Textile recovery boxes were introduced to the Shire’s four transfer stations in November 2023 in partnership with textile recovery service Upcycle4Better.
Strathbogie Shire Administrator Peter Stephenson said recent data from U4B revealed residents had embraced the free program, with the highest recovery in January 2024.
“In January, residents filled recovery boxes with 1.4 tonnes of textiles at Euroa, Nagambie, Violet Town and Avenel transfer stations,” Mr Stephenson said.
“From the start of November 2023 until the end of March 2024, almost five tonnes of unwanted textiles were diverted from landfill.”
Mr Stephenson said donated textiles headed for ‘a new life’ included clothing, shoes, underwear, home textiles, accessories and soft toys.
Combined monthly figures for the recovery boxes at Strathbogie Shire Council’s four transfer stations were:
Figures at each transfer station between November 2023 and March 2024 were:
- Euroa, 2433kg
- Violet Town, 1653kg
- Avenel, 487kg
- Nagambie, 394kg
U4B collects the unwanted textiles at no cost to council and delivers them to a sorting facility for categorisation among 500 recycling and upcycling streams.
Mr Stephenson congratulated the community for getting behind the program.
“Since November, our community has played an important role in sending textiles to a new life with the lowest environmental impact,” he said.
“The data shows that individuals across the shire can combine their efforts to have a real impact on minimising our environmental footprint, supporting textile sustainability practices and keeping things out of landfill that can be reused, repaired or upcycled.
“When repairable, otherwise re-wearable materials are given a fresh look before heading back to shops for retail.
“Other garments and textiles are deconstructed, and their parts reused in varied items. For example, zippers, buttons and trims are removed and offered to zero waste stores and charities, or repurposed in a myriad of products, such as bags, hats or pet beds.”
Unwanted textiles should be cleaned and dry before placed in recovery boxes.
Find Strathbogie Shire Council transfer station locations and opening hours at www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/
For more information about U4B, visit www.upcycle4better.com.au/
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