Clothing and Textiles Recycling
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) has a clothing and textiles recycling program. This program continues “60% recycling rate” goal, which encourages Lake County residents to recycle at least 60% of their waste and unwanted products. The nearest drop off locations are at Fire Station #2 (6581 Dada Dr.) in the parking lot and Warren Township High School's O'Plaine Campus (500 N. O'Plaine Rd.) in the North parking lot at the NW corner.
In the U.S., textile and clothing waste is a significant problem. The EPA estimates that the average person throws away 70 pounds of clothing each year. An estimated 85% of clothing and textiles end up in landfills, making up 5-10% of all waste and consuming significant landfill space. SWALCO’s new clothing and textile recycling program will allow almost 95% of the materials collected to be repurposed or recycled.
Men’s, women’s and children’s clothing in new, gently used, used or unwanted/worn condition will be accepted. Clothing or textiles with stains or holes will also be accepted. The following items will be accepted during this collection:
| CLOTHING AND TEXTILES RECYCLING - ACCEPTED ITEMS: | |
| CLOTHING ITEMS | CLOTHING ACCESSORIES |
| Blouses and shirts | Backpacks |
| Coats and jackets | Belts |
| Hats | Purses and handbags |
| Pants and jeans | Tote Bags |
| Scarves | |
| Socks | HOUSEHOLD TEXTILES |
| Suits and tuxedos | Bedspreads, duvets, comforters, sheets, blankets, quilts |
| Sweaters | Curtains |
| Swimsuits | Drapes |
| Ties | Sofa Covers |
| Undergarments | Towels and washcloths |
PLEASE NOTE: Any unwanted shoes can be donated to SWALCO’s Reuse-A-Shoe program. Please see the SWALCO website for more information and drop-off locations.
| ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED: | |
| Wet, smelly, or moldy items | Mattresses |
| Carpet | Pillows |
| Cushions | Rugs |
| Foam furniture and foam mats | Sleeping Bags |
| Large Luggage | Vinyl Shower Curtains |