A new local recycling pilot program could give clothes a second life. The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) is spearheading the effort along with partners across Franklin County. 聽The pilot is the first of its kind in the state. According to leaders, if all goes well, it could lead to permanent textile recycling sites in central Ohio. The whole idea is to find creative ways to divert waste and give it a whole new purpose.
鈥淎s the seasons begin to change or your kids outgrow clothing, you may be cleaning out your closet,鈥� Hanna Greer-Brown, director of communications for SWACO, said. 鈥淭his pilot is not for items that can be donated. We still want you to take those to the local VOA or Goodwill location. This is for items that you just you don鈥檛 have a matching sock for, the sheets are completely torn or dirty, damaged. They can鈥檛 be reused.鈥�
SWACO is working with the country鈥檚 largest textile recycling company out of South Carolina to repurpose the clothing into things like furniture filling, soundproofing foam and stuffing for punching bags.