Neighborhood Library (1401 E. Anaheim St.)
Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.)
El Dorado Park West (2760 E. Barrios St.)
Each person may bring up to two standard 13-gallon bags of textiles per person to the event. Clothing, towels and light blankets will be accepted, as well as textiles with tears, holes or rips. Undergarments, including socks, bras and underwear, along with sheets, pillowcases, duvets, pillows, comforters, animal furs and children’s clothing will not be accepted.
“We are excited to bring the community together this January with a no‑cost textile drop‑off event that inspires action around waste reduction and reuse,” said Bob Dowell, Director of Energy & Environmental Services, in a public statement. “Creative partners such as SUAY play a vital role in remaking textiles, and we’re proud to spotlight those who make it easier for residents to choose sustainable options every day.”
The funding for Recycle Your Textiles comes from a grant awarded by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery.
Residents with new or gently used, high-quality clothing are highly encouraged to donate their items to a charitable organization or shelter rather than Recycle Your Textiles.
Recycle Your Textiles will take place on Saturday, Jan. 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, or until capacity is reached. To learn more about the event, visit lbcity.info/textilerecycling.
