Zweden versoepelt regels verplichte kledingrecycling vanwege overbelasting centra

Stockholm – From October 1, Sweden are no longer obliged to recycle clothing. Despite European regulations, the government makes this known because the textile processing centers are overloaded.

The decision, which starts on 1 October, follows the obligation of the European Union to the Member States to have a separate textile recycling system, in addition to the existing processes for glass, paper and organic waste.

The aim is to promote circular waste processing, in which textile is sorted and reused, or recycled as filling material, insulation or composite materials. However, the recycling centers in Sweden and other countries have difficulty processing the increase in textile waste.

“Since the beginning of this year, the amount of textile waste collected has increased considerably, and with it also the sorting costs,” said the Swedish government in a statement. New rules determine which textile should be sorted and what may be thrown away immediately, such as broken socks, stained fabrics and excessively worn clothing, Romina Purmokhtari, Minister of Environment, explained to the press.

Humana Sverige, an organization that collects and sells used clothing, told AFP on Thursday that ‘the amount of textiles we receive has increased drastically’. The organization closes 600 of its 1,300 collection points to limit the influx. “It is impossible for us to process everything,” the organization explained.

The problem is not limited to Sweden. “Damaged clothing is sent to sorting centers in Europe, but the entire sector is overloaded by these regulations,” Humana Sverige added.