Crisis of used clothes: Western Pomerania is fighting against illegal dumping!

Crisis of used clothes: Western Pomerania is fighting against illegal dumping!

The situation surrounding the collection of used clothing in the Vorpommern-Greifswald district is becoming increasingly delicate. More and more citizens are simply dumping their old textiles next to the used clothing containers, which is not only illegal but also a nuisance for municipalities. Loud NDR The containers have often been overcrowded in recent months, meaning that leaving clothes next to them has become the norm. This not only means additional costs for cities and communities, but also an unnecessary burden on the environment.

The district has already reacted and expanded collection options at 17 recycling centers. Now only reusable textiles are accepted free of charge. However, heavily soiled or damaged items of clothing must be disposed of in regular trash containers. Because the legal requirements are clear: From January 1, 2025, used textiles in the EU must be collected separately from other waste in order to reduce the amounts burned or landfilled annually, according to the guidelines ZDF.

The current EU guidelines

The need for action is high. In Germany, over a million tons of old textiles end up in containers every year, but only about half of them are actually usable. Only a small part of it – around 10% – goes to people in need. The rest is partly marketed outside the EU. The proportion of used textiles recorded separately in the EU is currently only around 22%. Globally, it is estimated that less than 1% of these textiles are recycled into new products.

In order to improve recycling, “extended producer responsibility” is currently being discussed. In the future, manufacturers will be responsible for collecting, sorting and recycling textiles. Sorting is currently very labor-intensive and expensive, which not only severely limits efficiency but also environmental efficiency. The lack of uniform regulations for ecological design further complicates recycling.

Tips for better disposal

There are some simple tips for consumers to make a positive impact: buy less, opt for long-lasting products and even consider second-hand options or clothing swaps. In this way, everyone can help to improve the situation and relieve the burden on the environment. In the Vorpommern-Greifswald district, all citizens are challenged - only together can we make a difference.

Whether with fresh ideas or through collective action – taking care of our old clothes is a step in the right direction. It remains to be seen how the new rules will be implemented from 2025 and what changes they will bring with them. One thing is clear: there is still a lot of work to be done!