Görlitz overwhelmed: used clothing container on Nelkenweg is overflowing!

Görlitz overwhelmed: used clothing container on Nelkenweg is overflowing!

Overfilled old clothing containers are a big issue in Görlitz. In the street on Nelkenweg, right on the corner of Christian-Heuck-Straße, the containers are full of shoes, pants and jackets. Resident Brigitte Röhm, who is already 90 years old, is angry about the grievances. Their dissatisfaction is reflected in the numerous complaints that are being made both in the city and on social networks. The Profittex company is responsible for the containers, but they do not empty them as regularly as they should. In fact, weekly emptying should take place, but the reality is different. Elena Schägg from German Environmental Aid also criticizes this, pointing out the poor conditions and blaming the fast fashion industry for this misery.

But what happens to the old clothes that don't end up in the container? From January 1, 2025, used textiles in the EU must be collected separately. This is part of a new EU directive that focuses on reducing textiles burned or landfilled and encouraging reuse and recycling. In Germany, over a million tons of old textiles end up in containers every year, but not even half of them are still usable. Only 10% of the collected clothing goes to those in need, while the rest is often marketed outside the EU.

The challenges of recycling

The upcoming changes in legislation raise many questions. Currently only around 22% of used textiles in Germany end up in separate collections. It is therefore no wonder that there are discussions about disposing of textiles in residual waste. From January 2025, old textiles will no longer be disposed of as residual waste or burned, but must be recycled. This results in an important responsibility for public waste disposal companies, even if many are already members of the collection systems.

In Görlitz, citizens are called upon to contact the city administration, while Profittex has not yet responded to press inquiries. The city administration is aware of the problems surrounding the overfilled containers and encourages people to keep order. However, the discussion about the new EU directive does not only concern clothing; Bed linen and curtains also fall under this regulation. In this context, “Extended Producer Responsibility” is being considered across the EU, which would make producers more accountable.

A look into the future

Citizens are unsettled and a certain unease about the changed conditions is spreading. Uwe Feige from the Association of Municipal Companies emphasizes that many member companies have already had good experiences with textile collection. Nevertheless, the question remains whether the existing structures are sufficient to deal with the coming challenges. German Environmental Aid calls for greater responsibility on the part of clothing manufacturers in order to create a sustainable waste clothing disposal system. Consumers are encouraged to consume more consciously: buy less, choose long-lasting products and pay attention to options such as second-hand.

We are facing a turning point that brings with it both opportunities and challenges. It remains to be seen how the situation surrounding the used clothing collection in Görlitz will develop, but one thing is clear: there is something going on and everyone can make their contribution. Questions and suggestions from the public are therefore becoming increasingly important in order to effectively address the grievances.