Community saves 541kg of clothes from landfill this year
As the festive season brings about an increase in consumer spending, now’s a great time to reflect on ways we can reduce waste and make sustainable choices into the new year.
Australia has become the world's largest consumer of textiles per capita, surpassing the United States with more than 200,000 tonnes of clothing ending up in landfill each year—the equivalent weight of almost four Sydney Harbour Bridges*.
To help reduce these numbers, the Western Metropolitan Regional Council (WMRC) hosted five Clothing Swap Workshops this year with support from the City of Subiaco.
These workshops allowed residents to exchange their gently used clothing instead of purchasing new items with a total of 541kg of clothing brought in by the community.
Out of the 541kg of clothing collected, 307.3kg was swapped and taken by participants, offering a new home to second-hand garments, while also reducing the need to buy new clothing.
Meanwhile, 65.3kg of poor-quality clothing was sent to Upparrel, a textile recycling company that ensures these items are responsibly processed rather than ending up in landfill.
The remaining 168.4kg of clothing was either saved for future WMRC swaps or donated to local charity partners, ensuring that no item went to waste.
The impressive average reuse rate for the clothing swapped was 88 per cent, showcasing the program's success in giving garments a second life while minimising environmental impact.
As we head into the holiday season, it’s a reminder of how simple actions—like participating in a clothing swap—can have a significant positive impact on both our community and the planet.
The Clothing Swap Workshops are just one example of how reducing overconsumption can be fun, practical, and sustainable.
The City also supported a number of other sustainability and recycling initiatives this year including the Good Sammy's kerbside collection service, Jolimont Primary School's waste reduction programs, pre-loved markets, a low waste gift wrapping stall and textile trail - a festival of reloved, rented, repaired and reused fashion.
Reduce waste this festive season
Holidays can be a time of excess but it’s also an opportunity to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
If you'd like to learn some easy and effective ways to reduce and manage your waste during the summer break, please check out the information below:
