NYS Center for Sustainable Materials Management and RRS Release Report on Emerging Insights into Textile Waste Management

09/17/2024

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Sept. 17, 2024  – Today, the Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM), a New York state-based resource management research institution, and Resource Recycling Systems (RRS), a materials management and circular economy consultancy, have joined forces to unveil a pioneering textile report. This report investigates textile waste management activities across the state, explores the barriers to post-consumer textile waste recovery, and identifies opportunities for developing solutions.  

“Key to our Center’s mission is redesigning how we manage materials in New York and collaborating with the complex, diverse groups that are responsible for its end of life,” said Kate Walker, CSMM’s executive director. “Textiles are the fastest growing category of waste in the U.S. and are a priority material for our Center. We are proud to launch this report with RRS, to provide a roadmap for action across the state to improve stewardship of textiles and promote sustainable textiles for current and future generations.”   

The report highlights that while there are many existing options for diverting textile waste from landfill disposal in New York state, significant challenges remain. Participation and convenience-related factors, particularly the ease of access to diversion options, such as dedicated county and retail collection programs, are notable hurdles. Additionally, the study underscores the need for greater supply chain transparency and improved textile waste data.  

RRS Senior Consultant Marisa Adler emphasized the importance of this research: “This report is a first-of-its-kind jurisdictional profile of textile recovery practices and infrastructure. Findings are key to planning sector advancements to meet pressing sustainability needs now and into the future, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, end market development, and programs and services to increase textile recovery. I’m excited to see CSMM lean into solutions development and lead the way with a model that other states can adopt.”  

The study also outlines opportunities for state-level formalization within the textile recovery industry, alongside the pursuit of best practices, governing standards, supportive regulations, and data harmonization. Increasing public education on textile recovery options is another critical component of New York state textile recovery, empowering consumers to make informed, environmentally conscious decisions.  

“New York state is an ideal canvas for sparking a reimagination of the textiles recovery system in the U.S.,” said Walker. "As the nation’s fashion capital, with a vibrant economy and large population, New York’s relevance to a zero waste-driven textile recovery future is significant.” 

CSMM is actively partnering with local communities and industry stakeholders to pilot innovative programs that increase textile recovery rates. These initiatives aim to reduce landfill waste and set a new standard for sustainable textile management that can be replicated nationwide.  

Download the full report here and sign up for the CSMM Newsletter here. 

About CSMM 

The Center for Sustainable Materials Management was established at ESF in the spring of 2020 through a NYS Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) grant administered by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The Center places ESF, DEC, and their partners in a leadership role regarding materials (waste) reduction, reuse, and recycling in New York and the US. The Center’s mission is to inspire, lead, and connect a diverse group of people and organizations that will collectively challenge the concept of “waste,” through redefining and reimagining how we procure, produce, consume, manage, and market materials. 

Founded in 1911, ESF is one of the nation's premier colleges focused exclusively on the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable future. The College is a recognized leader in the practice of sustainability and is consistently ranked as one of the “greenest” colleges in the nation. 

About RRS 

Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, RRS is a sustainability and recycling consulting firm that strives to create a world where resources are managed to maximize economic and social benefit while minimizing environmental harm. The firm has industry professionals, engineers, economists, technical analysts, and communication specialists who share this vision and possess core strengths in materials and recovery, life cycle management, applied sustainable design, and collaborative action development. www.recycle.com 

About SUNY ESF

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.