New EU directive: How to properly dispose of your old clothes!

New EU directive: How to properly dispose of your old clothes!

At the beginning of 2025, the European Union has put a new guideline for the disposal of old textiles. The aim of this regulation is to minimize the improper disposal of clothing and promote environmentally friendly practices. According to the Rheinpfalz , which are thrown in container, be washed beforehand. This ensures that the collected textiles are in a usable condition.

In addition, the new directive disposal for the separate collection of textiles. This measure is intended to prevent millions of tons of clothing and fabrics from being burned annually. Textiles must therefore no longer be disposed of in residual waste. An important detail is that there is no distinction between portable clothing and no longer portable textile waste. Well-preserved clothing should not be donated and textile waste should not be given in old clothing collections, such as the BUND emphasized.

support from the district administration

The district administration has offered special support for the implementation of this directive. The discussion is in particular what should happen with highly worn clothing such as broken socks or faded T-shirts. The challenge is that there is currently no comprehensive solution for recycling broken clothing. These textiles cannot simply be donated, but should still be used sensibly, for example through creative projects or upcycling ideas.

For worn clothing, experts recommend that they continue to use them in several creative species: cleaning flaps, gift packaging or shopping bags are just a few of the possibilities. Childcare facilities and sewing cafes can also use fabric remains. According to the EU directive, the promotion of sustainability in the textile and clothing industry promotes the ecological footprint of the fashion industry

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The responsibility of consumers

The EU directive is a direct reaction to the negative effects of the fast-fashion industry, both in humans and the environment. The consumption of resources is enormous; For example, a cotton t-shirt in the entire life cycle needs about 4,100 liters of water. Awareness of dealing with old textiles and the need for a functioning circulatory system is therefore of increasing importance.

For more information about the new guidelines and their implementation, organizations such as Caritas or the Munich Environmental Institute are good contact points. Information on the legal framework also finds interested parties on the website of EUR-Lex .