Category Archives: Resources

Textile (+) recycling change

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From LBH:

From Monday 20 September, Hillingdon Council’s textile collection service will change to TRAID – making it easier and quicker to for all residents to recycle unwanted clothes, shoes and accessories.  Instead of kerbside collections, the charity TRAID will run free home collections – and they’ll also take small electrical items such as hairdryers, toasters or mobile phone chargers alongside textiles.

This enhanced service is open to all residents, including for the first time residents living in flats who were previously unable to use the council’s kerbside textile collection service. All residents need to do is book a collection at a day and time that suits them, bag textile donations in a minimum of one large bag or three small carrier bags and then let TRAID handle the rest. They will arrive in a branded van and knock on the door – they will only accept clothes, shoes and accessories (i.e scarves, jewellery and gloves). They will not accept duvets or pillows.

The improved service means that clothes in a good condition can be given a new lease of life once they are sold in TRAID stores. Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Housing and Regeneration said: “We’ve teamed up with TRAID to make textile recycling that extra bit easier for our residents. This new partnership brings many benefits, allowing thousands of residents in flats to recycle their textiles from home for the first time, and also being able to donate small electrical items. “So, if you’re having a wardrobe clear out or simply have some items you no longer need but are in good condition – from September, use TRAID. It’s quick and easy to use and every item donated helps to make a difference both to the environment and to people’s lives.”

Book a free collection at a day and time that suits you either online at https://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/textile-recycling, by calling 020 8733 2580 or emailing recycling@traid.org.uk. When it launches, residents will no longer need to request purple recycling bags from the council but if they have some leftover they can still be used for this purpose.

All profits from TRAID help fund international development projects to improve conditions and working practices in the textile industry. The scheme also helps educate people of all ages about the impacts of textiles on the environment and people’s lives, and how we can make more sustainable choices.

There are also many textile banks across the borough, which you can also use. Details on where they are located can be found on the council’s website.

For more information, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/textile-recycling.