The so-called separate collection obligation for textile waste has been in force in the European Union since January. The aim is to correctly separate used textiles so that they can be recycled or reused. "We are thus implementing an important building block in the development of a sustainable circular economy for textiles," says Anja Maul, waste management engineer in the waste management department of Aachen's municipal utility company.

Among other things, the ordinance stipulates that used textiles must be collected separately by the public waste disposal authority, which for the city of Aachen is the Aachener Stadtbetrieb. Facilities must also be provided to collect used clothing. For several years now, the municipal company has provided used clothing containers for citizens at the municipal recycling centers in Aachen-Brand and Aachen-Eilendorf. Used textiles can also be handed in at the recyclables mobile.

Since January, Aachen's municipal services have been offering the option of dropping off used clothing at the 26 green waste container locations at the respective location times. This new drop-off option was set up as a one-year pilot project. "The experience so far has been very good," says Anja Maul, "the service has been very popular. We see our service as a good addition to the commercial providers that are located on private land."

Continue to dispose of dirty, torn clothing in residual waste

To ensure that separate collection can be successfully implemented by municipal and non-profit organizations, it is particularly important to ensure that used textiles are collected carefully. Therefore, heavily worn, dirty or otherwise contaminated textiles should continue to be disposed of in the residual waste garbage can, emphasizes Anja Maul. The municipal services staff have received numerous inquiries about this in recent days. "Unfortunately, the reports in some media have unsettled many citizens," says Anja Maul. "The residual waste garbage cans will not be left standing if they contain rags. There will also be no penalties for this."

Used textiles can only be reused or recycled if they are properly collected. If other waste is disposed of in this way, the used clothing cannot be reused. This results in higher waste charges and reduces the ecological benefits of separate collection.

Note:

The times and locations of the recycling vehicle and the green waste containers can be found in the municipal waste calendar or on the City of Aachen's service portal.

What can go in the used clothing collection?

• Women's, men's and children's clothing in good condition
• Jackets, coats, sweaters, shirts, pants, dresses, skirts, scarves, etc.
• Clean, wearable shoes (bundled in pairs)
• Household laundry
• Shower towels, hand towels, bath towels etc.
• Bed linen, blankets, curtains, drapes
• Hats, handbags

What is not allowed in the used clothing collection?

• Soiled, broken or wet clothing and shoes
• Coat hanger
• Ski boots, ice skates, rollerblades
• Foams
• Dirty, single or broken shoes, rubber boots
• Tailoring waste, cleaning rags, umbrellas
• (Fabric) tarpaulins
• Garbage or other waste
• Floor coverings, carpets
• Cases, baskets
• Mattresses
• Heated or luminous clothing and shoes
• Heated blankets and pillows