The Manager's report back on implementing a curbside textile recycling program

DATE:

March 23, 2021 In response to the above referenced Council Order, please be advised of the following:

The Department of Public Works has examined different programs for increasing textile diversion in the city. Over the last several months the City has met with several organizations to see what service options are available. At this time, we expect to be able provide a program for residents by the end of 2021. The process and timeline is in line with that which was proposed in the Zero Waste Master Plan where the City committed to “develop and implement a textile recycling strategy either run by the City or in partnership with an existing organization” by 2021 What are textiles?

For the purpose of this discussion, textiles are a category of attire, bedding, towels, and other fabrics. Although good-condition clothing is the most valuable form of textile, there continues to be great value in recycling the fabrics of towels, bedding and stained clothing into new products such as shoddy (a material used in manufacturing rags), carpeting or filler for products such as home insulation products or car insulation material.

Textile Recycling Models Currently, there are a few models for textiles diversion available for City’s like Cambridge.

There is the curbside collection model, pioneered by Simple Recycling, a for-profit organization primarily based in the New England region whose program has been operating in many municipalities in Massachusetts, including Somerville and Natick. The program involves curbside collection of textiles in a pink bag at all participating households. Collection is weekly on the same day as trash collection.

A second model for textiles diversion is the drop-off model. Currently there are at least five (5) companies with textile drop-off locations in Cambridge. Residents simply drop-off the material inside the bins and the vendor services them. Presently, none of these companies have their containers placed on public property in the city and to fully take advantage of a drop off model additional facilities would be required and would need to be managed so as to limited overflowing drop off containers that are sometimes observed at the various private locations throughout the city.

Finally, a third model is a hybrid of drop-off and curbside. HELPSY was selected to roll out the City of Boston’s program and also provides services to many municipalities in the New York City area. The vendor will work with property managers and the local government to identify potential locations for new textile bins, including locations on City property. They also operate on-demand option for a curbside pickup of textiles. If the City were to choose to work with HELPSY then, the City would collaborate to find the best program to allow people have textiles picked up from their front porch or curb. (somewhat like the mattress recycling program with UTEC). HELPSY is also a for-profit organization; it is a B Corporation, i.e. a business that proports to balance purpose and profit. As such, they are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment.

Next Steps HELPSY and Simple Recycling provide reasonably thorough services and they have flexibility in terms of what will be required by the City. Each business indicates that they will accept all textiles and clothing, regardless of quality. Many smaller organizations accept good-quality attire only, and do not want the remainder of textiles. To achieve the maximum diversion of textiles at this time, the Department of Public Works will continue to discuss the details of a City of Cambridge program with both of these companies and indeed other stakeholders over the next number of months and expects to announce a comprehensive program by the end of 2021.