Oxford’s new kerbside textile recycling service has had an outstanding start.
The first set of figures showing a strong public response. Launched in January, the free collection service allows residents to recycle their old textiles conveniently from home.
In just the first month of operation, the scheme collected an impressive 1,771kg of textiles through door-to-door collections, while the new textile bring bank at Rose Hill Community Centre added another 310kg.
Additionally, 510kg of pillows and duvets were collected, ensuring that these materials were given a second life instead of ending up in landfill. These items are weighed separately as they are processed differently.
The scheme provides all Oxford residents with an easy way to recycle unwanted textiles, supporting efforts to reduce household waste, deter fly-tipping, and protect the environment.
A partnership for sustainability
The textile recycling service is operated in partnership with ODS and Recycling Solutions, a family-run company that collaborates with charities and local authorities across the UK. In Oxford, Recycling Solutions supports the Thames Valley Air Ambulance by raising funds through the sale of second-hand clothing.
Reducing waste and supporting communities
Textiles currently account for approximately 3% of household waste, with over a million tonnes going to landfill nationally each year. This new service ensures that, in Oxford, textiles are sustainably reused or repurposed, reducing environmental impact while also providing affordable clothing worldwide.
How the service works
Residents can arrange a kerbside collection through Recycling Solutions, who will provide details on when and where to leave items. Weekly collections are scheduled based on residents’ locations in Oxford. For more information and to book a collection, visit the Recycling Textiles webpage.
Items accepted include:
- clothing and shoes
- sheets, linen, curtains
- duvets, pillows, cushions, blankets, towels
- handbags
- wellington boots
- sleeping bags, soft bags
Items not accepted include:
- upholstered furniture, beanbags
- rugs and mats
All items must be clean and dry before collection.
Comment
“This new recycling service has really taken off and started to make a significant difference in only a short space of time.
“We had to close the on-street bring banks some time ago as they were becoming a target for fly-tippers. Now, together with our partners ODS and Recycling Solutions, we’re filling the recycling gap and at the same time providing a much-needed income stream for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance.”
Councillor Nigel Chapman, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services and Council Companies
Additional recycling options
Residents can also drop off textiles at a new 24/7 recycling bank at Rose Hill Community Centre or take them to Redbridge Household Waste Recycling Centre.
Usable textiles can be donated to charity shops, shared with friends or family, sold in second-hand marketplaces, or repurposed creatively at home.
A free and inclusive service
The kerbside textile recycling service is completely free for Oxford residents, with no minimum amount required for collection.
An ethical recycling approach
Recycling Solutions ensure that collected clothing is ethically reused or recycled. High-quality items are sold to second-hand traders, primarily in Ukraine, while ‘end-of-life’ garments are repurposed into industrial materials, insulation, and new fibres.
The company follows a zero-waste policy, with proceeds benefiting Thames Valley Air Ambulance.
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