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Publication Date

2024-5

Document Type

Capstone

Study Type

CCX 320

Advisors

Denys Candy

Abstract

In 2018, the US generated 17 million tons of textiles, recycled just 14.7%, and landfilled 11.3 million tons generating greenhouse gasses and contributing to global warming [1]. Starting in Fall of 2022, textiles joined the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s (MassDEP) Waste Disposal Ban meaning all clean and dry “clothing, footwear, bedding, curtains, fabric” must be donated for reuse or recycling [2]. Currently, textile waste is primarily addressed through donation-based models facilitated by organizations like CMRK, Salvation Army, and Bay State Textiles based on the eastern side of the state with collection sites on the west side in addition to the municipal boxes coordinated by the Department of Public Works (DPW) [3]. The amount of waste produced currently exceeds available reuse and recycling volumes, but donation rates keep the majority of viable textiles out of recycling streams to be primarily disposed of by landfilling or incineration methods.

Rights

© 2024 Bailey Butterworth

Comments

Capstone for The Community Engagement and Social Change Concentration (CESC)

Project: Circular Economies for Textiles in Massachusetts

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