New curbside collection program keeps textiles out of landfill

Many people have taken advantage of working from home to do decluttering projects and clean out their closets or garages. But until now, there’s been no way to donate these unwanted items because the usual suspects are closed. Now Austin Resource Recovery and Goodwill Central Texas have joined forces to launch a free clothing and housewares curbside collection program. ARR customers who have unwanted clothing, shoes, housewares, accessories, toys or linens may visit austintexas.gov/clothing or call 512-637-7190 to schedule a free at-home pickup. Goodwill will send a collection bag in the mail to be filled with the items; then, just set the bag out for collection on the scheduled pickup date. ARR Director Ken Snipes said in a news release about the new program, “This partnership will allow us to reduce the number of textiles going to the landfill while also supporting the local reuse economy and giving clothing and housewares a second chance at life.” According to a recent study quoted by ARR, an estimated 6.6 million pounds of clothing and textiles end up in the landfill each year.