TBR takes over used clothing collection in Remscheid: New solutions against chaos!

TBR takes over used clothing collection in Remscheid: New solutions against chaos!

In the last few months, the market situation for used clothing collections in Remscheid has deteriorated. The increasing spread of “fast fashion” not only leads to higher volumes of used textiles, but also to a worrying deterioration in fiber quality. “Fast fashion” is known for rapid mass production, use of cheap materials and short-lived use of garments. The result is high levels of plastic content that end up in residual waste, while more and more broken clothing ends up in used clothing containers, as Waterboelles reports.

This development not only has ecological but also economic effects. More and more municipalities, including Remscheid, are faced with the challenge of managing used clothing collections as a cost burden. Overfilling, theft and littering of containers are now the order of the day. Until now, the containers were managed by a single service provider, but from July 2025 this will be taken over by the TBR itself.

Optimization of the collection from July

The TBR has introduced various measures to improve the situation. All containers should be emptied and used for energy purposes as early as calendar week 27/29. In addition, the containers are cleaned if necessary and defective items are replaced or repaired. Weekly emptying of all locations is planned from mid-July, which promises to significantly improve the situation.

Citizens are called upon to contribute their part to the solution. Defective or soiled clothing should be disposed of in the trash, while wearable items should be disposed of in used clothing containers. It is also advised to pass on clothing through swap meets, second-hand shops or flea markets instead of leaving it next to overfilled containers.

The challenge of “fast fashion”

“Fast fashion” hasn’t just tarnished the asphalt of used clothing collections; the entire textile value chain suffers from the consequences. Every year, more than 92 million tons of textile waste ends up in landfills - with serious ecological impacts. These substances take a long time to break down, which endangers valuable resources and habitats. According to Green Earth Recycling, most fast fashion clothing is made from non-biodegradable fabrics and contributes to microplastic pollution.

The EU has reacted and is planning extensive measures to stop the negative trend. In 2018, the Waste Directive was adopted, which establishes clear responsibility for manufacturers for their products along the entire value chain. The EU also supports consumers in choosing sustainable textiles and has promised measures against dangerous chemicals.

From January 1, 2025, all EU member states must collect textiles separately for reuse, preparation for reuse and recycling. Consumers are invited to actively contribute to protecting the environment by making conscious purchasing decisions. The choice between quality and quantity plays a central role here.

While the TBR takes over the used clothing collection in Remscheid and encourages citizens to actively participate, it remains to be seen whether these changes can sustainably improve the situation on the used clothing market. One thing is certain: we have to work together to reduce textile environmental impact and make the cycle sustainable.