ECAP used textile collection in European cities

The European Clothing Action Plan (ECAP) has the overall aim of reducing clothing waste across Europe and embedding a circular economy approach into Europeans’ provision, access to and consumption of clothing. One of the work packages under ECAP aims to reduce clothing waste to landfill and incineration by increasing collection, reuse and recycling of post-consumer clothing. Engagement with municipalities is a key element in this. As a first stage in this work package practices in six cities across Europe were studied. The findings can inspire municipalities elsewhere. The study uncovered a wealth of approaches, both in terms of physical collection methods but also how collection and subsequent processing was organized, key messages that have been communicated to citizens and the role that municipalities have taken. Often the approach taken has been highly influenced by the background context; national and regional policy and earlier collection activities/challenges.