In Catalonia, only 10% of textile waste is deposited in specialized containers; the remaining 90% is taken to the green point or thrown into the grey container. The main reason is the lack of awareness that the containers are meant for both depositing clothing in good condition and in poor condition, as it can be utilized regardless of its state. This conclusion is drawn from a recent study in which Laura Talens, a researcher at the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA-UAB) and a partner at inèdit, participated. The study sheds light on current practices for managing textile waste, both by citizens and authorized managing entities, and quantifies its environmental impact.
According to the study, 80% of the collected clothing is either recycled or reused by selling it in second-hand stores, flea markets, or other industries. Out of this 80%, half is marketed in Catalonia and Spain, and the other half is exported to countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe, mainly to Pakistan—3,500 tons of used clothing from Catalonia were exported there in 2020—the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, and Cameroon; once there, its destination is unknown.
The research also shows that the carbon footprint of one ton of clothing managed through selective collection is 207 kg of CO2 equivalents, while that of one ton of clothing thrown directly into landfills or incinerated is 353 kg of CO2 equivalents, i.e., 40% larger.
The study’s authors emphasize the need to reduce the production and mass consumption of clothing, as well as promote ecodesign to create durable pieces prioritizing the use of a single material, preferably recycled from the textile industry itself. Additionally, fostering the second-hand market and encouraging the repair of clothing items to extend their lifespan.

Reference
Morell-Delgado, G., Talens Peiró, L., Toboso-Chavero, S. Revealing the management of municipal textile waste and citizen practices: The case of Catalonia. Science of the Total Environment. (2024) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168093

*Picture by Martí Petit. Copyright: Ajuntament de Barcelona CC-BY-NC-ND